Pig’ments has 5 star ratings on Google and from Lake Oswego Old Town neighbors who shared:
“We are so lucky to have Pigments right in our neighborhood! Judy’s section of fun and fabulous women’s clothing can’t be matched anywhere in the entire Portland area. She has a wonderful flair for finding unique fashions and the personalized service is a real treat,” Carrie Kaufman.
Craig Stephens, another member of the Old Town Neighborhood Association Board shared, “We love Pigments. We have gotten presents and non-presents there, our daughters too.”
“I love the clothes that are unique and classy. I always bring my family and friends from out of town, who leave with their own treasures. I stop in often to check out the sale rack and to buy gifts. Judy, Joan and Val are friendly and helpful. It feels like stopping in to see friends who have great fashion sense.” Derrith Schmidt
Pig’ments is located at 333 So. State St., Suite F, in Lake Oswego in the shopping center across from the Lakewood Center near Nicoletta's restaurant and Petco. It’s walkable from the Old Town neighborhood. Pig’ments is open Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm and on Saturday 10am to 5pm. Closed on Sunday.
Photo of Pig’ments store owner Judy Van de Graf.
We asked Judy what she thinks is special about Pig'ments. “I believe it comes down to the people who work here and the products we carry. It's pretty simple, be nice to every customer, welcome them when they enter the store, make them feel comfortable whether they are here just looking, looking to buy or returning an item. We want them to return because they had a good experience. Joan and Valerie are wonderful to work with and I absolutely couldn't do this without them!
As far as products go, when I am at Market the products I look for are a mix of basic items and different or unusual items I haven't seen at other stores in the area. You need to have a fun factor in the store, especially when it comes to display.”
How did she name the store Pig’ments?
She said, “It refers to pigments in paint and the dyes in clothing.”
What Judy said she likes about the Lake Oswego Old Town neighborhood where the store is located: “The people! We have great customers and we probably know 80% of them by name. When they are out walking they stop in to say ‘hi, or tell us how much they like an item they purchased here. We have become friends and share our lives with each other. When we were closed due to the pandemic, customers made a concerted effort to buy from us to keep us in business, which wouldn't have happened had we been in a mall. We even get invited to some neighborhood events! I looked at several locations to open Pig'ments and I thank my lucky stars that this is where we ended up. We love being here and I can't think of anywhere else I would rather be!”
Judy’s professional background? “I have worked in retail for over 50 years and it's all I have ever wanted to do. Through the years I have worked in small boutiques (Accessories From The Heart and Pig'ments, to name just a couple), chain stores (The Gap and Mervyn's), big box stores (SportMart). I have held every store position available: Sales Associate, Operations Manager, Store Manager, Merchandise Manager, District Manager, District Human Resource Manager. But at the end of the day, by far, my favorite position is Store Manager, I love working on the sales floor helping customers and doing displays. Being a buyer is new to me, just when I think I have it figured out I realize I don't. It is always going to be a challenge for me, but I really enjoy going to market.”
Insider advice from Judy about shopping at Pig’ments? “If you don't see your size on the rack, always ask us about it. We are happy to do special orders for customers and most of our vendors are able to accommodate us. It's worth a try and I am always glad to make the call and find out if an item is available. I usually don't go below a size 4 or above a size 14 but I frequently order sizes outside of that range for customers when they request it, just ask!”
Joan Gillette, on the left in the photo, moved here 4 years ago from the bay area and came into Pigments, talked to Judy and has worked at the store for three years. She says, “I live close. Meet nice people and love fashion.”
Valerie (Val) Macdonald, on the right in the photo, lived in Lake Oswego for 30 years and now lives in West Linn. She said she’s known Judy for 25 or 30 years, first from when they worked together at Accessories From the Heart. Before Val retired she occasionally helped out at Pig’ments during special events. Then after retirement, Judy approached her about working part-time. It has been a good fit since Val was already familiar with the store and has been a customer since day one.
Be sure to stop by Pig’ments to see what’s new in the window and on the sale rack. Also check out the baby section and cards, along with jewelry that goes well with the clothing.
Learn more at: https://www.pigmentsboutique.com/
Blog post written by Derrith Schmidt, member of the Old Town Neighborhood Association Board.
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