American Cancer Society Discovery Shop -Los Gatos, CA — Local services in Los Gatos

I visited the Discovery shop for the first time today with my family and I was very disappointed and disheartened by the lack of customer service. The store is clean which is why I rated 2 stars and the prices were surprisingly high for items that shouldn’t have been for sale (Salvatore Ferragamo shoes for $70 that were very worn). There are other lovely treasures to find in wonderful condition.

The customer service is the sole reason why I’ll never return. I have always had wonderful shopping experiences in Los Gatos and this is the first time I’ve ever encountered such terrible customer service at any establishment in the city. Since it was my first visit, I walked around and was enjoying viewing all the products for sale and when I approached the back of the store, there was an open door. I was unsure if the items were extra donations so I looked around and saw a sign that said “happy” above the door so I was unsure if it was an area for children so I commented to my Mom, “hmmm, I wonder if there are extra goodies to look at in the back.” An associate (tall, slender, salt & pepper hair) immediately walked up quickly and said, “oh no you can’t cross the line here” while pointing at the floor. So I replied, “oh sorry I didn’t know I just saw the happy sign - no problem.” I turned around to continue shopping and suddenly I heard a loud slam & it was the associate who slammed the door. I was shocked. I didn’t believe my response was rude, I never entered the room, and since it was my first time shopping there I sincerely didn’t know that area wasn’t open to the public. There wasn’t one sign indicating you couldn’t enter except on the door which was wide open so I couldn’t see it when I initially saw the room. I approached the associate at the counter and she told me to wait & started speaking to another customer. Once she was ready I told her she didn’t have to be passive aggressive and slam the door, this was my first time at the store. This associate had the nerve to tell me, “well I don’t recall.” There is nothing more infuriating then to have someone blatantly lie. I told her I wasn’t seeking an apology I just wanted to let her know it wasn’t necessary. She was very snarky and I told her she didn’t have to speak to me that way and she proceeded to say, “well you don’t want me to apologize and you don’t want me to be sarcastic so I’ll just sit here.” I will never return to this store and it makes me so sad that anyone working at a store that supports such a wonderful cause would think that that behavior and attitude is ok. I may not be a millionaire who was ready and willing to buy out the store, but all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. If she no longer enjoys working/volunteering at that location, perhaps she should do something different...

Review for American Cancer Society Discovery Shop - Los Gatos, CA

The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Los Gatos is a hidden gem that beautifully merges community support with a unique shopping experience. This charming thrift store offers a carefully curated selection of clothing, accessories, home goods, and seasonal items, all donated by generous community members.

Upon entering, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, with friendly staff eager to assist. The layout is well-organized, making it easy to browse through the various sections. Whether you're hunting for vintage treasures or stylish everyday wear, you’re likely to find something special at an unbeatable price.

What truly sets this shop apart is its commitment to giving back. Every purchase directly supports the American Cancer Society’s mission to fight cancer through research, education, advocacy, and patient services. Knowing that your shopping contributes to such a worthy cause makes the experience even more rewarding.

Additionally, the store frequently hosts events and promotions, fostering a sense of community among shoppers and supporters. It’s not just a shopping trip; it’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

In summary, the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Los Gatos is more than just a thrift store; it’s a vibrant community hub dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their families. Next time you’re in the area, definitely stop by to shop and support a...

Lovely store, but prices could use some adjustment

I absolutely adore this store and the wonderful volunteers who dedicate their time here. However, I want to echo what other reviews have mentioned about the pricing being out of touch with the current resale market.

Here are a few examples:

• A Halston Heritage dress (designed for department stores like Dillard’s) was listed at $100, yet similar dresses are $40 at most on eBay. • A three-piece St. John set priced at $500—not particularly special—while similar sets are around $150 at other Discovery Shops (e.g., Menlo Park and Palo Alto). • Three 1980s Escada jackets were priced at $300 each. Even at 75% off ($75 each), this is still steep when compared to sold prices on platforms like The RealReal or eBay. • A Bebe San Francisco metallic suit listed for $150 also felt high for its market value.

I deeply appreciate the shop, its donors, and the community it fosters. However, I feel that some pricing decisions might be based on nostalgic department store standards rather than today’s resale reality. For example, a boxy polyester Valentino dress from 1985, even new with tags, isn’t going to attract many buyers at $300—it’s still NWT on the rack 40 years later for a reason.

This feedback comes with much love and great admiration for the shop’s mission and efforts.

Warm...