Thrift store Simple & Just relocates to Ballard Ave

Local thrift store Simple & Just has relocated from Queen Anne to 5221 Ballard Ave NW, selling gently worn clothing to raise money for non-profits that help women and children who have experienced exploitation.

Simple & Just opened their doors at the end of May in Ballard after five years on Queen Anne Ave. Simple & Just president Carolyn Quatier told the Ballard Alliance that it was time to move to a bigger location.

“We received some great advice that Ballard was THE place to be,” Quatier told the Alliance. “We had been very supported by our Queen Anne community whom we love dearly, but when the space was available that was larger than what we had, and the price was right, we quickly made the decision to move. The busy thriving community of Ballard seems just right for our shop.”

Quatier previously worked for a non-profit that supported commercially sexually exploited youth with services such as mentoring, job skills, and art therapy. She’s also a former high school teacher, and owns a company called Interior Technology with offices in both Seattle and Portland.

Simple & Just donates 100 percent of their profits to four local organizations who provide care for women and children who have experienced exploitation. The organizations they support are Organization of Prostitution Survivors, Real Escape from the Sex Trade, Mending the Soul, and Northwest Children’s Outreach. “All of these organizations provide a critical piece of the holistic healing care needed,” Quatier said.

Along with funneling proceeds to non-profits, Simple & Just also provides internships for at-risk youth. The shop sells a brand called Athena, which has been made through the Artisan Program by youth artists, who receive 100 percent of the profit from their clothing.

“Everything in our shop has been donated by generous ones who have better brand clothing, that is gently used, and is ready for the next person,” Quatier said. The shop offers tax receipts for all donations, as long as the donations are dropped off while the store is open. “We love the treasures we receive at our shop, and we couldn’t do our work without this support.”

The new shop in Ballard is located just next to the Tractor and vintage shop Gold Dogs, and in the former location of Ascent Cycles. Ascent Cycles closed when Ascent Outdoors changed hands in 2019. Simple & Just also has a location in Portland in the Nob Hill area.

All items in the shop have been donated, and Simple & Just takes new donations daily. They’re open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photo: Simple & Just on Instagram