Ocean Beach counterculture retailer The Black will close after 57 years, with owner citing retirement

A long-running Newport Avenue storefront is preparing to shut its doors

The Black, a long-established retail shop on Newport Avenue in San Diego’s Ocean Beach neighborhood, is set to close after 57 years in business. The closure was announced through a public statement attributed to the store, which said the decision is tied to the retirement of its longtime owner, identified as Kurt.

The shop operates at 5017 Newport Ave., in the central commercial corridor near the Ocean Beach Pier area. Over decades, the business has been known locally for a mix of counterculture and gift-oriented retail, including smoking accessories, jewelry, posters, clothing, and other novelty items.

What is known about the decision

The retirement announcement frames the closure as a voluntary end to a long chapter rather than a sudden interruption. No public timetable for a final day of operation was included in the available statement, and no separate transaction—such as a sale of the business—was confirmed.

Because a specific closing date has not been publicly provided in verified materials, customers seeking a last visit may need to confirm hours and end-of-operations details directly with the business.

The Black’s role in Ocean Beach’s retail and cultural landscape

For many years, The Black was associated with Ocean Beach’s identity as a neighborhood known for independent businesses and an alternative, beach-town culture. The store’s product mix and branding aligned with the area’s long-standing reputation for eclectic retail along Newport Avenue.

Ocean Beach has historically been characterized by small, locally oriented storefronts rather than large-scale retail development. Within that setting, The Black became one of the district’s most recognizable retail names, frequently described as a place where visitors could browse items spanning music-related merchandise, incense, gifts, and smoking accessories.

What comes next

As of publication, no verified details have been made public about a successor business at the location or any redevelopment plans tied to the storefront. The announcement centers on retirement and gratitude to the community, without outlining next steps for the property or brand.

• Business: The Black
• Location: 5017 Newport Ave., San Diego, CA 92107
• Status: Closure announced after 57 years; final date not publicly specified in verified materials
• Reason stated: Owner retirement

Ocean Beach has experienced continuing turnover among small businesses in recent years, and the departure of a decades-old storefront is likely to be closely watched for what replaces it and how the Newport Avenue retail mix evolves.