Seattle – Streetsmart : Shopping Tips, Eating & Accommodation Tips

1. Department Stores

   Although
   suburban shopping malls have the bulk of nationally recognized chain
   department stores, downtown shopping opportunities serve the needs of
   Seattle’s residents in a variety of ways. Find most of the larger
   stores, such as Nordstrom’s flagship store and Bon-Macy, centered in the
   Westlake Plaza area between 4th and 5th Avenues and Pike and Stewart
   Streets .

2. Boutiques

   Discover
   one-of-a-kind designer wear at dozens of independent clothiers that
   specialize in high-end fashion or more adventurous apparel with an edge.
   Several designers such as Carol McClellan, Darbury Stenderu, and
   Couture have their own shops in Belltown and Fremont, and many upscale boutiques dot the 5th Avenue area south of Pike Street.

3. Malls

   As
   with most United States cities, large malls need the expansive and
   cheaper real estate found only in suburbs or out­lying areas. However,
   there are smaller, somewhat pricey urban malls including Westlake Mall,
   Pacific Place, and Rainier Square. They also include familiar chain stores as well as locally owned ventures.

4. Flea Markets & Thrift Shops

   If
   you like secondhand merchandise, you’ll find bargains all over town.
   Many neighborhoods, including Ballard and Fremont, have outdoor farmer’s
   markets on Sundays. There are also plenty of thrift shops; the best of
   these are Salvation Army, Value Village, and Seattle Goodwill, located
   on Capitol Hill and the ID.

   Salvation Army

   • 1010 4th Ave S

   Value Village

   • 1525 11th Ave

   Seattle Goodwill

   • Rainier Ave S & Dearborn St

5. Garage & Sidewalk Sales

   Walk
   or drive through any neighborhood on weekend mornings and you’ll find a
   treasure trove of clothing, toys, furniture, and electronics up for
   sale. Look for large signs on telephone polls, or scour the newspaper
   classified ads to find appropriate listings.

6. Bargaining

   Most
   consumers in the US shy away from bargaining tactics, but it really
   depends on the clerk, your powers of persuasion, and store policy.
   However, at flea markets and yard sales, it is common to negotiate for a
   better price.

7. Sales Tax

   With the exception of groceries, all Seattle retail purchases are subject to combined state and city sales taxes of 8.6 percent.

8. Convenience Stores

   It’s
   relatively common to find a convenience store in commercial areas, even
   in exclusive neighborhoods. They sell a little bit of everything from
   fresh produce to deli items, snack food and drink, toiletries, and
   general supply merchandise. Remember you would pay considerably more
   than in supermarkets or drugstores.

9. Refunds

   Always
   find out a store’s policy on exchanging or returning items, or on
   obtaining credit. National chain stores often have a liberal return
   policy that may enable you to return goods at another branch once you’re
   back at home.

10. Washington Attorney General’s Office Public Inquiry Unit

    If
    a retailer or service provider has dealt with you in an illegal
    fashion, do not hesitate to take your complaint here so that court
    proceedings can be initiated or sanctions be employed against the
    perpetrator.

    • 1 800 551 4636

Eating & Accommodation Tips