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Fremont is full of the sort of stores perfectly suited to browsing and window-shopping—lots of pretty, pricey nonessentials and fun junk shops, in a cute and quirky north-end neighborhood. The weekly summer Sunday market along the waterfront (with free parking nearby) is hit or miss, but worth a look if you're in the area.
Best shopping: Blocks bound by Fremont Place North and Evanston Avenue North to North 34th Street and Aurora Avenue North.
More than 1000 cookbooks and other related works fill the shelves of this warm, modern shop. There's often a treat in the oven or on the counter for shoppers to enjoy as they browse the artfully curated selection of new and classic cookbooks; staff are extraordinarily knowledgeable and happy to help. In the evening, the shop hosts author talks and classes, and there's also a small shelf of interesting and local pantry goods that make excellent souvenirs.
A short stroll from the big tech companies based along the canal, Blue Owl encourages male shoppers to go beyond the ubiquitous khakis and polos of the tech world with high-end denim, leather goods, and other clothing and accessories from Japan, Canada, Europe, and the USA. The Pacific Northwest-friendly flannel shirts may cost a small fortune but they’re the softest you’ve ever felt. Blue Owl also has a reputation for carrying Seattle’s best selection of raw denim---once broken in, the highly coveted small-batch jeans supposedly provide an unsurpassed look and fit.
This small, stylishly outfitted shop with a roll-up door for warm days, stocks a great, varied selection of great-condition used vinyl, including deep-catalog albums, plus a lot of 45s. Local audiophiles adore this place.
A Seattle institution since 1979, Dusty Strings has long been delighting folk and roots music lovers with beautifully crafted hammered dulcimers, harps, guitars of all stripes, banjos, ukuleles, and mandolins. The relaxed shop invites hands-on browsing, and the lilting strains of traditional melodies often fill the space.
Goods from about 25 vendors are crammed into every conceivable corner of this bi-level space, so you'll likely score at least something to take home (or giggle at in nostalgia). Clothing, furniture, and collectible art are among the finds, and the mall's eye-catching assortment of kitschy retro stuff is fun to look through whether you're a serious collector or just an innocent bystander. The Jive Time Records Annex is also a tenant. It's easy to walk right past this place—look carefully for the door and then proceed down the flight of stairs.
Women whose sartorial leanings go beyond basic will adore the sophisticated dresses, gorgeous handknits, and the makings of great work outfits here, much of it from Europe and Japan. Younger fashionistas come here, too, for unique summer skirts and ultrasoft T-shirts. Everyone seems to love the whimsical lingerie collection. Les Amis carries some cool designers, such as Rachel Comey, Black Crane, and Epice Paris.
With a tiny spiral staircase leading to the basement, and resident cats wandering through the tightly packed aisles, Ophelia's offers a classic used-bookstore experience in an age when so many are disappearing. The owner is known for her excellent taste, and it shows—you'll find major titles from notable authors as well as obscure works and poetry books. Be sure to ask for recommendations—she'll be happy to help.
Comics and geek culture may be more popular than ever but many fans still feel underserved by the shops catering to the traditional audience. Enter Outsider Comics and Geek Boutique, a small, welcoming space that showcases comics and more created by and for women, minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community. The unique selection might even make a new comics appreciator out of you.
Modern, minimalist clothing feels effortlessly stylish when it’s good quality like the looks you’ll find at this chic boutique, a surprisingly friendly place to browse. Think basic tees, on-trend denim, simple jewelry, and pieces with edgier details that are still highly wearable. Brands include Richer Poorer, AGOLDE, and Ganni.
Wonderland Gear Exchange is like REI meets that cool used records store. The outdoor clothing and equipment consignment shop aims to make it easier and more affordable to get out into the amazing nature that surrounds Seattle. They keep high standards, so everything is relatively recent, in good (and, importantly, safe) shape, and it ranges from kids' fleece booties to e-bikes and so much more. A must-stop for anyone with an outdoor adventure in their future, but also for a good deal on some snazzy rain boots when the weather turns.
