The Weekly Volcano's trusty intern, Julie Holt, finds out one of Tacoma's primo vintage clothing stores likes its new view.

Yet another business has up and left Tacoma's downtown district for greener - it's all about the Benjamins - pastures. Primo vintage clothing shop, Orange, has vacated its original location on Broadway and found a parking meter-less, more shopping-friendly spot on Sixth Avenue, down from the West End Pub & Grill and right across from the Goofy Goose.

I caught up with owner, Laurel Lawson, and chatted about her recent move. Orange had been located downtown on Broadway for almost two years before Lawson transplanted north. The key factors in her decision to relocate were the frequent road work on Broadway, the rising rent and the recent onslaught of parking meters downtown.

"If things were going to get better for retail in downtown Tacoma, I wasn't going to sit around and wait for it," said Lawson.

So, about a month and a half ago, Lawson moved her business to a charming little house on Sixth Avenue. Before her arrival the building had sat empty for over eight years. And before that it was owned by a person Lawson referred to as "the button lady." (Googling "Tacoma button lady" sadly failed to uncover any back-story.)

Having never been to the Broadway location, I can't compare the new shop to the old. But I can tell you the new location on Sixth is going to be added to my short list of monthly shopping pit-stops. The shop carries mostly 1940s through 1980s vintage women's clothing, and Lawson recently added house-wares to the mix. Expect prices to be a little higher than what you'd pay at Value Village or Goodwill, but at Orange, you have the added benefit of not having to sift through endless racks of stained Looney Tunes t-shirts to find something you actually like.

I've toured the thrift shops in Tacoma - I'm drawn to thrift stores like obese women in stretch pants are drawn to Wal-Mart - and the bottom line is  not many compare to the quality and affordability of Orange. UrbanXchange on Pacific Avenue comes close, but if you're looking for vintage chic, Orange is definitely worth checking out.

Orange

3715 Sixth Ave.

Tacoma, WA 98406

orangetacoma.com

253.970.7080

Hours of operation: Tuesday - Saturday, 12 - 5 p.m.

What you'll find: 1940s through 1980s women's clothing, vintage house-wares and a very charming owner

Bonus: Students get a 10% discount!