Seattle’s Top 10 : Stores & Shopping Centers

Pacific Place

Part
of a $500 million development plan, this is the crown jewel of
Seattle’s retail shopping centers. Stores include Tiffany & Co.,
Coach, Ann Taylor, Helly Hansen, Cartier, Pottery Barn, L’Occitane,
Aveda, and Williams-Sonoma. The top level has an 11-screen AMC Theatre
complex and several fine gourmet restaurants. There is also a skybridge
connection to Nordstrom’s flagship store.

• 600 Pine St

• 206 405 2655

5th Avenue Boutiques

A
collection of boutiques between Union and Spring Streets caters to
customers for whom price is no object. Fox’s Gem Shop, Brooks Brothers,
and St. John Boutique are the best stops for fine gems and jewelry and
high fashion galore.

University Village

Renovated
and repositioned as a stellar shopping destination this open-air mall
just east of the UW has lovely landscaped walkways, fountains,
restaurants, and stores that no longer attract just the resident
graduate student population. Key stores include Abercrombie & Fitch,
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Restoration Hardware, and Banana
Republic.

• 4500 25th Ave NE

• 206 523 0622

Westlake Center

The
center has a four-tiered glass-enclosed atrium stacked with small
regionally based shops, several chain stores, and a large food court.
Made in Washington, April Cornell, Fossil, The Children’s Place, Mont
Blanc, and Talbots are well worth visiting. Outside, Westlake Plaza
attracts workers on break and also features seasonal concerts and public
events.

• 400 Pine St

• 206 467 1600

Nordstrom

John W. Nordstrom’s
shoe store, opened with his Alaska Gold Rush earnings in 1901, is now
synonymous with impeccable service and quality merchandise. Hunting for
fine apparel, elegant shoes, exquisite handbags, or other fashion
accessories can be exhausting, so step into the in-store spa and salon
for an unusual experience.

• 500 Pine St

• 206 628 2111

Macy’s

For
less extravagant spenders, there’s what used to be the locally owned
Bon Marche. The new name reflects investment and ownership by the famous
Chicago department store chain, but locals still refer to this large
store simply as the Bon. Find everything from linen to lingerie, and
loveseats to luggage, all at reasonable prices.

• 300 Pine St

• 206 506 6000

North of the Market to Belltown

A
stroll along First and Second Avenues in the Belltown area leads to
this ultrahip shopping destination, but you may witness remnants of some
institutions along the way. Bushell’s Auction, which has been in
business since 1906, always has something of value for the right buyer.

• 2006 2nd Ave

Wallingford Center

For
a real taste of Seattle’s charming Wallingford neighborhood, discover a
variety of local commerce along 45th Street, such as restaurants and
shops, as well as the Wallingford Center, a converted
turn-of-the-19th-century elementary school. Quite a few of these shops
are for or about children, including L’il Klippers (haircuts), and The
Tin Horse (children’s toy store).

• 1815 N 45th St

• 206 517 7773

Rainier Square

A
cavernous mini-city of upscale shops selling everything from imported
chocolate to Louis Vuitton designer goods is in the base of Rainier Tower.
Find entrances on any of the four sides of the complex, which occupies
an entire city block. Be sure to visit the Jeffrey Moose Gallery for the
latest in painting and sculpture. The underground concourse links up
with the Washington State Convention Center.

• 1310 4th Ave

• 206 373 7119

Darbury Stenderu

One
of Seattle’s most original artist-designers, Stenderu’s shop is a
celebration of unusual color treatments and texture. Her hand-dyed silk,
velvet, and light knits employ signature touches with woodcut prints
and original paintings. Browse her famous collection of long gowns, or
purchase more practical quilts and pillows. There’s also a fine
selection of scarves, hats, and bags. All items are one of a kind.

• 2121 1st Ave

• 206 448 2625