Beach Mailbox, an independent mailbox and authorized shipping center on Grand Avenue in Pacific Beach, has a new owner and a new name. 
Rita Warren, a Pacific Beach resident since 2006, purchased the business in August with a goal of continuing friendly and convenient mailbox rentals and mailing/shipping services to the local community, plus expanding services and introducing unique beach-themed gifts.  
Warren bought the business as a career transition from the software industry. “I wanted to do something more tangible and personal that helps bring a smile to people’s faces every day,” she said. Warren had been a mailbox holder, and then she got to know Sema Altinyuva, the long-time store manager, before buying the business. “Sema is so helpful, and our customers love her cheerful attitude and her skill at packing items securely and finding the lowest shipping rates,” Warren said. 
One new offering is the shop’s “We Help Promote Local” service. “We want to build a community, not just for local residents but also local businesses,” Warren said. “We have a special area where local businesses can place their business cards for a small monthly fee. And they can add to our in-store video slide presentation for more exposure.”
With nearly 200 Pacific Beach, La Jolla and Mission Beach box holders picking up their mail every week, the target market is perfect for local small businesses. The store is also eager to promote local artists by featuring handmade beach-themed gifts. 
With the holiday season in full swing, Beach Mailbox and Gifts has lowered prices on USPS, FedEx, UPS and DHL shipping. “We want our customers to keep coming back,” Warren said, “not just for the convenient and friendly service but also for the reasonable rates.”
To further alleviate holiday hassles, and also to support the expanding trend in Internet shopping, the store is now offering a monthly service called “Package-Safe.” For $12.50 a month, the store will receive all of your packages, so you don’t have to worry about being home for delivery or about theft from your doorstep.
The store sends an email each time you receive a package.