The Discovery Shop, a resale store benefiting The American Cancer Society, celebrated 25 years in business on Saturday, November 21 with refreshments and special sales throughout the store. While you won’t find any acid wash jeans or MC Hammer pants so popular when the store first opened, the store offers quality, gently used men and women’s contemporary clothing from retailers such as Nordstrom, Chico’s as well as antiques, collectibles and housewares.

In the same West Seattle location since opening November 1990, the Discovery Shop is a story of retail success and longevity, quite an accomplishment for a store run entirely by volunteers! And thanks to their dedication throughout the years, this one store has generated over 2 million dollars for cancer research and patient treatment programs. The volunteers, who do everything from sorting and cleaning donations, merchandising and pricing to ringing sales and bookkeeping, are the heart and soul of the store. Currently, more than 70 volunteers help staff the store seven days a week, including a few who have been volunteering since the early days.

Way before websites, smart phones and social media, the Discovery Shop found a winning formula of offering exceptional merchandise at bargain-hunting prices. “We are very fortunate to have many donors who bring us high-end clothing or other items they no longer can use,” explains Board Vice Chair Michele Rhilinger. “Over the years, we also have become adept at identifying trends in the antique and collectible markets and try to stay current with that.”

How long ago was it that the store rang up its first sale? Well, it’s the same year Microsoft released Windows 3.0, Mariners pitcher Randy Johnson threw a no-hitter in the Kingdome where the Seahawks also played and the cult hit Twin Peaks premiered on TV. It was also the year in which smoking was first banned on all domestic flights. “With the continued support of the West Seattle community, we are looking forward to another 25 years selling quality, unique donated items. But most importantly, providing hope for a cure,” says Board Chair Winni Field. “Thanks in part to the Discovery Shop and American Cancer Society, 14 million cancer survivors are celebrating birthdays this year!” More information on the Discovery Shop can be found at: www.discoveryshopwestseattle.org.