On June 13, in the heart of Uptown Yucaipa, anticipation buzzed as community leaders,
dignitaries and curious shoppers gathered celebrate a fresh addition to the local retail
landscape: the ribbon cutting and grand opening of "Uptown Treasure Hunt," a chic
resale boutique dedicated to sustainable fashion and affordable style.
For co-owners Melanie Rouse, Linda Struckus, and Katie Dunk, the ribbon cutting was
the culmination of a partnership rooted in friendship. Rouse and Struckus have been
friends and business partners for several years and Dunk joined the partnership after
meeting Rouse on a hike with their children and discovering that they were neighbors in
Yucaipa and that Rouse and Dunk’s husband were both graduates of Yucaipa High
School’s class of 1992.
The Yucaipa Chamber of Commerce welcomed Uptown Treasure Hunt to the city and
the owners were presented with certificates of appreciation by representatives from the
offices of Congressman Jay Obernolte, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa-Bogh, Board of
Supervisors Dawn Rowe, and the Yucaipa City Council.
The journey to opening day was a labor of love, as the owners waited for the availability
of the perfect site. Dunk stated, “Melanie wanted to be on this block on California Street
because it is THE place to be in Yucaipa.” Uptown Treasure Hunt is located at 12424
California Street in the heart of Uptown.
At 10 a.m., a red ribbon stretched across the boutique’s entrance, fluttering in the
summer breeze. The ribbon was snipped by Rouse’s young daughter, officially opening
the doors to the enthusiastic crowd. Applause rang out and guests were invited inside to
explore the carefully curated displays of one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Dunk said of the
space, “It’s tiny, but we use every bit of space. It’s the perfect shop for browsing or just
stopping by to chat.” Local resident, May Duncan, made a purchase and said, “This is a
little hidden gem in Yucaipa, a charming place that everyone should explore. I will be
back soon.”
Uptown Treasure Hunt is open Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The owners
invite locals and tourists to stop by for unique finds and to check out their Facebook and
Instagram accounts @UptownTreasure Hunt.