Rusty Del Mar

When did you start your business?

1987

Do you consider the location of your shop a key factor to the business’s success?

Yes absolutely. We are located in central Del Mar, CA.

Who is your average buyer?

An eclectic mix of tourists and locals of all ages.

If a total Barney walks in do you treat him with the same respect as a full on loc?

Yes absolutely.

What is the dumbest question a customer has ever asked?

“How do you get to the beach?” There is a full view of the ocean and beach from the front of the shop.

Do you have a mascot (ex. - An animal that roams freely throughout the building)?

Yes we do- “Johnny-O.”

What is the craziest return a customer has ever tried to make?

A used boogie board still in the plastic and completely wet and sandy.

Does your store support any local surfers or have a surf team?

Yes we have both.

What is your most annoying grom story?

Yes they’re all annoying yet wonderful at the same time.

Have you ever had any type of celeb roll in and make a purchase?

Yes- Carson Palmer, Wayne Gretzky, Trevor Hoffman, Steve Finley, Denny Green, John Lynch, Junior Seau, Judd Buschler. As you can see heaps of pro athletes.

How many days a week do you surf now compared to before you owned/managed a surf shop?

I surfed pretty much every day before I owned and managed a surf shop. Now I only surf like once or twice a week.

Who is your favorite surfer and why?

Occy because he rode Rusty Surfboards longer than anyone and he blows up at all times.

Has a customer trying on clothes ever walked out completely naked?

Pretty darn close. Lots of girls have come out of the dressing room wearing very little.

Has a person ever walked in totally blitzkrieged (really intoxicated) and tried to make a purchase? If so elaborate.

Yes all of the time. They always try to buy something for a random person in their wasted state too. Like another person in the store etc. It’s pretty funny to watch.

Every store has to deal with shoplifting. What is your most memorable experience and what is your shoplifting policy?

Mother’s bringing their kids back into the shop after their kid has successfully shoplifted and making them admit that they stole something from the shop and having them return it on the spot. Our shoplifting policy is that we prosecute to the fullest.