Before suburbia took over San Diego, North Park was the place you did shopping if you weren't downtown. And if you are at the corner of University and 30th and squint, you can see vestiges of what once was: retail shops and department stores were the norm. With the re-invigoration of North Park comes a new generation of shops and boutiques to go along with venerable institutions. It makes for a mix of retail and services worth heading to North Park for some serious shopping.
Paras Newsstand
If your idea of a newsstand is the checkout aisle at the supermarket, then you obviously haven't been to Paras Newsstand on 30th Street, just steps from University Avenue. What makes this place special, than say, your magazine section of Barnes and Noble? The sheer number of magazines and newspapers available. It's what you might imagine finding in Manhattan or Chicago - narrow, stuffy, cluttered, just outside the public transit stop. And if you're looking for a periodical, this is where you'll find it. If Paras doesn't have it, then it's probably no longer published. It gives you faith that people still actually do read. 3911 30th St., (between Lincoln Ave & University Ave), San Diego, CA 92104, (619) 296-2859.Looking for fashion a bit beyond the local shopping mall? Fashion forward women (and males) swear by Kate Ross, a boutique on University Ave. near 30th. Cool in both decor, vibe and fashion, Kate Ross represents the stylish boutique revival that represents North Park. Don't expect H&M or Target prices, but what you'll pay for is a unique piece of clothing from designers like Corey Lynn Calter, LA Made, Dolce Vita, Howe, Modern Amusement. 3013 University Ave. (between 30th St & Ray St), San Diego, CA 92104, (619) 688-1088.
Photo enthusiasts have been coming to North Park for years. Why? For George's Camera & Video Exchange. George's is San Diego's largest full service discount camera store. Locally owned and operated, George's has been serving San Diego since 1965. They have an incredible selection of new and used photographic equipment and supplies, digital cameras, professional lighting, darkroom accessories, and video cameras. 3837 30th St. San Diego, CA 92104, (619) 297-3544.
Another nifty and cool boutique, Pop! is an international effort to find the best fashion, lifestyle, and complimentary items on a global basis. They consciously try to support local and organic products while integrating globally recognized lines. What does that mean? It means Pop! has some very cool, somewhat edgy clothing, accessories and other items. Designers include Ambiguous, Billie, Cheap Monday, Kill City, and WESC. 2927 Lincoln Ave. (between Kansas St & 30th St), San Diego, CA 92104, (619) 688-1038.
North Park is an artist friendly neighborhood, and Ray Street is kind of the nexus of North Park's artist and gallery community. And when you buy that perfect painting, you're going to need to get it framed, right. Ray Street Custom Framing is where many people go to for their framing needs. Owner Michelle moved to San Diego from the deep south several years ago; prior to that she was the proverbial “starving artist” moving around the country and has lived and worked in North Park since she arrived. 3807 Ray St. (between North Park Way & University Ave) San Diego, CA 92104, (619) 255-2022.
Mimi & Red is a boutique featuring women's fashions at reasonable prices. The boutique features designers and brands like RVCA, Rebecca Beeson, Nu Collective, Fighting Eel, BB Dakota, among many. 3032 University Ave. (between Ohio St & Grim Ave), San Diego, CA 92104, (619) 298-7933.
There are a few acoustic musical instrument stores in North Park, and Old Time Music is one of the best. All types of acoustic instruments are available (don't forget to go to the guitar room in the back of the store). No electric guitars in this place - it's all about acoustic music. Old Time Music also offers lessons and even has a performance space where concerts are regularly held. 2852 University Ave.(at Utah St, San Diego, CA 92104,(619) 280-9035.
Material is another of North Park's excellent lineup of clothing boutiques. Cool casual threads for both men and women, Material has a reputation for friendly service in an edgy, artsy setting. Not cheap, but worth browsing around. 2910 University Ave (between 29th St & 30th St), San Diego, CA 92104, (619) 255-3109.
North Park Hardware
Before there was Home Depot and Lowes, there was the neighborhood hardware store. And that's exactly what North Park Hardware is - your neighborhood hardware store. No big box home improvement store here = this place is small and packed with all sorts of hardware stuff to fix your stuff. It's the pop in mom and pop stores. 3090 University Ave. (between 31st St & Iowa St) San Diego, CA 92104, (619) 295-2125.So, when you think of succulents you think of...North Park? Well, those who garden succulents know all about Exotic Gardens. Exotic Gardens stocks locally grown aloes, bromeliads, cacti, staghorn ferns, imported pottery, and much more -- over 100 species of succulents. A unique place with unique plants and a knowledgeable owner, Carl Dykema, who says he grows plants seldom found in nurseries, including unusual pachypodiums, large tree aloes, and many Euphorbias from seeds and cuttings. 2212 El Cajon Blvd. (between Louisiana St & Mississippi St), San Diego, CA 92104, (619) 497-0860.
