By Ben Sanchez

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Colorful clouds hang from the ceiling inside the Dealerz Choice store tucked away behind the Plaza Perks Cafe on the main floor of the Courthouse Plaza. The cloud colors cycle through blues, purples, and greens.

A projection screen flickers with pop culture content on the empty back wall of the shop. Rows of collectables sit side by side on shelves and vibrant colored custom apparel hang on clothes racks inside the space.

The Courthouse Plaza vibes are different nowadays in downtown Stockton. You can feel it when you swing the double doors open with an aroma of coffee and food lingering in the air. The bleeps and bloops of arcade noises emanate from the lower level. Yes, an actual arcade space is active on the lower level of the Courthouse Plaza with a painted mural on the wall. Random canvas art fills the lobby next to old photographs of downtown. There is a lot of history along these walls.

Businesses are open to sell their wares and services with decals spread across display windows. The hallway pinboard is filled with flyers promoting the latest events throughout the downtown area. A line of people wait to grab coffee to go and others, like myself, just happen to stumble into a unique interior mall structure in the heart of downtown Stockton.

Meet Michael Allen, Owner of Dealerz Choice.

From the outside, you would think walking through the doors lead to one main floor as you enter the building. The plaza is actually a 3 tiered building with lower and upper levels for office and work space. Michael Allen, owner of Dealerz Choice, hangs up new tie dye shirts and hoodies on the clothes rack. “How’s it going?” says Allen. We sat down to talk about the name and concept of Dealerz Choice.

The shop is not just selling collectables. The idea is to provide a platform to makers and artisans who have no storefront and give them a space to showcase their products.

Allen has been an entrepreneur all his life. When he started thinking about a business, he teamed up with local maker/artist, Alexander Garza, to develop an idea for a storefront that encapsulated all of their interests. With Garza creating art, they thought a co-op space for makers would be an ideal choice in downtown Stockton. “We needed a tangible space to show off what we can do — I wanted a space to show what he (Alex) can do. We had something to work toward and build on rather than do everything at home,” says Allen.

What is Dealerz Choice? Watch the video here!

Pop-up shop.

With new ownership at The Courthouse Plaza in downtown Stockton, Allen inquired about a new space opening on the main floor. “The Courthouse Plaza is a really great space — a cool atmosphere being renovated with major changes coming up for the building,” says Allen. Eventually, Dealerz Choice appeared like a rolling cloud, similar to the decor hanging from the ceiling.

Allen shared his vision for the business and along with Garza, they create a positive atmosphere in the downtown scene and within the Courthouse Plaza. “There is a lot of foot traffic happening downtown and we want to help add to that with what we do here in our space,” says Garza. 

The business provides a fresh perspective with the pop-up shop trend. However, the pop-up shop is here to stay. Makers and artisans constantly seek new avenues to locate spaces to sell wares and build brand awareness. A temporary pop-up for a maker can be a great stepping stone to owning a brick and mortar. Now that all the cards are in place, Dealerz Choice can offer the space to makers. “We want to be the place for local artists and vendors,” says Allen. “Vendors pay a monthly fee to utilize the space and we help promote their brand.” The businesses downtown, specifically with retail shopping, continue to see consistent growth in the surrounding area of the Courthouse Plaza. Ideally, Allen is looking to collaborate with as many individuals who are interested in being a part of the revitalization in downtown.

Onomatopoeia.

Customers may inquire about the cloud decor in the shop (they make custom clouds to order), but the logo is actually an onomatopoeia.

It is a jumble of all the things we are into. A little bit of everything.

It is eye-catching.

Michael Allen

Why downtown Stockton?

The Courthouse Plaza was a great opportunity to create a space here for vendors. We have amazing potential for future events in downtown.

How can the community support you?

Reach out to us on social media and stop by the shop. Stay in contact and share our upcoming events and vendor pop-ups.

How did you come up with the name of the business?

Dealerz Choice was kind of a joke at first, but we ran with it. The z is a trendy, retro thing. We were into shapes and the organization of letters. 

There is a lot of foot traffic happening downtown and we want to help add to that with what we do here in our space.

Alexander Garza

Vendor pop-up.

Did you know you could pop-up at Dealerz Choice?

