Where Do People Go Shopping in Seattle?
Seattle is known for its rich culture, beautiful natural scenery, and of course, its iconic Space Needle. Less well known, though, is the fact that this Pacific Northwest city is a shopper's paradise, from quirky little boutiques to mega malls. There's a little something in this city for every kind of shopper. In this post, we will be unearthing some well-kept secrets and must-visit spots in Seattle for shoppers.
Downtown Seattle: A Shopping Mecca
No shopping trip to Seattle would be complete without visiting the downtown area. It is home to the larger department stores like Nordstrom and Macy's but also has some smaller boutiques. Here are a few of the highlights:
Pike Place Market—This historic public market is home to over 200 unique shops selling everything from fresh flowers to handmade crafts. Don't miss the flying fish at the world-famous Pike Place Fish Market!
The opulent shopping center Pacific Place offers over 50 stores, including luxury brands such as Kate Spade and Tiffany & Co. This is where shoppers looking for high-end indulgence should go.
Unique Neighborhood Shops
Seattle is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and shopping scene. Here are a few areas worth checking out:
Ballard: This hip neighborhood has Scandinavian roots and independent boutiques. Check out shops like Prism, selling colorful, modern home decor, and Horseshoe, a boutique featuring vintage-inspired clothing and accessories.
Fremont: This quirky neighborhood is fondly called the "center of the universe" by Seattleites. This is a very offbeat shopping neighborhood, featuring stores such as Portage Bay Goods, a local handmade gift and souvenir shop, and Ophelia's Books, a fine secondhand bookstore.
Outlet Malls and Discount Shopping
Looking for some great deals? Seattle has got you back, with several outlet malls and discount shopping centers. Some of the more popular ones are:
Seattle Premium Outlets: This outlet mall is located about 30 miles north of the city and features over 130 stores, including Nike, Coach, and Michael Kors. Well worth your drive for the deep discounts!
Nordstrom Rack: This Nordstrom outlet has a few locations throughout the city and features deep discounts on designer attire and accessories. You never know what jewels you might turn up!
Specialty Shops and Markets
Seattle features a thriving maker scene, with plenty of local artisans and specialty shops around the city. Here are a few to browse:
Made in Washington: With several locations in Seattle, this shop features products made exclusively by Washington artisans. That includes gourmet foods, jewelry, and home goods.
Pike Place Market, besides its produce and fish, features dozens of local artisans specializing in everything from handmade pottery to custom jewelry.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Shopping
Seattle is among the top in sustainability, so it reaches into its shopping scene. Plenty of the local shops focus on eco-friendly and responsibly sourced products. Some spots stand out more than others for this:
Eco Collective: This zero-waste shop in Ballard sells sustainable home goods, clothing, and beauty. Everything is thoughtfully curated and packaged to ensure minimal impact on the environment.
Reformation: A fashion brand that trends on fashion, operates a store in downtown Seattle, and uses sustainable fabrics with ethical manufacturing practices in order to bring fashionable and clean style for everyone.
Whether you are a big shopper or a browser, Seattle has something for everyone. From the eclectic mix of chain stores, independents, and specialty shops, this city is truly a shopper's haven. So next time you go out of town, make sure to stop in some of these must-visit and offbeat stops!
