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Rant: West Seattle shopping

Started 1 year ago by Curtissimo
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Curtissimo
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I've lived here for about two years (came from North Seattle) and still can't get used to the lack of shopping options. Outside of Westwood Village, there is no decent shopping and even the Target there is alwsays picked over and you pay more because things don't tend to last until markdown.

I've heard people say they never leave West Seattle and I imagine that is only possible if they do their shopping online. That said, there must be more pet stores, specialty grocery stores (yet another one!), and McDonalds franchises per capita than any other part of the city. Wierd.

Posted 1 year ago #
JanS
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you know, you're sort of right...we don't have an Alderwood Mall, or a Northgate, nor do we have a Southcenter mall. Heaven help us if we ever do have one of those on the peninsula. We have 3 McD's for 90,000 people on the peninsula. I, personally, refuse to shop at Walmart, haven't been to Target in 2 years, haven't been to Southcenter since it was remodeled. Yes, I do shop online..and I shop sales locally. I like little independent stores.

Now..groceries..yeah, we definitely have those, can't disagree. You've been here for 2 years, so I'm guessing that you know we do love to eat here on the island :) I'm excited about the new TJ's going in. I'm also sorry for the hole in the ground where Whole Foods was going to be. I doubt that I would have shopped there regularly. Way too pricey for my blood. Hope it improves for you. Remember, downtown is only 20 minutes away by bus during non-rush hour :)

Posted 1 year ago #
Bluesmom
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What are you looking for that you cannot find in WS, maybe we can help you find it!
The only thing I personally wish for is a Sephora..other than that, everything I want/need, I can find in WS - well, at least once TJ's is here!

Posted 1 year ago #
nighthawk
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I do get annoyed with the Target at Westwood sometimes. I shop there a reasonable amount mostly for the same products...laundry, diapers and other baby stuff, random seasonal...
I have to agree though I am getting really frustrated with them sometimes. For example they pretty much got rid of any of the more eco-friendly type baby products (creams, diapers, wipes, etc).

The diapers we used were the big one week they were there and then next not. No one knew why they were gone just that it said clearance. I tried complaining to corporate but after getting a canned response three times in a row each time I tried to explain the situation better I gave up and buy from Amazon now.

As to other stores...I find it kind of hit and miss if they have what I want. Clothing stores are definitely one thing we are lacking in many ways.

Posted 1 year ago #
Curtissimo
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What is the TJs exactly?

I am looking forward to the Trader Joes( wish they could have put one at WW Village in the old Hollywood video, though).

It would be nice if there were a Fred Meyer closer than Burien (yuck to 1st Ave S). I think in the old days there were departments stores in downtown WS but they closed down when the malls started opening.

Posted 1 year ago #
ttt
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What do you want? We have lived here for one year--moved from Wallingford. We LOVE it here and did all of our holiday shopping in the junction except what we sent to other states (did that online for the free shipping). There are no major chain shopping stores, but if you want that you can drive 10 minutes to downtown, or 20 minutes to southcenter or 20-40 minutes to U Village or Northgate. We like that there is so much more to walk to or take a short drive to compared to what we had in Wallingford--there are more retail stores here with a variety of goods. If you want strip mall shopping, you're right, it's not here. And that's one reason why we moved here. The only thing I'd like to have here is more green spaces/parks. That is the one thing I miss about Wallingford-they have great, and larger parks within walking distance.

Posted 1 year ago #
DOC
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Perhaps shopping is an evaluation between a need and a want. For the Elite (and no, I don't mean anyone here) there would be no shopping available in wonderful West Seattle, but for a pure minimalist, there is plenty. Most of us are between these two extremes, but I often feel that there is too much based on desire and not enough on require. Evaluate what you are really looking to purchase that cannot be found in west seattle, think about how often you may use it and for what purpose, then decide if that particular item is required or if something similar in your posession can be used.
But then again, the 54 to downtown is great, fast and convenient!

Posted 1 year ago #
transplantella
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But bad shopping is good news! Less money spent.

