If you come back later the item may have been snapped up by the very next shopper. The guide offers savvy tips on where to find everything at bargain prices. It's a good reference guide for antique shoppers, too. On Saturday and Sunday evenings they may close earlier. In popular visitor areas such as in Pacific Beach or the Gaslamp District, hours are sometimes longer.
Specialty shops tend to change ownership and even merchandising direction.
If you found trendy sunglasses at a Gaslamp Quarter shop on last year's business trip, the same store may now be focusing on hip electronics. Call ahead if you're seeking a special item or must travel a distance to get just what you want. Here in San Diego, shopping attire is California casual. Nice sneakers, sandals, shorts and shirts are suitable for malls and stores. In the shops in La Jolla, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe, you may feel more comfortable with a slightly upscale version of this very same dress code.