97 Best Places to Shop in Seattle, Washington

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Seattleites are sometimes scorned for their fashion sense (polar fleece, sport sandals, and socks—oh my!), but as the city has grown and enough money has percolated through the ranks of retail, the city's style barometer has made a steady creep upward. Bibliophiles, foodies, wine aficionados, and design-centrists will also find plenty of shopping opportunities—Seattle is a hotbed of unique, independent shops stocking one-of-a-kind treasures.

Shopping in Seattle is something best done gradually. Don't expect to find it all in one or two days worth of blitz shopping tours. Downtown is the only area that allows for easy daylong shopping excursions. Within a few blocks along 4th and 5th Avenues, you'll find the standard chains (The Gap, Urban Outfitters, H&M, Anthropologie, Sephora, Old Navy), along with Nike's flagship store, and a few more glamorous high-end stores, some featuring well-known designers like Gucci . Downtown is also where you'll find department stores like Nordstrom, Macy's, and Barneys New York. Belltown and Pioneer Square are also easy areas to patrol—most stores of note are within a few blocks.

To find many of the stores that are truly special to Seattle—such as boutiques featuring handmade frocks from local designers, independent record stores run by encyclopedic-minded music geeks, cozy used-book shops that smell of paper and worn wood shelves—you'll have to branch out to Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and northern neighborhoods like Ballard. Shopping these areas will give you a better feel for the character of the city and its quirky inhabitants, all while you score that new dress or nab gifts for your friends.

And don’t forget about Seattle’s culinary bounty, which includes the stalls at Pike Place Market; the flagship Sur La Table, which stocks every kitchen gadget known to man; and the city’s various weekly farmers' markets, where you’ll find enough locally made, artisanal offerings to fill a suitcase or two.

evo Seattle

For outdoor gear with an edgy vibe, locals head to evo, which specializes in snow-sports and also carries a solid selection of seasonal street clothes for men and women. You'll find everything you need to shred Washington's big mountains in style, from fat powder skis and snowboards with wild graphics to flashy ski jackets and thick woolen beanies.  evo shares its industrial-modern "campus" with the restaurant Joule and Seattle's only indoor skatepark, All Together Skatepark, is right next door.

3500 Stone Way N, Seattle, 98103, USA
206-973–4470

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Fonté Cafe and Wine Bar

A one-stop shop for all your needs, whether that's an espresso brewed with freshly roasted coffee beans or a glass of rosé and local cheese plate.
1321 1st Ave., 98101, USA
206-777--6193

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Fremont Vintage Mall

Fremont

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.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Glass House Studio

Pioneer Square

Seattle's oldest glassblowing studio and gallery lets you watch fearless artisans at work in the "hot shop." Some of the best glass artists in the country work out of this shop, and many of their impressive studio pieces are for sale, along with around 40 other Northwest artists represented by the shop.

Hawaii General Store and Gallery

Wallingford

Outside of San Francisco, Seattle has the largest Hawaiian population on the mainland. Hawaii General Store is a great resource for both those expats and anyone who loves Hawaii (and who doesn't?). With food, music, art, bath products, luau party supplies, and jewelry from the islands, the store is a warm little respite from Seattle's rainy winters.

Horseshoe

Ballard

"A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll," Horseshoe offers girlie Western wear and hipster styles. Comfy, sassy shirts and dresses are available from designers like Sanctuary, Lovestitch, and Amuse Society. Premium denim, cowboy boots, and unique jewelry are among the wares.

5344 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, 98107, USA
206-547–9639

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Indian Summer

Capitol Hill

This vintage women's clothing store focuses on inclusive styles and sizes, making it a destination for anyone who has ever struggled to fit into clothes, or to trends. Owner Adria Garcia curates her selection with impeccable taste and impressive range.

John Fluevog Shoes

Downtown

The window display of fun and funky boots and chunky leather shoes will likely catch your attention as you walk past. Wander inside, and you'll find the eclectic and colorful collection of the brand's own line of shoes, alongside combat boots and urbanized wooden sandals in men's and women's styles.

205 Pine St., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-441–1065

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KAVU

Ballard
Founded in the Pacific Northwest, KAVU's flagship store in Ballard is an outdoor shopping staple. Loudly printed fleece pullovers, thermal vests, and sturdy duffel bags are just a few items you'll find in this funky shop that feels like REI's cooler kid brother.
5419 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, 98107, USA
206-783–0060

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Kinokuniya Book Stores of America

International District

Japanophiles, get thee to this Tokyo-based chain for a huge collection of books, magazines, office supplies, collectibles, clothes, and gifts. Their manga selection is particularly impressive—nearly every title you could want is represented, and they'll happily order anything you don't find in the store.

525 S. Weller St., Seattle, 98104, USA
206-587–2477

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Kobo

Capitol Hill

This lovely store sells artisan crafts from studios in Japan and the Northwest. You'll find tasteful home wares, cute but functional gifts, and quirky pieces of furniture.

814 E. Roy St., Seattle, 98102, USA
206-726–0704

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Kuhlman

Belltown

This small but sharp boutique curates a thoughtful mix of urban streetwear from hard-to-find designers such as Nudie Jeans Co., Barbour, and Fred Perry. The look is sophisticated yet maintains an edge. Kuhlman is also known for its custom clothing, crafted from exceptional European and Japanese fabrics.