“I want to continue providing a phsyical space for vendors and makers,” Allen says. While Dealerz Choice has only been open a few months, the shop hosted a large vendor pop-up on Stocktoncon weekend, collaborate with artists for a launch party, and continue the momentum by promoting future events at Courthouse Plaza.

Address: 306 E. Main St. STE 208
Phone: 209.353.9004
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday – Friday

By Ben Sanchez

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Hanging signs emit flickering lights to grab the attention of people passing by on South San Joaquin Street in downtown Stockton. A row of mannequins line up outside a storefront showcasing a unique fashion style to passersby peering inside a large display window. The spinning disco ball glimmers above the historic doorframe architecture, now occupied by a new small business.

Wall 2 Wall Fashion by Santana, is hand-written on the whiteboard sign outside the shop. An arrow points to an old vintage door at the storefront. The large audio speakers emit a soulful sound as I ventured into the space. I noticed the high ceilings and immediately understood why the shop is aptly named Wall 2 Wall. Sante Gayle, owner of Wall 2 Wall Fashion, greets us behind the counter. “Welcome to Wall 2 Wall gentlemen,” says Gayle. He reaches for a high-reach garment hook to place clothing along the wall. “I can display all of these unique pieces from wall to wall in this retail space — that’s where the business name originated from.”

The clothing is vibrant and seasonal with an array of women’s designer clothes that customers can view up to about 30 feet. From accessories, shoes, and jewelry, you can “find it all at Wall 2 Wall,” says Gayle. Along with men and women’s apparel, he does custom orders for clothing designs to accompany the accessories inside the shop. With neo soul beats in rotation playing from his Xbox One, we got to vibe with Gayle on how he started his business, the vision for Wall 2 Wall, and a brand new storefront opening soon in downtown.

Meet Sante Gayle, owner of Wall 2 Wall Fashion.

Gayle, born and raised in Stockton, lived off of American Street. He spent a majority of his life in Stockton before he went to college, played basketball, and traveled the world with AND1. While he toured to other countries playing basketball, Gayle had conversations with his uncle about his experience as an entrepreneur.

After completing his basketball journey, he started researching how to build a small business in downtown Stockton. “I decided to take a step toward being an entrepreneur here and building something where I live,” says Gayle. ”Downtown is nice because of the people — I wanted my store here to help my people and beautify my city.” 

Design and Inspire.

Throughout his experience, Gayle sold a variety of clothing from hats to jerseys. He developed a plan to start his business before launching Wall 2 Wall Fashion last year during the pandemic. With insight and inspiration from his uncle, he continued forward, studying fashion trends and learning what it takes to operate a successful business.

From casual to dress apparel, Gayle originally stocked inventory with a more uniform, work savvy look, specifically for women in business. However, that trend has shifted toward a sexy, sophisticated, and intelligent style. “Women come in for seasonal fashion designs. Lingerie or a swimsuit look during the summer is what they look for when they visit my store,” says Gayle. “We give people a personal tour of fashion — they can pick and pull from any kind of idea to design something unique.” 

Why downtown Stockton?

Downtown is about the people. Beautifying my city is exactly what I want to do.

How can the community support you?

The best way to support us is to come down and experience Wall 2 Wall.

What is different about Wall 2 Wall?

There hasn’t been a shop like this in downtown for a long time. Our location, clothing, accessories, and customer service with clients offer a welcoming experience for people who live near the downtown area. We offer women and men’s apparel, along with plus size clothing.

Our walls go 30 feet up to give people an optimal view of the designer clothing in our space downtown.

Sante Gayle

Make it unique.

Did you know Wall 2 Wall Fashion carries limited designer clothes?

Gayle works closely with his clientele to assist in their fashion choices, offering a unique custom look for any season.

While he manages several businesses, Gayle is actively involved in his community coaching at local schools and programs passing on knowledge from his experiences playing basketball around the world.

Address: 31 S. San Joaquin St.
Phone: 209.313.8811
Hours: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Open 7 days a week

By Ben Sanchez

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As sunlight starts peeking into the large windows at Farout Foliage, an array of plants soak up the sun on a breezy day in downtown Stockton. The window displays on East Market Street feature a variety of plants that line the floors, shelves, and tables inside the storefront. Before opening the door, you are greeted by more succulents placed along the sidewalk. Each row of plants gives off this feeling as if they are trying to reach out to you. Large, leafy plants sprout up from containers hoping clients will pick them up to take home. A woman gently wipes each leaf, arranging the intimate space before opening hours. “Hey there! Thanks for stopping by,” says Nessie Huffhines, owner of Farout Foliage.

