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PHOTO BY MEGHAN ERKKINEN

FUNKY CHIC. Glen Ripple of Amocat Antique Mall and Tressie Schindele of Funkoma Vintage joined together to open up a business in the old Rampart Gallery.

Vintage clothes, antiques take over Rampart building

By Meghan Erkkinen

Tressie Schindele is bringing cool, classic and fun downtown. Schindele, owner of Funkoma Vintage, teamed up with friend and antiques dealer Glen Ripple to take over the Rampart building on Broadway, left vacant after Rampart Gallery owner Steve Craig died in February.

Schindele, a friend of Craig’s who said she greatly misses the artist, said she plans to continue honoring him by repainting the Rampart name across the top of the building. Meanwhile, she says she’s thrilled with the new location and her business associate. Previously Schindele’s business was in the Dome District, but due to space constraints and a desire to expand her inventory, she began looking for a new space.

“I liked my old neighborhood. It was nice to have a shop over there,” she said. “But, I love my new location.”

The new location will allow Schindele to expand her children’s and men’s clothing sections. Her vintage items are toward the back of the store while Ripple’s business, the Amocat Antique Mall, with fine antiques ranging from furniture to art, takes up the front portion.

“Our philosophy is we want to be a little different,” Schindele said. In her store, she added, “everyone can be amazed.”

Also in the back of the store, Schindele plans to add a “rumpus room” in which she’ll set up a TV and play old movies for anyone who needs to relax. Another business, Kitsch Bitsch, will also move into the location soon.

Already Schindele and Ripple are adjusting to the neighborhood. Schindele has been networking with other businesses in the area, and has discovered more than 10 vintage and retro clothing and accessories shops within a few blocks of Funkoma Vintage. Schindele has dubbed the area “Vintage Row” and has organized a joint sale July 30. She hopes to continue the event monthly, perhaps adding live music, face painting or other entertainment.

“It’s turning into a great little mix (of businesses) downtown,” Schindele said. “You can outfit yourself in one block of Tacoma.”

In the meantime, she and Ripple continue to make their mark on the area.

“People have said it’s more fun, more relaxed,” she said. “One guy said, ‘this ain’t grandma’s antique shop.’”

Funkoma Vintage and Amocat Antique Mall are open everyday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at 712 Broadway.

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