In the mid-'70s, Zoo York was the name for a crew of artists and skaters who were instrumental in developing the hip-hop scene in New York. The name then faded to the background in the '80s before resurfacing in '93 when when Rodney Smith along with friends Eli Gesner and Adam Schatz started the fledgling company.

Although action sports is not always associated with urban culture, Zoo York has always remained close to its roots in both graffiti and urban culture as reflected in everything from Zoo York's apparel to skate decks to footwear.

Today, Zoo York has grown into an international brand with corporate offices in mid-town Manhattan, 26 employees and $22 million in retail sales for 2004. Recognizing the synergies between the urban apparel and action sports consumer, Zoo York apparel is a unique blend of both worlds. The product line includes men's and women's t-shirts, fleeces, knits, wovens, denim, outerwear, headgear, bags, footwear, and other accessories. Zoo York also manufactures its own line of skateboards, wheels, griptape and other skate accessories.