About Us
Our store may have started in 2019, but our journey has been over 30+ years in the making…
The Blue Jean Buyer, 1998
The Blue jean buyer
(1988-2017)
The Blue Jean Buyer was a buy/sell/trade vintage clothing store founded by William Riley and Jack Cage. The shop became well known for its selection of used denim, specializing in brands like Levi’s, Wrangler, Lee, and other classic American workwear labels. At its peak, the business expanded rapidly, opening nine stores, six in Arizona, one in Oklahoma, and two in California.
In 1990, Steve Vizzerra began working at the Tempe, Arizona location. Through years of dedication and experience, he eventually purchased the store and became its sole owner in 1996. In the years that followed, many of the other locations closed after Levi’s shifted much of its production overseas, which dramatically changed the vintage denim market.
Steve Vizzerra (Dad), 2001
Ian and Noah Vizzerra, 2008
Over the next 20 years, Steve Vizzerra raised three children, Nathian, Noah, and Ian, sharing with them the history, beauty, and value of vintage clothing. Growing up around the business helped shape their appreciation for the culture and craftsmanship behind vintage garments.
In 2017, Steve sold the business to his oldest son. That transition marked the continuation of a family legacy, and the bond to the original store remains deeply valued to this day.
Vintage Levi’s denim (1940’s-1960’s) sold at The Blue Jean Buyer
Wang’s closet
Wang’s Closet started as an idea in 2015 between brothers Nate and Noah Vizzerra. Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, they always felt a strong connection to their hometown and wanted to build something that contributed to the city’s culture.
At the time, Phoenix wasn’t widely recognized as a hub for modern fashion or streetwear. Inspired by the influence of cities like Los Angeles and New York, Nate and Noah set out to bring pieces of that culture to the Valley.
As streetwear brands, sneaker culture, and modern fashion trends began to rise in 2016, the timing felt right. Nate and Noah took the leap and officially opened the doors to Wang’s Closet in March of that same year.
2017-PRESENT
Nate “Wang” Vizzerra, 2016
Wang’s Closet resides in the same building that once housed The Blue Jean Buyer. While staying true to its roots in vintage clothing, Wang’s Closet offers a diverse selection of apparel and collectibles.
Over the years, this space has become more than just a place to shop. It has served as a source of inspiration for many, encouraging people to pursue their passions in fashion and beyond.
The Vizzerra or “Wang” Brothers, 2007
Follow Wang’s Closet on Instagram!
@wangscloset_
Wang’s Closet, 2025
WANG’s VINTAGE
2019-PRESENT
Wang’s Vintage Opening Day, 2019
Wang’s Vintage opened in 2019 as a sister store to Wang’s Closet. While the success of Wang’s Closet helped make the expansion possible, Wang’s Vintage was created for a different reason, to return to where the passion truly began. Vintage denim, original concert T-shirts, collectibles, and timeless pieces that carry stories of their own.
Not long after opening, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many small businesses, we faced uncertain times. But the passion we have for this business, combined with the incredible support from our community, kept us moving forward. Through long days, late nights, and a lot of perseverance, we made it through, and we’re proud to still be here today.
The Vizzerra Family, 2019
Our passion for vintage is as strong as ever. Over the years, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to build something special with the Phoenix community, a place filled with memories, opportunities, and so much more.
Wang’s Vintage will always be more than a store. It’s a space for the community to connect, discover, and share in the culture that makes vintage so special. Stop by sometime and get to know us, we’d love to have you!
-Ian Vizzerra