For decades, Red Light Vintage has been more than just a place to shop—it’s been a rite of passage for Seattleites, a University District landmark, and a cornerstone of the city’s thrift and vintage scene. Now, as the iconic store attempts to make it to its 30th anniversary amid a potential ownership change, Red Light Vintage is relying on the Seattle community to show up.
Read on for all the details!
In November 2025, Vanishing Seattle shared news on Instagram that Red Light Vintage & Costume was seeking a new owner. After nearly 30 years, current owner Niz Marar announced his plans to retire. Without a replacement to carry on the business, the beloved shop could close in 2026. Marar expressed his hope that the right buyer could be found who would keep the store (and its longtime staff) around for years to come.
Located at 4560 University Way NE—on “the Ave”—in a historic 1927 building, Red Light Vintage first opened in 1996. The shop was founded by Ed Chalfa and his then-wife, Tacee Webb. In 1999, Chalfa sold the business to Marar, who had already been working in the vintage clothing world since 1990. Under his ownership, Red Light became a Seattle institution, even earning a cameo in Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” music video in 2012.
Now one of the store’s original owners, Tacee Webb, is hoping to bring the story full circle. After seeing the news that Red Light was for sale, she reached out to Marar and is currently pursuing a pending bank loan to purchase the shop herself. Webb wrote the following on an Instagram post:
There may have never been a better time to invest in a COMMUNITY-BASED business that aligns with your values. My daughter, Palace Chalfa, and I pledge to use Red Light to give back and support local causes that celebrate and support diversity. RED LIGHT was never just about selling cool jeans or frilly dresses. Red Light has served as a gathering place, a venue for bands, events, and community and social justice causes. Red Light is the original pre-loved, recycled go-to spot for traders—an old school concept even more relevant today, the era of fast-fashion, than when I started 30 years ago.”
With the store’s 30th anniversary coming up in March, Webb is calling on the community to help keep Red Light’s doors open. Supporters can donate to Webb’s GoFundMe, shop in person, or attend the 30th anniversary celebration on March 27–28. The event will feature live music, a fashion show, and the store’s signature “Naked Shopping Spree.”
You can check for updates on Webb’s Instagram and the Red Light Vintage Instagram.