In the lexicon of the roller derby world, “spank alley” is the term used to describe the penalty box. Or, as Melody Broider likes to say, where you have to go if you're a bad girl.
In downtown Concord, it's where you go for all your derby equipment needs.
Broider opened Spank Alley Skate & Board Shop on Oct. 1 at 8 N. Main St., providing local derby, skateboard and longboard enthusiasts a unique retail outlet that caters to their specific interests. So The Insider laced 'em up and buckled the old chinstrap to pe into the hard-hitting business.
Broider is a member of Granite State Roller Derby and said her husband and all six of her children either skateboard or longboard, so the transition from the world of technology to a “skater owned, skater operated” store was a smooth one.
“There's no place around here to get derby equipment,” Broider said. “My husband and all of my kids skate or longboard, so we tied it together to give Concord a funky, fresh place.”
The store boasts a full line of roller derby equipment, from skates, pads and helmets to replacement parts and attire, known as “boutfits,” and there is also a full-service skateboard section featuring an equally-comprehensive selection. Spank Alley will also repair skates and skateboards, from changing grip tape to switching out bearings.
Broider has only been involved in roller derby for eight months but says she's already “in love with it.” She's dropped 50 pounds since taking up the sport and has climbed the ranks with Granite State, earning the nickname “Spank Alley Sally.”
That moniker is no small accomplishment. Participants must ascend from “fresh meat” to “ground meat” to “rotten meat” in the roller derby world, passing an evaluation at each stop, and only when achieving “rotten meat” status does one obtain a nickname.
Broider's focus is on providing a nurturing environment for others, as well. She said there are few places for kids to safely congregate, and the store has provided something of a haven for local skateboard enthusiasts.
There is a conference room on the premises where the younger crowd can hang out, do their homework and – once that work is complete – play a little Xbox.
“I have six kids,” Broider said. “I know there aren't a lot of places for kids to hang out, and this is someplace they can come and get together, do their homework and play some games.”
She has continued to promote the sport of roller derby through the business, as well, sponsoring leagues and encouraging people to join Granite State. She stocks all the equipment one would need to get started – including the mandated list of skates, helmet, mouth guard, elbow pads, knee pads and wrist pads – and sells different grades of support in each category.
The store's grand opening will be held Nov. 4, in conjunction with Real Deal MMA – a mixed martial arts gym next door owned and operated by her husband, Rick – and Concord Handmade, a pop-up holiday shop. But the reception has already been warm for Broider, who traded in eight years behind a desk for the opportunity to work in a field she loves.
“We've been office drones for the last eight years,” Broider said of Rick and herself, “so to do what we're passionate about and be in the public eye, it's been great. The derby community has been really excited about it.”
