Pacific Thrift Store: A Year of Challenges and Growth

The past year has been both the most difficult and the most significant year in the history of Pacific Thrift Store’s ministry. We opened a second store, endured an eight-month wait for permits, and relocated to a new warehouse—and, praise God, we did not reduce our support for missions for even a single month.

The Second Store

The year’s most important event was the opening of our second retail location. The building was leased in the fall, but obtaining the required permits from the city took nearly eight months. Throughout that time, we paid rent on an unoccupied building—more than $100,000—without receiving a single dollar in revenue from it. From January through April, the store operated at a loss, totaling approximately $135,000 over those four months. We were able to make it through this period without reducing our support for missions, as originally planned, only because of assistance from PCSBA and the store’s own reserves accumulated in previous years.

In May, the second store quietly opened its doors and began regular operations. Pastors from our churches gathered to pray for and dedicate the new location and the work of those serving there. A grand opening was held in August, attended by representatives from the city, county, and state. The guests heard not only about the business itself, but also about the purpose for which it exists: the proceeds are used to serve people. By the Lord’s grace, both stores have been operating profitably and consistently since June.

A Few Numbers

• Total revenue for the year was approximately $1.74 million—44% higher than the previous year.
• Sales at the two stores increased by 61%, reaching $1.29 million. The leading sales categories were clothing, accessories, and household goods.
• Unsold clothing does not go to waste: every week, we ship one container to wholesale buyers. Exports generated approximately $385,000 during the year, even though global textile prices declined significantly because of challenges in ocean freight.
• A total of $108,000 was contributed to the Power in Truth Mission Fund—approximately the same amount as last year. An additional $50,000 was provided in charitable assistance.
• According to preliminary estimates, the fiscal year will close with a loss of approximately $40,000–$50,000—the cost of waiting for the second store to open. With our current performance and God’s blessing, we expect to rebuild our reserves in the coming year.

Warehouse and Security

For the second year in a row, theft has remained a serious problem. Catalytic converters have repeatedly been cut from our trucks, and fuel has been stolen by drilling holes into the tanks. Each incident results in thousands of dollars in repair costs and leaves vehicles out of service—vehicles on which our entire operation depends.

For this reason, at the end of August we completely vacated our former warehouse in McClellan Park. On September 1, we began leasing a smaller facility with a fenced yard and secure gates where the trucks can be parked overnight. At the same time, the new all-inclusive rent is half the cost of our previous facility.

Our Team

The Board of Directors and store management meet for an hour and a half every week, allowing us to address issues quickly and distribute responsibilities effectively.

We would especially like to thank Pavel Tsvirinko, the store’s general manager, who carries the responsibility for its daily operations, including the opening of the second location, the warehouse relocation, exports, and care for our people.

We also thank every employee and volunteer serving at both stores and the warehouse. Both locations operate in a clean, organized manner and with genuine care for people.

Looking Ahead

This year reminded us that the store is not merely a business—it is a field in which we sow. Eight months of waiting, theft, and financial losses could have caused us to lose heart, but Scripture says: “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

We believe that the second store, the new warehouse, and every container we ship are seeds from which the Lord will produce fruit for His Kingdom.

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray with us:

• for the growth of our team at every level—for volunteers and paid employees, as well as qualified brothers and sisters to serve on the Board of Directors;
• for new partners—both those who donate items and those who purchase our exported goods;
• for the restoration of our financial reserves and for wisdom in management;
• that every person who enters one of our stores will see in it a testimony to Christ.

We thank God for carrying us through this past year and for each of you who has supported this ministry through prayer, service, and giving. A new year lies ahead, and we enter it with hope in the One who began a good work in us.

Vasiliy Stupin
Executive Director, Pacific Thrift Store