Les Amis

Fremont

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.

3420 Evanston Ave. N, Seattle, 98103, USA
206-632–2877

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LIKELIHOOD

With its clean white lines and reverential displays, this sneaker store could be mistaken for an art gallery. The fashion-forward inventory is vast, ranging from Converse to Nike to Mihara Yasuhiro. Even if you're not in the market for new kicks, it's a fun place to discover just how stylish an athletic shoe can be.

2201 7th Ave., Seattle, 98121, USA
206-257–0577

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Macrina Bakery

Sit down with a slice of Sardinian flatbread, Nutella brioche, or a raisin twist—or more elaborate lunch options.

2408 1st Ave., Seattle, 98121, USA
206-448–4032

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Magic Mouse Toys

Pioneer Square

Since 1977, this two-story, 7,000-square-foot shop in the heart of Pioneer Square has been supplying families with games, toys, puzzles, tricks, candy, and figurines. They claim a professional child runs this friendly store—and it shows.

Marios

Downtown

Known for fabulous service and designer labels, this high-end boutique treats every client like a superstar—and has been doing so since 1960. Men shop the ground floor for Armani, Etro, and Zegna; women ascend the ornate staircase for Prada, Emilio Pucci, and Lanvin. A freestanding Hugo Boss boutique sells the sharpest tuxedos in town.

Market Street Shoes

Ballard

One of the best all-purpose shoe stores in town, Market Street stocks so many styles and brands that you're sure to find something up your alley. Shoes for men, women, and children prioritize comfort, so you'll see sensible picks from Dansko, Hoka, and Blundstone, but there are plenty of fun options by Eric Michael, Pendleton, and Bueno, as well.

2232 NW Market St., Seattle, 98107, USA
206-783–1670

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McCarthy & Schiering Wine Merchants

One of the oldest wine shops in the city is attitude-free and offers a wide selection from around the world. It's a good place to get an introduction to the remarkable range of wines made in Washington. Free tastings are held on Saturdays.

Melrose Market

Capitol Hill

One short block of Melrose Avenue between Pike and Pine holds a concentration of adventures for your taste buds, including Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar. You'll also find here Melrose Market, a former automotive shop dating from the 1920s that's been transformed into a sort of hipster food court. Duck inside to check out several small, stylish dining options, a wine shop, and an artisanal butcher.

1501–1535 Melrose Ave., Seattle, 98122, USA

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Metsker Maps of Seattle

Downtown

Whether you're searching for a laminated pocket map of Seattle or a world map made up of music notes, stop here for a massive selection of books, globes, charts, atlases, antique reproduction maps, and local satellite images. Don't let the store's location in the middle of Pike Place Market fool you: this is a Seattle institution, not a tourist trap.

1511 1st Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-623–8747

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Open Books: A Poem Emporium

Pioneer Square

This poetry-dedicated bookshop (one of only a few of its kind in the United States) is a space for literary-loving community and poetry books of all kinds. New, modern poetry books, used books, well-loved classics, rare editions, and poets from around the world are represented in A Poem Emporium, which occasionally hosts readings and events as well, and proudly represents minorities and contemporary social justice movements through both its book selection and window displays.

Ophelia's Books

Fremont

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.

3504 Fremont Ave. N, Seattle, 98103, USA
206-632–3759

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Outsider Comics and Geek Boutique

Fremont

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.

223 N. 36th St., Seattle, 98103, USA
206-535–8886

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Patagonia

Belltown

This popular, durable brand shines at functional outdoor wear and crafts it with sustainable materials like hemp and organic cotton. Their technical pieces are stylish enough for both mountaineers and city wanderers. The line of whimsically patterned kids’ fleece is especially adorable.

2100 1st Ave., Seattle, 98121, USA
206-622–9700

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Phinney Books

Phinney Ridge

A gem of an independent bookstore, Phinney Books is owned by local eight-time Jeopardy! champ and reading enthusiast Tom Nissley, who stocks his charming shop with an expertly curated selection of books, including many titles by local authors and a whimsical section for kids.

7405 Greenwood Ave. N, Seattle, 98103, USA
206-297–2665

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Pink Gorilla Games

University District

Primarily a video game store, here you'll find a huge variety of new and used classics and rare games for all consoles, with a focus on imported and retro games going back to Atari times. They also carry toys and their own branded merchandise, which is pretty snazzy. They have locations on Capitol Hill and in the International District.

Pipe and Row

Fremont

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.

611 N. 35th St., Seattle, 98103, USA
206-632–0720

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Pirkko

Downtown

A petite, colorful boutique by Pike Place Market, Pirkko carries a selection of high-quality Finnish and Scandinavian clothing and accessories, including famously bold pieces by Marimekko. A rainy Seattle day might give you the perfect excuse to purchase one of the shop's collection of bright, modern raincoats.

1407 1st Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-223–1112

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Queen Anne Book Company

Queen Anne

This beloved Seattle bookstore is well-known for its friendly, knowledgeable staff and extensive book selection. Pop in for children's storytelling sessions on the third Sunday of every month, or browse at night and catch one of the many author events. After you grab your new books, slip into El Diablo, the cute coffee shop adjacent to the bookstore.

1811 Queen Anne Ave. N, Seattle, 98109, USA
206-283–5624

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