Where to go shopping in Seattle

It's no surprise that Seattle is known for its scenery. Surrounded by the endless forests of the Pacific Northwest and the peaks of the Cascade Mountains, Seattle also has an enviable position on the Pacific Ocean, giving the Emerald City a setting like no other.

But it's not just the scenery that makes Seattle special. This West Coast city is known for its progressive values and its high standard of living as much as it is for its rainy weather.

And in this rainy city, shopping is a great way to spend some time on a wet day and enjoy many different aspects of the city.

Seattle shopping offers a range of retail opportunities, from classic shopping malls to farmers markets and independent boutiques selling everything from local art work to board games to the work of local fashion designers. This is also a city with a strong countercultural vibe, and going thrift shopping or bookstore browsing are usually rewarding activities here.

Let Bounce make your Seattle shopping trip easier. We can store just about anything for as long as you like, from a few hours to days at a time. Leave your things behind with one of our Seattle luggage storage spots and make the most of your time in this gem of the West Coast.

All you need to know when shopping in Seattle

Shopping in Seattle combines modern convenience with local charm. You can shop for clothing and enjoy great restaurants in a variety of malls, or journey into the kitsch in the gift shops where most tourists end up. For something a little bit higher end, the city is absolutely packed full of art galleries and fashion boutiques. So depending on the kind of shopping you like to do, you can explore a particular area of the city and make the most of everything the city has to offer.

Shopping architecture

Seattle’s shopping districts are a mix of bustling urban centers, quirky neighborhoods, and open-air markets. Traveling around the downtown area and beyond will give you access to a variety of different shopping experiences so you can sample a little bit of everything that makes Seattle stand out. Try a wander through the various stores of California Ave in West Seattle, shop for bargains at the Seattle Premium Outlets (many Canadians travel here for the deals), or hit up the markets or malls downtown.

• Pike Place Market: A world-famous public market offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and local artwork. The Market has become one of Seattle's top tourist attractions, thanks in part to its famous fishmonger where workers toss fish to one another. But it's still a place where locals shop for produce, coffee, art, and just about anything else they need. The market is also home to some excellent restaurants, so if you work up an appetite browsing the stalls, you'll easily find some local treats to keep you fueled up for more shopping.
• Downtown Seattle: Home to major department stores, flagship retailers, and luxury brands. The stores in downtown Seattle run the gamut from cheap and cheerful fast fashion retailers all the way to exclusive boutiques selling only the latest trends from the world's biggest designers. In other words, shopping here is a good idea no matter what your budget.
• Capitol Hill: A vibrant area filled with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and unique home goods. This is more of a quirky area where you will encounter local retailers and is a good place to get a taste of the counterculture Seattle is famous for.
• University Village: An open-air lifestyle center featuring a mix of upscale retailers and local stores. Offering a more laid-back alternative to downtown, this is a good place to enjoy a more relaxed and sedate shopping experience.

Opening hours and seasonality

Most shops in Seattle open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with shorter hours on Sundays. Pike Place Market operates daily but has limited hours in the evening. In the summer, look for pop-up stores and night markets along the waterfront.

Pricing and bargaining

Prices are fixed in malls and boutiques, but some bargaining might be possible at open-air markets like Pike Place. Be aware, though, that rent for a Seattle retailer is quite punishing, especially downtown, so they probably won't be willing to budge very much on prices. Like most major cities, Seattle frequently hosts sales during Black Friday and seasonal clearances in January and July, so this can represent your best chance to scoop up some bargains.

Shop like a local

• Bring reusable shopping bags, as Seattle enforces a plastic bag ban. In this eco-friendly city, just about everyone carries canvas bags for their shopping, so you certainly won't stand out. And if you didn't bring them with you, you can easily pick up a stylish tote bag from a number of retailers that will itself serve as a great souvenir.
• Use public transit or rideshare options to navigate shopping districts conveniently. Seattle is a big city, but it is relatively easy to get around, and the different neighborhoods offer something worth exploring wherever you go.

