New thrift and gift shop opens in Tacoma. Most items cost less than $50, owner says
There’s something for every style and any budget at Stories, a new vintage clothing and trinket store along downtown Tacoma’s Antique Row.
Owner Kirsten Wenlock said Monday she’s delighted to move into a larger space. Previously her shop was downstairs in the Sanford and Son Antique mall, but she opened a street-side storefront at 739 Broadway in May.
For the last six years Wenlock has worked for an estate-sale company and said she loves “treasure-hunting” for unique pieces that often come with their own histories and stories. The shop’s name is an ode to that, as well as a reference to her daughter, who is named Story.
“I think my favorite thing is being able to be a matchmaker,” Wenlock said. “There are things that for whatever reason, I picked up and they made me smile. And so when someone else has that same experience with something that I’ve found, it almost feels like instant friendship. There’s just this wonderful spirit of delighting.”
On the wall next to the dressing area, amid landscape paintings, hangs a wedding dress, next to it a black-and-white photo of a smiling woman wearing the dress alongside her new husband. Wenlock explained the wedding dress was made from a silk parachute the husband used in World War II.
“Those sorts of things, they just delight me. I’m definitely wildly sentimental. But I’m learning more and more, especially doing estate sales, you don’t get to take your stuff with you,” Wenlock said. “But it does say a whole lot about who you are and what your curiosities are and what inspires you. You get to learn so much about what people attract to themselves.”
Unlike other vintage shops in town, Wenlock said, she doesn’t buy or trade goods people bring in, loving the creative practice of curating her own shop.
In addition to clothing, Wenlock sells books, vinyl and other vintage knickknacks. She said the goal is to sell “a mix of old and new,” with candles, soaps, magnetic poetry and more modern jewelry in addition to older goods.
“I’m surrounding myself with things that make me happy,” she said. “When you are in your authenticity and just shopping what you love, people tend to respond to that.”
Wenlock said it’s also important to her that items are priced fairly and said most things in the store cost less than $50.
“It’s a tough time economically, so I love how much kids, particularly, are just so into thrifting. And so ready to buy second hand and value, get excited when they see something made in the U.S.A. or they see a tag and it’s not printed on the shirt,” Wenlock said. “A lot of people are troubled by fast fashion and so it’s fun seeing some timeless clothing. I think that’s what I’m always looking for is pieces that are just timeless.”
Stories
Hours (subject to change): Thursday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Address: 739 Broadway, Tacoma
This story was originally published June 27, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
