Kobey’s Swap Meet Marks 45 Years of Community and Commerce

Kobey’s Swap Meet in San Diego celebrates its 45th anniversary as a vital marketplace for the community. Established in March 1980, the outdoor market has welcomed over 40 million visitors during its decades of operation. The swap meet is located near the San Diego Sports Arena and is open every weekend from Friday to Sunday.

Family-owned and operated, Kobey’s is currently led by Kimberly Kobey Pretto, the daughter of founder Monte Kobey. Pretto expressed pride in the market’s legacy, stating, “Kobey’s has always been about opportunity. We’re proud to have helped thousands of small businesses get their start, and we’re just as committed to our community today as we were in 1980.”

Vendors at Kobey’s often view their participation as a family tradition. Mo and Andy Ramirez, who have been selling at the swap meet since 1991, offer a variety of items, including vintage clothing and sports apparel. Mo Ramirez reflected on the generational aspect of the market, saying, “I raised my son here, and now he’s here selling his own vintage clothing collection. It’s come full circle.”

Others, like Jay Garcia and Alyssa Maestre, have more recently established their presence at the market. Managing the San Diego Loot stand, they have utilized the platform to build their brand on social media. Garcia noted, “Kobey’s is where we built our brand @SDLoot on Instagram, but more importantly, it’s where we built a community. It’s a family vibe. Everyone supports each other—vendors, shoppers, staff. You feel like you’re part of something bigger.”

The swap meet is not just a place for commerce; it also hosts special events. Every last Saturday of the month, the market features “Kobey’s Vintage Alley,” showcasing unique vintage clothing. Additionally, a quarterly “Sneaker & Vintage” event draws even more visitors, celebrating the diverse offerings available.

Looking ahead, Kobey’s Swap Meet faces uncertainty regarding its location. A significant redevelopment plan for the San Diego Sports Arena is currently under review, prompting questions about the future of the market. Despite this, the organization reassured the community that it remains committed to serving San Diego, whether at its current site or a new location in the city.

As Kobey’s Swap Meet enters its 45th year, it continues to thrive as a cornerstone of community interaction and support for small businesses, demonstrating a lasting commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship.