Shopping in Coronado

Along with his sister Darcie and their parents, Jason Huggins began his journey into retail in a cozy 300-square-foot space that sold toys and a small selection of streetwear. Huggins discovered it was actually the clothes—not the toys—that were rolling out the door, and so the family changed its focus, upgrading to a larger space and a brand new concept that showcased hip men's clothing, men's and women's accessories, and skateboards. Today, the store's rich hardwood shelves are lined with fresh graphic tees by brands such as Honkey Kong and The Condolence Co., a cutting-edge collection that earned it a nomination for Best Men's Clothing in CityVoter's 2011 awards. While the family fashion hounds continuously track down newcomer designers such as San Diego–based Dyenomite N' Hippo Apparel, Huggins's own line of T-shirts, pins, and pillows is growing more and more popular as the shop’s signature logo––a handlebar mustache––continues to catch the eye of shoppers and passing Wyatt Earp impersonators.

The storefront bills 5&A Dime as a "haberdashery," and the eccentric antique décor and rows of Brixton fedoras reflect the old-timey feel. A stuffed buffalo head adds a touch of rustic charm to the vintage vibe, and offers sage clothing advice to anyone who beats it in a staring contest.

Elizabeth Cecilia Leffler-Agia named her boutique after her fashionable grandmother, Cecilia, who sketched and then crafted dresses with her own hands. A bounty of fashion tips and refreshments awaits shoppers, as Leffler-Agia strives to create the comfortable atmosphere reminiscent of rummaging through a stylish friend's closet without having to pick her house’s locks. Crown moldings top the vintage French-style wallpaper while chandeliers cast light over the racks of carefully selected styles from local designers such as BCat Threads and M. Dot Design Studio, as well as famous names such as French Connection and Paige.

Youngsters who have outgrown their gear and adults picking up a new sport can outfit themselves with selections from Play It Again Sports, the largest sporting-goods resale franchise in North America. In 2011, the Pacific Beach location set itself apart, garnering both the parent company's Store of the Year and Heritage award—the first such feat in more than 25 years. As in all the stores nationwide, brand-name equipment—from popular makers such as Diamondback, Bodyglove, and Wilson—shines in San Diego's displays alongside gently used wares. This gear helps equip competitive athletes playing sports from soccer and golf to surfing and biking. Patrons can also trade in or sell their equipment, provided that it is still in working condition, and put that money toward new gear.

Pick up a Steel Grip six-piece screwdriver set for $8.49, a VPT rip hammer for $6.29, and a whole bunch of screws, anchors, and bolts (prices vary), and you'll be ready to finally mount every buffalo nickel and steel penny in your coin collection. Illuminate the newfound décor with a 12-pack of Ace light bulbs ($21.48), the better to see by as you make use of a Purdy four-piece premium paint-tray kit ($19.99). If you need to match paint to a favorite coverlet or choose a hue that complements a pleather recliner, most stores offer a paint-matching service free of charge. Get keys made, or clean a barnacle-encrusted carpet with the help of a rented carpet-cleaning machine (inquire about pricing at your preferred location).

Jacquez Art transforms photographs and furniture into distinctive pieces of home décor with framing, canvas reproduction, and upholstery services. The skilled staffers can custom-frame pictures in mouldings, glass, and fabrics, or transfer digital photos to gallery-wrapped canvas complete with UV protection and scratch resistance, making them ideal for display on a wall or homey sand dune. The shop also maintains a variety of colored and patterned fabrics to upholster furniture, and kids’ rooms are made 100% more grammatically correct with brightly colored letter trains made by Maple Landmark Woodcraft.

The staffers at Cruiser King help pedalers to stay on the road with an impressive supply of bikes for sale or rent, handy cycling gear, and comprehensive maintenance services. At Cruiser King’s two locations, employees oversee a steady supply of the latest bikes from Hampton Cruisers and Fuji, doling them into the waiting hands of new owners or riders borrowing them for excursions, which can range from one hour to one week to cross-Atlantic cruises. Though the shop is known for its top-shelf beach cruisers, it also rents out mountain bikes, inline skates, and surfboards.