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Ray's Ragtime, the popular vintage store that has held on at Southwest 10th Avenue and Morrison Street for 30 years, is struggling to stay alive.
Owner Ray Tillotson says his landlord, who lives in San Francisco, raised his rent. At the same time, Tillotson, 68, became seriously ill.
Now, due to unpaid back rent, the thrift store faces eviction. Last week, Ray's started a GoFundMe campaign to try to keep the store in the same location. So far, it's raised close to $4,000, which Tillotson says helps but will not cover what he owes.
"I thought I could make it," says Tillotson. "I probably should have closed when he raised the rent, but I couldn't do it."
Ray's Ragtime has long been a favorite shop of the local rock scene.
"Courtney Love used to come in a lot," Tillotson says. "Courtney [Taylor-Taylor] from the Dandy Warhols mentioned me in GQ this month, and on one website I am in the top 10 vintage stores in the country."
Tillotson had hoped to retire soon but doesn't think that's a possibility anymore. Now he plans on moving the store to a new location, though he isn't sure where yet.
"It's really disheartening for me," Tillotson says. "Portland has stopped being nice to people."
Willamette Week