Huffhines offers a warm welcome to her first storefront establishment in downtown Stockton. In 2019, she operated a small pop-up space at Weberstown Mall. “I was in the mall for half a year in 2019. After December, I felt confident enough to expand. I eventually found this cute place downtown,” she says. “We have been here for about a year now, coming up in July.” The storefront opened in early February of 2020 until the pandemic forced small businesses to close. During this time, she planned accordingly in order to adapt through the pandemic. “It was difficult and stressful, but gave me time to think about strategizing my business accordingly with the new space,” she says.

Art prints of Léon: The Professional lean against the wall waiting to be framed for the shop. The art prints spark a memory from my recollection of the film. She vividly describes scenes from the film, specifically with Léon and his plant. “Do you remember that movie? He always had the small plant with him. When they moved to each hotel, he would carry it and care for the plant throughout the film,” she says. Her pop culture reference exudes a passion and friendship to spark our next conversation about the surrounding plant life she submerges herself in on a daily basis. We sat down with her to talk more about the business, her vision, and day trips to California nurseries.

Meet Nessie Huffhines, owner of Farout Foliage.

Throughout her travels, Huffhines has collected 500 plants for her own personal collection. Born in Torrance, California, she moved to Stockton around age 11. “I’m an L.A. girl… but I grew up in Stockton,” she says.

While she never intended on building a business around plants, her husband suggested investing in something you are genuinely passionate about for your business. “I knew I wanted to start a business. My husband said to focus on the plants. It was spontaneous — plants were the last thing I thought of.” she says. “Now it has evolved into something I never imagined.”

With the collection of plants growing at home, Huffhines curiosity for exotic succulents extend across California. She planned trips to southern California visiting nurseries in San Diego for cacti before venturing off to Folsom, Daly City, Vacaville, and San Ramon. In between researching nurseries and developing the business, she juggled different names for the shop before deciding on Farout Foliage. “I was working another job at the time… I had a coworker who was a big hippie lady. She was awesome! She always said ‘farout’ when she thought something was cool,” she says. “I thought about that moment — I felt it went with my theme for the business.”

Plant Life.

Her passion for the preservation and presentation of each plant is evident inside Farout Foliage. “I’m always learning and growing. When I visit nurseries to pick up plants, I inquire about the details and learn from others’ experiences with each plant,” she says.

Although the storefront is limited, the space emits a relaxing aura that is a great escape from the frantic, fast paced life. “It is a very cozy, welcoming environment,” she says. “I always look for lush, healthy plants to display. I want to find something people would want to take home and brighten up their day.”

Nestled between a few midsized plants, one small plant on the shelf with interesting leaf patterns captured our attention. She calls out the plant name without hesitation. “That’s a string of turtles!” she says. Each plant, accompanied by handwritten labels, offers a small insight to the nature and origin of the plant. As we observe the space, Huffhines can name every plant across the room. Whether it is a snake plant, Monstera, Zebra Haworthia or Blue Torch cacti, each unique plant needs a different type of care from the owner. “Almost all the plants in my shop I own at home. I share my experiences with customers on how to care for each of them,” she says.

What’s the best advice someone has ever given you?

Always be honest. Be honest with your customers and be more of a friend to them. 
What is more comfortable than being with a friend? 

Why downtown Stockton?

I have always been interested in where I live and what it has to offer. I wanted to be part of the movement.

What is your favorite plant?

Right now I’m really in love with my begonia maculata! 

Always be honest.

Be honest with your customers and be more of a friend to them. 

Nessie Huffhines

Hang in there.

Did you know one of her services is interior plant design for home and office space?

Huffhines knowledge of plants extends beyond her shop, visiting other businesses and clients to evaluate what type of plant arrangements would thrive in interior spaces. From plant care to placement, her consulting advice and ideas can bring more life to your work or home space!

You can inquire about plants, maintenance, and additional services by contacting her via phone or social media. See a plant featured on her social media? Send a direct message to custom order.

Address: 239 E. Market St.
Phone: 209.313.8811
Hours: Monday – Friday | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday | 12 – 4 p.m.