Shopping in Seattle
Go shopping in Seattle and you can track high-street trends, hunt for local labels, pick up original Northwest crafts, buy ocean-fresh goodies, or gear up for the outdoors.
Key areas
The downtown shopping core is between First Avenue and Sixth Avenue and Olive Way and University Street.
Nordstrom first opened in Seattle in 1901 and has its flagship store at 500 Pine Street. There are independent gems here too, such as Paper Hammer, 1400 Second Avenue, which sells beautiful handmade notebooks and letterpress goods made in its studio in Tieton, Washington.
Near Pioneer Square, E Smith Mercantile, 208 First Avenue South, has something of a pioneer spirit to it, stocking an eclectic mix of American-made denim, ceramic tinware, beef jerky and homeopathic hangover cures, with a tiny cocktail bar to boot.
Belltown, north along First Avenue from the city centre, has unique boutiques with locally designed clothing, imported shoes, antiques and used clothing. Sell your Sole, 2121 First Avenue, is a great spot to bag stylish second hand designer gear. In hip Ballard, re-souL, 5319 Ballard Avenue Southwest, keeps Seattleites’ feet well dressed.
Markets
Pike Place Market, First Avenue and Pike Street, opened in 1907 and is crammed with fresh produce, baked goods, speciality foods and a craft market representing over 200 artisans.
Shopping centres
In Downtown, Pacific Place, Sixth Avenue and Pine Street, has over 50 shops plus restaurants and a cinema. University Village, off 25th Avenue Northeast, is an open-air shopping centre with upscale names including Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn and Eddie Bauer.
Opening hours
Shopping hours are typically 0930-1800, including Sundays, with many larger downtown stores remaining open until 2100.
Souvenirs
The Pacific Northwest is an internationally renowned hub for glassblowing. At Glasshouse Studio (331 Occidental Avenue South), you can watch demonstrations and buy intricately designed glass art.
Seattle is home to a bounty of chocolatiers. There’s a fine selection of delectable local confectionary at Chocolate Box (106 Pine Street).
Tax information
Seattle sales tax is 9.5%. Only residents of a handful of US states and Canadian provinces where sales tax is less than 3% are entitled to a refund.
