About Us

Our store may have started in 2019, but our journey has been over 30+ years in the making…

A sign on a sidewalk for LEVIS Buy-Sell, porcelain and crystal restorations, with addresses 1810 and 1808, in a suburban area with trees and shops in the background.

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.

A man standing in a room with jeans hanging on the wall, a desk with papers and a telephone, and a window showing street view outside. The man is wearing a black t-shirt, ripped jeans, and flip-flops, smiling and waving.

Steve Vizzerra (Dad), 2001

Two children standing indoors near a mirror, one on a shoe shine box, in front of a wall decorated with photos and a wardrobe with clothes.

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.

Three pairs of worn blue jeans with distressed details, laid out on a wooden floor.
Levi's Type 1 denim jacket hanging on a white door with a white hanger.

Vintage Levi’s denim (1940’s-1960’s) sold at The Blue Jean Buyer

Interior of a clothing store with brick walls, clothing racks filled with shirts, jackets, and sweaters, and green pendant lights hanging from the ceiling.

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

Young man standing in front of a clothing rack filled with t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets, and a shelf with sneakers at a thrift shop or vintage clothing store.

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.

A woman with short dark hair wearing sunglasses, a light-colored striped shirt, and a hat, posing outdoors with two young boys, one with short dark hair and a black hoodie, and the other with curly brown hair wearing a blue jacket with a cartoon design, surrounded by greenery and orange flowers.

The Vizzerra or “Wang” Brothers, 2007

Inside a retail store with shelves of shoes on the left, clothing on the right, and a display case with shoes in the center. There's a small green carpeted area with a wooden bench in front, a wood-paneled wall, a skeleton model, a neon sign, a TV, and various merchandise including hats and framed art.

Follow Wang’s Closet on Instagram!

@wangscloset_

Wang’s Closet, 2025

WANG’s VINTAGE

People at a vendor booth exchanging a tote bag, with a person using a card reader in the foreground and several others in line.

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.

Group of five people standing together outside, smiling and posing for a photo in front of a building with a wooden roof. They appear to be at an event or gathering, with other people in the background.

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