I'm assuming active is like a west-coast version of Zumiez. If you're anything like every kid I've ever seen who works at a Zumiez, then you're twice the barn I imagined you to be.
one thing that should be noted is that active, at one point, was a legit skateshop. even if it was more than just one shop per se.
thats what makes this whole thing so irritating for skaters in southern california, specifically the east san gabriel valley/west inland empire. in the mid-late 90s active was THE shop to go to. your homies worked there, the managers skated, and even though they sold some occasional wack shit (re:SURF/SNOWBOARDS!), you wouldnt want to hit up any other place. active WAS the skateshop for anyone in the 909. and a lot of great skaters/spots came out of that area, and were hooked up through active.
now its frat boy central. and while its a shame, id like to think it has a bit more of an organic/core pedigree to it than a Zumiez. but maybe im just being a sucker for nostalgia.