Discover the Difference

The on Main Street is a treasure trove of designer fashion, home goods, furniture, books and toys.

It is one of 40 owned and operated by the American Cancer Society, dedicated to providing high-quality donated goods while also making a difference. The society donates 100 percent of the profits to fund cancer research, education, prevention and treatment.

In September 2010, Sasha Cowell walked in, looking for a vintage teapot. She walked out with a job. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the shop, and they make a difference. 

“We want our customers to feel that they are important, and that they have had a good shopping experience and have received excellent customer service,” Cowell said.  “We would also like them to feel that our merchandise is current and in good condition.”

While individuals donate most of the items displayed within the store, the shop sometimes receives donations of art pieces from local artists. Last year, in clearing out its warehouse, BCBG Max Azria donated all of the pieces to the Discovery Shops, said Cowell.

The shop also receives donations from estates and often displays antiques, which are examined for authenticity by volunteer antique specialists. The shelves of the Discovery Shop neatly show off many of the housewares, such as glasses, dish sets and kitchen decorations.

I found a really neat glazed urn for $22 and some beautiful photographs of Desolation Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. I also found some great glassware, which I love finding at thrift stores, because it's usually high-quality and affordable. I found one jar that was the perfect size and shape to turn into a terrarium, a project I have been meaning to do for quite some time.

A lot of the clothes seemed to be perfect for the office, with lots of individual pieces destined to become part of an outfit. I saw lots of sweaters, jackets, blazers, suits and slacks and everything was of high quality.

I, of course, could not overlook the shoes. I found some great pieces, like a pair of black Stuart Weitzman pumps for $28 and a pair of nude Manolo Blahnik mules with a cloverleaf detailing on top. These would be perfect for spring, especially since nude and neutral colors are in, and for $100 they were a steal.

Another fantastic find was a pair of knee-high stiletto boots by Versace. The pencil-thin heel in gold really made the boots pop.

 The item that stood out the most to me was a pair of handmade dolls with detailing so exquisite that it must have taken a long time to make them. I would like to say these would be perfect for a child to play with, but the craftsmanship looked so painstaking that I think they might be more suited for display.

The holds several sales and events throughout the year to encourage customers to continue shopping and to discover what the shop has to offer.

On the last Thursday of each month, the shop marks anything older than two months as 50 percent off. For President’s Day, the shop held a Suit-Tacular sale with discounts on menswear, as well as women’s apparel and accessories.