Randall Engstrom opened Randall's Sandals in 2016 with a mission most retailers never attempt: build an entire storefront around local, eco-friendly, and charitable beach products at 1033 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109. The shop earned the Best New Business in Pacific Beach award and has spent nine years proving that conscious retail works in a neighborhood dominated by surf chains. Customers who donate unworn shoes and sandals receive a 10-percent Donation Discount on qualifying purchases, a program that has redirected more than 6,000 pairs of shoes to underserved communities locally and abroad while saving shoppers over $8,000 collectively. The inventory goes well beyond sandals to include surfboards, skateboards, sunglasses, local art, reef-safe sunscreen, and beach jewelry, all curated to meet Randall's three criteria, and the same Garnet corridor hosts pastry runs at The French Gourmet nearby. Brands like SOLO Eyewear, which was created at San Diego State University from recycled materials and funds eye care globally, exemplify the kind of triple-threat product Randall hand-selects. He has also organized 17 beach cleanups and diverted more than 15,000 bottles and cans from landfills and the ocean. Randall works the shop daily and knows most of his regulars by name, a hands-on approach featured in SDVoyager and SOLO Eyewear's brand journal. Visitors heading toward the boardwalk after shopping will also find cold drinks and good company at Costa Brava, just a short walk west toward the ocean. The store's live beach cam, accessible on its website, lets customers check surf conditions before making the trip.