Failed Bazaar Is a Flop Meet : Illness of Swap Meet Czar Kobey Contributes to Downtown Closing

Rafael Amezcua was standing all alone amid his vegetables, fruits and nuts. He gestured toward the empty stalls to his left and right, and took note of the paucity of customers in his own home-style produce stand, all cardboard boxes, hand-written signs and fresh goods in search of buyers.

“There’s just no business here anymore,” said Amezcua, pointing to the stalls in Kobey’s Downtown emporium vacated by former entrepreneurs, the empty space amplified by the harsh glare of unforgiving fluorescent lights above. “The guy over there used to sell statues--beautiful ones, too. He’s gone. They used to sell flowers down there. No more. . . . This guy sold tools. He left. Everyone’s gone.”

The sounds of regret and lamentation were in the air Thursday at the discount bazaar known as Kobey’s Downtown, named after its founder, Monte Kobey, czar of the successful swap meet at the San Diego Sports Arena. Owners of the discount business, which opened in April at 5th and Broadway in the building formerly occupied by the Walker Scott department store, announced it will close as of Dec. 31--a victim, backers say, of both slow business and, indirectly, Kobey’s medical problems.

Designed as Working-Class Counterpoint to Horton Plaza

The so-called “alternative” downtown shopping area--really an eclectic and often kitschy mix of decidedly un-upscale merchandise--was designed as a kind of working-class counterpoint to its fancy neighbor, Horton Plaza. Inside the former department store, merchants at individual stalls hawked everything from potted plants to eel-skin wallets, from velvet paintings to toothpaste. Clients included street people, tourists, professionals--and whoever else might wander in from amid the downtown bustle.

That the market will close poses an obvious dilemma for the 30 or so remaining merchants, a mixed lot of Americans and foreign entrepreneurs who hoped they could make a buck off the downtown traffic. Some absorbed big losses; others said they were thriving. Many regretted the

shutdown; others said they could care less.

“It’s sad to see it close,” said Victor Jayanathan, a native of Sri Lanka who was standing in as manager of a shop selling discount health and beauty aids, among other things.

But, despite the obvious lack of business, backers say the closing involves more than business. In an indirect way, they say, the shopping outlet has become a victim of the AIDS epidemic sweeping the nation.

Earlier this month, Kobey’s family announced that the swap-meet entrepreneur had contracted the AIDS virus from blood transfusions; he is undergoing treatment. His illness and consequent inability to assist the project, investors say, has contributed to the downfall of an idea that was announced with much fanfare in January and finally began operations in the spring. From the outset, many considered the concept a gamble.

“If Monte had been healthy, it would have had a better chance,” said Bruce Bart, a Kobey associate and the owner of the Mad Jacks electronic-goods chain. “What we’re dealing with here is more a family tragedy than a straight business story.”

Bart, an investor in the operation, said the mart has been losing $25,000 to $30,000 a month. Kobey had hoped to attract as many as 350 merchants to stalls in the eight-story building; fewer than one-tenth that many now rent spaces.

Modification of Lease

Because of the various problems, the property’s principal owner, Charles G. del Valle, agreed to modify what had been a one-year lease and terminate the arrangement as of the end of the year. Existing merchants will still be able to benefit from the Christmas shopping season. No decision has been made about the property’s future, del Valle said.

At the site, the empty space and sparse clientele attest to the mart’s problems. A number of businessmen are in the process of moving out. Several merchants, while sympathizing with Kobey’s plight, are critical that various repairs hadn’t been made and that an expected advertising campaign quickly fizzled out. They noted the lack of parking.

“Let’s face it: The whole place has a cheap, tacky atmosphere,” said one departing merchant, who asked that his name not be used. He cited the non-functioning escalators and the obvious need for a paint job.

Others disagreed. Some said they were looking for alternative sites downtown.

“We’re disappointed,” said Jerry Schwartz, who sells sporting bags and wallets in his small stand on the first floor. “We were real happy with business.”

Added a manicurist: “I love it downtown. You meet all kinds of people. I don’t want to move.”