Retail Therapy’s Wazhma Samizay

(Image: CHS)

By Kali Herbst Minino

Near the corner of Pike and Broadway, there’s a two-story shop displaying colorful clothing, a unique candle selection, cards with character, dazzling jewelry, and creations from independent artists. The shop, Retail Therapy, has watched Capitol Hill evolve for the last 20 years all while never changing location. Owner Wazhma Samizay is celebrating the milestone.

Samizay moved to the neighborhood almost 30 years ago, and recalls the store’s location as a part of Capitol Hill that hadn’t really developed. Retail Therapy emerged from that opportunity, its support for independent artists setting it apart from other businesses at the time.

“Part of it was the opportunity to do something and support my actual neighborhood that I walk through and live in,” Samizay said. “When I started, there really wasn’t that many spaces that had independent artists being featured. Now two decades later everybody is doing it.”

The store was originally brick-and-mortar and had operated that way for over a decade. Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Samizay created an online store alongside the physical shop which was open with a limit on the number of people allowed in at a time. In addition to the online store and physical limitations, a tab on the store’s website titled “Look Out for Eachother” contained an extensive list of resources for anyone struggling during the pandemic.

As for business on E Pike, Samizay says it has been doing better than it was during the pandemic, though she wouldn’t call it a recovery.

“Having done this as long as I have, I’ve learned to ride the roller coaster. There’s always ups and downs, it’s best not to get off the ride while it’s still moving,” Samizay said.

There are also new neighbors.

Next door, Portland-based vegan Jewish deli Ben and Esther’s opened late last year while vintage and fashion shop Slow Dance has also joined the block between Via Tribunali and the deli. The stretch also includes  L.A.-based footwear and apparel boutique BAIT and the Capitol Hill location of Frame Central.

(Image: Retail Therapy)

Samizay credits multiple factors to the success of the store. She’s stuck to what she loves and keeps it simple. “If I like it, it’s usually what I go with,” she tells CHS. Another factor is the community support she’s had since opening her store.

“If it wasn’t for the neighborhood I probably wouldn’t be here. That’s definitely a big part of what keeps us going,” Samizay said.

Though the shop has evolved with her, Samizay says the shop’s core has not changed.

“We’ve always featured independent artists. We’ve always tried to participate with a community and back things that we love,” Samizay said.

A last minute Mother’s Day gift is another reason to stop in. Samizay recommends the “Mother of the goddamn year” mug, which is proudly displayed at the store’s register.

Retail Therapy is located at 905 E Pike. You can learn more at ineedretailtherapy.com.

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