Unique shops to visit in Seattle

Seattle’s independent shops and artisan boutiques highlight its creative culture and entrepreneurial spirit. The unique shops of Seattle, in many ways, best represent the independence and progressiveness the place is famous for. Check out some of these locations not only to look for bargains but to enjoy the atmosphere of the city.

Elliott Bay Book Company

This iconic independent bookstore in Capitol Hill offers a wide selection of books, a cozy cafe, and frequent literary events. Doing a reading here is a right of passage for any local authors and big names from world literature, so any book lover should definitely put this on the list of places to visit in Seattle.

Address: 1521 10th Ave

Glasswing

A beautifully curated boutique featuring sustainable fashion, home goods, and plants. Glasswing celebrates timeless designs and quality craftsmanship, and you'll find items here that you simply won't get anywhere else. This shop is all about quality and beauty, so while it's not the ideal place to find bargains, it is perfect for finding something that will last your lifetime.

Address: 1525 Melrose Ave

Ebbets Field Flannels

Sports funds won't want to miss this one. This unique shop specializes in vintage-inspired sports apparel, offering high-quality flannels, hats, and jerseys.

Address: 119 S Jackson St

Filson

A Seattle-based heritage brand known for its durable outdoor gear and apparel, perfect for adventurers and style enthusiasts alike. In Seattle, spending time outdoors is a way of life, and outdoor gear functions here like high-fashion does in other places, so this is a great place to go if you want to look like a local.

Address: 1741 1st Ave S

Shopping experiences in Seattle

Seattle’s markets and specialty stores offer a wide range of goods, from fresh seafood to handmade crafts. Shopping in Seattle at these locations offers an experience you won't get anywhere else and can put you more in touch with the culture of the city while you browse for bargains.

Pike Place Market

A must-visit destination, Pike Place Market offers everything from fresh flowers and seafood to handmade jewelry and local art. Don’t miss the iconic fish-throwing vendors!

Address: 85 Pike St

Theo Chocolate

A local favorite, Theo Chocolate offers organic, fair-trade confections made on-site. Visitors can enjoy factory tours and tastings.

Address: 3400 Phinney Ave N

REI Flagship Store, Seattle

The REI flagship store in Seattle is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the city, this massive store offers a wide selection of high-quality outdoor gear, apparel, and equipment for activities like hiking, climbing, and camping. A standout feature is the in-store 65-foot indoor climbing wall, perfect for testing your skills or trying out climbing gear. The store also features a bike shop, gear rentals, and an outdoor trail system where you can test products. With knowledgeable staff and an immersive shopping experience, REI Seattle embodies the adventurous spirit of the Pacific Northwest.

Address: 222 Yale Ave N

Seattle Art Museum Store

Located in the downtown museum, this shop offers art-inspired gifts, books, and unique items from local artists.

Address: 1300 1st Ave

Traditional shopping options in Seattle

For a more conventional shopping experience, Seattle features upscale malls and high-street options:

Pacific Place

A luxury shopping center in the heart of downtown Seattle, featuring high-end retailers like Tiffany & Co. and stylish dining options.

Address: 600 Pine Street

University Village

An open-air shopping center offering a mix of local boutiques, national retailers, and gourmet eateries.

Address: 2623 NE University Village St

Westlake Center

A downtown hub with a variety of stores, from high-street brands to local shops, and easy access to public transportation, including the monorail to the iconic Space Needle.

Address: 400 Pine Street

The varied shopping options of Seattle offer more than a way to get out of the rain. The stores on offer here are as diverse as the city itself, providing great options for some retail indulgence no matter what you're into. From luxurious brands to vintage clothes to an incredible variety of food and drink, you can find everything you need in this lovely city. And with Bounce looking after your belongings, you can easily go from a day of shopping to a night on the town and pick up your new purchases whenever you're ready.