After seeing a steady stream of designer-quality labels come through their stores, Goodwill officials were inspired to make a change. Tacoma Goodwill is opening its first upscale boutique, Blue, in the Proctor District featuring designer apparel, shoes and home décor. Revenues from items at Blue will be used to fund Goodwill’s job training and placement services for people with disabilities and disadvantages in the community. Brands such as Coach, Lucky, Ugg, Juicy Couture and more are expected to grace the shelves at Blue. The store officially opens on Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. “This store will have a more upscale, modern flare to it,” said Public Relations and Communications Manager Amanda Bedell. “It’s really chic, but the difference between Blue and the normal Goodwill stores is that it will be much smaller, because we’ll have those unique items that are often hard to find in other locations.”

Brand-name and high-end products donated to Goodwill stores throughout the region will be sent to Blue. “This is a new concept, but it’s been in the works for quite a while,” Bedell said. After scouting locations throughout Tacoma, the Proctor District was chosen based on its high foot traffic and extensive shopping options. “We were looking for the right combination of location and walkability to make the right match, and we thought Proctor was a beautiful area that would welcome a store like Blue.” The profit from this store will stay local and benefit those in need throughout the community. “This gives us another revenue stream that will benefit people in the community,” Bedell added.