At a time when businesses have a hard time staying afloat, it is rare for a store to last decades, but Friday, March 28, Obelisk Mercantile will be celebrating its 21st anniversary with a party from 7-11 p.m., followed by a huge sidewalk sale Saturday March 29 starting at 10 a.m. The Friday night party will feature a DJ and a fashion show highlighting swimwear, casual SoCal clothing and athletic wear. Complimentary cocktails will be served, so the party is 21 and up.
Obelisk began in 1993 as a small, LGBT-specific retailer mainly selling books, magazines, and videos to the gay community, but there have been some major changes in the store over the years. “Brick-and-mortar bookstores in general have faded, and there are less than a handful of gay-themed bookstores left in the entire country,” said Obelisk owner Brett Serwalt. “But Obelisk has flourished by adapting to the changing purchasing habits of consumers. We’ve completely changed our focus to a huge range of merchandise of interest to our clientele.”
Obelisk still carries a selection of LGBT-specific items such as pride jewelry and gay wedding cards, in addition to being the exclusive retailer of Human Rights Campaign merchandise, but the focus is now on fashion and accessories. This includes casual clothing from international brands, designer underwear, hipster t-shirts, as well as watches, jewelry, skincare products and unique housewares. Many of the products are available nowhere else in San Diego and have attracted new customers from beyond the LGBT community.
Some of the major changes were forced by an accidental fire that destroyed the store in July, 2011. After many rebuilding delays, owner Brett Serwalt moved to a larger space a few doors down from its previous location and reopened in July, 2013 rebranded as Obelisk Mercantile. Among the exciting additions to the shop was the giant Hillcrest street sign that once adorned University Avenue. Serwalt bought the old neon version when the sign was replaced and he hung the retro one behind the register in Obelisk. That blending of the old and new creates what Serwalt likes to call “an urban general store.”
“Obelisk is a survivor on the Hillcrest Scene,” said Luke Terpstra, Chair of the Hillcrest Town Council. “Nestled in the Historic row of buildings that have stood the test of time and fire and dismal economies, it is still here serving the community we all love and we love Obelisk for it.” Terpstra went on to extend his congratulation to Obelisk and Serwalt and wish them many more years as a vibrant mainstay of the thriving neighborhood.
Obelisk is located at 1037 University Avenue in the heart of Hillcrest. Admission to the party is free and public is welcome to enjoy the music, see the hot models and take advantage of the sales that will start the evening of March 28th and continue on the sidewalk the next day.
