I happened upon it as I was perusing the nearby photo frames, a few of which still housed the original photos from family members that once stood on display. It was an ancient contraption, it’s use had become obsolete when the computer was invented. I peered down at the box-like item, fitted with forest green keys for each letter of the alphabet. It sat in a carrying case bearing the Smith-Corona logo circa 1950 and a piece of blank paper was poised in its platen, ready to be stamped with ink. In a world permeated with advanced technology, I marveled at the piece of history sitting before me—a vintage typewriter.
This is just one of the items I found during a Saturday afternoon at Kobey’s Swap Meet, a venue best described as a farmers market, outdoor mall and street fair all in one. Located at 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., it’s the perfect place to explore with family, friends and even pets to find great deals on quality merchandise. With more than 25,000 shoppers on any given weekend, both the young and old are drawn to the swap meet to enjoy a day of shopping and great food. For students on a tight budget, Kobey’s is just the ticket, with many at incredibly low prices.
Anything you could possibly need, you’ll will find at the swap meet. Clothes, shoes, accessories, toys, appliances, tools, household items, books, antiques, collectibles—Kobey’s has it all. The countless retail goods are also accompanied by sellers offering fresh produce, plants and flowers. Much of the merchandise is either new or gently used. Need a new case for your iPhone, accessories for your car or a Chargers jersey? Instead of going to the mall, you can find the same products and can negotiate prices. Not sure what you’re looking for? Customers can access a full directory of vendors on Kobey’s website.
“You’ve got to come to the swap meet every weekend to see what’s new,” Assistant Manager and Manager of Social Media and Advertising Anthony Pretto said.
While the idea of a swap meet may conjure up tacky garage sales, Kobey’s proves to be quite the opposite. Stretching out for more than 15 acres in the Sports Arena parking lot, the vendors sport clean, organized booths stocked with high-quality items. Kobey’s also challenges the stereotypical ideal that swap meets are breeding grounds for swindlers peddling counterfeit merchandise. It holds very stringent policies about this practice and doesn’t allow it on its grounds. In fact, several employees scour the booths each day to seek out such items.
The best part of Kobey’s, however, is the unique finds you’ll discover in plain sight or with a little bit of digging. Vintage comic books, paintings, rare music and toys reminiscent of your childhood are just some of the swap meet’s treasures. There’s even some of the odd and unusual, such as pet strollers or a Snuggie for Fido. Those looking for handcrafted treasures may enjoy drawings of celebrities and movie characters. Robert, an artist, has been coming to Kobey’s for almost 20 years and has a collection of more than 600 sketches.
“I really enjoy doing my work and I really enjoy selling them,” Robert said.
Notable figures in his work include Marilyn Monroe, Bob Marley and Jack Sparrow from “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
From humble beginnings in 1976 at the Midway Drive-In, founder Monte Kobey’s vision for his small business has grown into quite a successful venture for the entire community. Today, the establishment is headed by his daughter and President Kimberly Kobey-Pretto, her husband and Vice President Charles Pretto, and their son Anthony Pretto. As a team, they each have a role to play in managing the swap meet, with Kimberly Kobey-Pretto heading the day-to-day operations and Charles Pretto handling corporate and legal affairs. In fact, the Kobey’s family does extensive outreach to at least 100,000 businesses in San Diego County with free admission passes, as well as providing free selling space to nonprofit organizations.
One of Kobey’s trademarks is the charity that it provides to the community. Kobey’s has donated $2,500 during a rummage sale put on by radio station The Mighty 1090 to support the Great Friends Foundation, which serves San Diego County first responders and their families. Last Sunday, Kobey’s supported San Diego Rotaract Club in a similar sale. Additionally, Kimberly Kobey-Pretto, a San Diego State alumna and lifetime member of the Alumni Association, recently provided cap-and-gown sponsorships to five upcoming 2013 college graduates. Anthony Pretto said students with their RedID who mention his name will receive a free gift on behalf of Kobey’s Swap Meet this weekend.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and enjoyable outing, Kobey’s delivers. Shoppers are bound to find something that sparks their interests and, in the process, discover unbelievable deals on everyday products. Come prepared to look around and have a delicious hand-dipped corn dog, and most importantly, wear sunscreen. With more than two-and-a-half miles of shopping space to cover, you’ll definitely need sunscreen.
Kobey’s is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Friday for $1, and Saturday and Sunday for $2. Questions about vendors, selling space, and more can be found at kobeyswap.com.
