Stockton Discovery Shop: A Thrift Shop, But Better
Photos by Helen Ripken
The American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop on Alpine Avenue in Stockton is a genuine treasure trove of clean, carefully curated fashions, books and decorative items lovingly priced at a whisper of their true value. “Once people find our store, they quickly become regulars,” said manager Melissa Chew, a born-and-raised Stocktonian who oversees the devoted staff of two part-time employees and 40 volunteers*.
In operation since 1985, the Stockton Discovery Shop is one of over 40 stores throughout California established by the American Cancer Society. It’s set apart from other thrift stores by the year-round schedule of special pop-up sale events. Just one example is the April Garden Event that features gardening tools, plants and outdoor items. Other special pop-ups take place throughout the year and often include sidewalk vendors, themes and specialty items.
Melissa’s Background
Prior to signing on as manager, Melissa enjoyed a 15-year career with Old Navy, where she learned every detail of retail operations, trained other sales associates and rose from sales associate to assistant manager. “Old Navy is a great company to work for,” she said with enthusiasm. About three years ago, through a company program, Melissa began volunteering at the Discovery Shop and was officially hired in May 2021. Several months later, when the shop manager retired, Melissa was invited to step into that leadership role. She was excited at the opportunity to apply her retail experience to such a good cause. Old Navy gave their blessing and even donated mannequins for the Discovery Shop’s window displays.
Melissa derives a great sense of purpose and fulfillment as she and her team carry out the mission of the American Cancer Society to “improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.” She shared her personal connection with that mission, saying, “I love my job and what I do. My aunt passed away last year from colon cancer and she was tough, battling the disease for six years. The friends and families who have gone through that fight make the Discovery Shop a place where I know I can help them and everyone else as part of our mission to end cancer as we know it.”
Volunteers Are Key
In addition to benefiting patients and their families, Melissa finds a special joy in supporting her team of volunteers by orchestrating social events such as luncheons, baseball games and cookouts. “It’s a great chance for everyone to mingle and get to know some of the other volunteers,” she said.
Last year, Melissa created a whole new way of sharing her love of merchandising and development with others. She approached Lincoln High School and offered to develop a formal educational program in which students could volunteer at the Discovery Shop to meet their required volunteer hours with the added benefit of learning the same retail skills she taught sales associates during her tenure at Old Navy. “It’s a huge education for them,” she said of the new program that’s so successful that the students have now taken over running the store on Sundays. “The students learn sales, customer service, merchandising, cashier skills and more. The kids also come up with ideas of their own. They really care and want to do even more to serve the community by spreading our mission and our message at school events,” she shared.
Melissa has found herself pleasantly surprised to witness firsthand how loyal the community is to the Stockton Discovery Shop. “It’s more than shoppers coming in regularly for fabulous deals and retail therapy,” she explained. “The thing which I have found to be really heartfelt, is the way we have gotten to know the people who bring in donations of clothing and other items. These donors know their beloved items are going to a good home and will benefit a great cause. Getting to know these people has created a real connection, and it’s also a lot of fun when someone tags us on social media with an outfit they put together from our store! Our community knows us, our level of service, our price range and our commitment to keeping things very affordable as well as carefully sorted and presented,” she elaborated.
With obvious warmth and affection for the whole experience, Melissa concluded, “Just knowing how nice everyone is makes you want to be here, whether it’s for shopping or volunteering. There is a sense of socializing, camaraderie and purpose, which just makes it a joy to be here.”
To learn more about the American Cancer Society and the Stockton Discovery Shop, 207 East Alpine Avenue, Stockton, California, 209-941-2737, scheduled sales and special discounts, visit cancer.org. Volunteers are invited to work at least one day per week for a minimum of four hours.