It's easy to save money here if you want to go shopping because there is very little to buy. Money in the bank.

Posted 1 year ago #
WSB
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Seriously, since we have learned so much about the business community here in our five years of doing this (which followed 15 years of living here, albeit uninvolved-ly), I am truly interested in anyone and everyone's answer to the question of, what are you looking for that you have looked and looked but cannot find?

If you speak to Patti Mullen, who runs the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, she is the first to admit a few things are missing. Men's clothing, in particular (aside from what you'd find at Target). We did have to leave the peninsula to buy our son a nice tie (he likes them, really!) for Christmas.

But in many cases, I find that it's more a case of, you didn't know that you CAN get what you're looking for here. Looking for X? Did you know that shop X has that? Oh, you've never heard of Shop X? Well, check them out! Etc.

And no, I'm not speaking out of enlightened self-interest - our sponsor mix is relatively low on out-and-out retail. But supporting local retailers is good for us all, because the years of ... let's just say, an increased need for self-sufficiency ... are yet to come. So if there's any chance anyone in this discussion thinks that X/Y/Z is not available in West Seattle - and we, or somebody else, know that it IS - we would love to help make that information connection.

Posted 1 year ago #
ellenater
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I would love more kids clothing options. The only two I am aware of are Marshall's and Target and I don't shop at Target. And I beg to differ with your traffic estimates, people; it may take ten minutes to get down town but it takes an additional twenty to park. I'd like an ON or a GAP. Yes, I realize that's unpopular but I need one for my kid's uniform and other stuff and, like virtually everyone else who lives here, I'd rather not leave the island. :)

Posted 1 year ago #
Admiral935
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Posted 1 year ago #
Admiral935
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Posted 1 year ago #
transplantella
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Apparently Admiral935 is in the middle of a case of hiccups. Updates to follow.....

Posted 1 year ago #
redblack
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for one thing, there are very few areas in west seattle suitable for the construction of chain/retail/box stores.

but the hole comes to mind...

west marginal also seems like an area that could accommodate a fred meyer or some such. the fred meyer in ballard occupies little-or-badly-used industrial space that has easy access, kind of like west marginal.

but a big part of west seattle's charm is that there are very few of those stores in the core retail areas, which allows the local merchants to thrive, since there aren't race-to-the-bottom price and wage wars.

but i agree that a closer fred meyer-type store would be beneficial. but not too close to the junctions.

Posted 1 year ago #
SarahScoot
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It's super quick to get downtown for shopping if you utilize public transportation. The 21, 21X, 22, 54, 54X, 55, 56, 56X 57, and 120 routes all go downtown. The ones that take the viaduct (21X, 54, 54X, 55, 56X, 120) all often get there faster than a car would. And no worries about parking then!

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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if you want to save big bucks when you shop.. go south.
great deals on international food in White Center
Discount shopping galore in burien
Big boxes in federal way..

you can get the ordinary stuff anywhere...
but if you want something unique...
West Seattle businesses do unique really really well

Posted 1 year ago #
Donna Ryan Photography
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I have a little kids clothing boutique in the Junction which I intend to grow this year so if any of you have suggestions on moderately priced items - that would be great. Ellenator - I think it possibly could be good to have a GAP or something else of the sort in the Junction as it would encourage more people to shop right here instead of driving to the mall - or going online. I personally have never driven to the GAP, shopped and gone home without stopping in anywhere else.

Posted 1 year ago #
Sue
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When I first moved out here from NYC, I lived in Lynnwood, because I had friends there. I lived down the block from the Walmart and 5 min. from Alderwood Mall. And I hated it. Yes, it was nice to have choices of shopping and every chain restaurant you could think of. But the traffic was horrendous. I did not miss any of that when I moved down to West Seattle. Seriously, Burien and Southcenter Mall aren't that far away if I need something I can't get locally. Downtown is pretty close too, although I'm more inclined to go south for shopping. And when I do drive to one of those places for shopping, I tend to lump several stores together to make the trip more efficient.

