Stockton Store Closing Doors After Nearly 60 Years

STOCKTON (CBS13) - Campbell's Department Store in Stockton is closing its doors after nearly 60 years in business. It's not because of a poor economy, but because the owners are retiring.

This a big deal for customers, some of who have shopped at Campbell's since day one.

"I love Campbell's," longtime customer Thelma Stewart said Thursday. "I knew Mr. and Mrs. Campbell when they first opened the store."

That was almost six decades ago.

The mom and pop feel of Campbell's kept 86-year-old Stewart coming back for more.

But now, one of the oldest independent department stores in the state will soon shut its doors.

"I feel at home here. I feel like it's part of my family," said Stewart. "I feel like I'm losing part of my family. I feel sad today."

It was 1953 when Harry Campbell and his wife Katie opened the store in Stockton's Lincoln Village.

Over the years, the unique shopping destination expanded from 2,400 square feet to 25,000.

"Our staff really specializes in helping the customer find what they are looking for," said co-owner Suzy Cossette.

Eventually, the Campbell daughters and one of their husbands took over the family business. The trio has seen it through thick and thin.

"We've had a run of consecutive months, eight months of very nice increases. This month we are doing very well and we feel business is turning around," said co-owner Terry Cossette.

Despite financial success during an economic downturn, owners plan on closing for good so they can focus on their golden years.

"I think Stockton had been some place special for us," said Terry. "We like the close-knit community."

Campbell's employs about 30 people.

"It has been amazing," said employee Melisa Flores.

Flores has spent more than 10 years working her way up from a sales position to buying manager.

"I basically grew up here," said Flores.

The staff is heartbroken to see the owners retire as lifelong customers share memories.

"We've had a lot of tears," said Suzy.

The store plans on staying open until everything is sold, and is offering a 25 percent discount.

The building manager is working to bring in another tenant.