Posted 1 year ago #
dawsonct
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What exactly are you looking for that you are having trouble locating, curtissimo?

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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dawsonct...

my guess would be big chain store sale racks

Posted 1 year ago #
RarelyEver
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so funny, i absolutely LOVE the fact that there are very few chain stores here in west seattle. coming from the sf bay area i couldn't have been happier when i realized that i have no idea where the closest walmart is.

i'm originally from germany, and shopping for me has always been a downtown-walk-to-all-stores experience. i love shopping in the junction and get most of my clothes at funky jane's or many moons. there are loads of restaurants and even a butcher shop! the last time i saw one of those was back in the homeland.

if shopping at a mall is more along your taste perhaps you should move into one of those gated communities near southcenter or northgate, curtissimo. i would HATE to see chain stores moving into my hood!

Posted 1 year ago #
MercyMoi
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I swear I do 75% of my family's clothes shopping online. Part of that is because I'm shopping online alredy for practical items I simply cannot find in West Seattle. Where do you buy socks and underwear for your kids? I hate Tarjay and the boutiques and consignments stores, which I love, don't sell the practical stuff (nor do I necessarily want to buy used underwear). I end up buying those practical things at the Nordstrom Rack (So.Center) or online at the GAP or ON. Ninety percent of our shoes I buy on Zappos because the reviews are so helpful and their customer service is the best on the planet. I am a good Live Local W. Sizzle Citizen otherwise - really! Just when it comes to clothes...if I can't find what I want at the consignment stores or Carmilia's, it's time to click on the IE icon. Or drive to Fury Consignment in Madison Park - my guilty non-West Sizzle pleasure.

Posted 1 year ago #
dawsonct
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http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/wal-mart-the-high-cost-of-low-price/

What amazes me, are the words, early in the film, of confessed Republicans, speaking against the Wal-Mart retail model, which is the corporatists wet-dream. Apparently without seeing the irony.
---
Republican Party policy is ONLY pro-corporation. Their propagandists claim that they are the party of business but that ONLY APPLIES TO MONOPOLISTS and MULTI-NATIONAL CORPORATIONS.

Posted 1 year ago #
dawsonct
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Instead of watching some crappy SNL alumnus film, take 1.5 hrs. and watch this.
It isn't JUST Wal-Mart, they are symbolic of the culture, but they ARE so monolithic, they are driving down labor and environmental standards WORLDWIDE.
Viva laissez faire capitalism, I guess, right? Let the Objectivists rule, screw the rest.

Posted 1 year ago #
Milltown
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!

Posted 1 year ago #
WSMom
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I love our West Seattle Junction shopping and am grateful for the small business owners who help make our community vibrant and strong.

Posted 1 year ago #
yeah-me
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I love Marshalls in west wood village! They have womens, mens, and childrens clothes...
And the many drugstores (bartells, rite aid, etc) provide lots to choose from for makeup (not sephora, but good selection).

Posted 1 year ago #
ellenater
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I like this thread.

I don't think it has to be all or nothing. I hate chains and stuff too but a few of them are nice and, agreeing with Donna Ryan, do bring in business!! I enjoy outdoor pedestrian malls and love a mixture of boutiques and chains. I really can't stand the all or nothing attitude of one or the other. Why not some of each!

I shop online too but prefer in person...

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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MercyMoi...

Ah Fury....
consignment shopping with an edge
It's a good thing for my pocketbook that I seldom stop in Madison Valley.
that's all i can say.

Posted 1 year ago #
lucky chick
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Shoes, a cocktail dress (sorry, but I'll never buy a dress at a place called "Dress Barn." moo!), a swim suit, boots - all failed purchasing ventures for me recently. Oh well, at least we have loads of grocery options, killer breakfast spots, and now Cycle U!

Posted 1 year ago #
dgirl
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My favorite dresses in my closet came from Sweeties and Carmilia's. Clementine has some very, very cool shoes, boots and purses. Look for sales and browse often! I love my "exclusive" West Seattle stores.

Posted 1 year ago #
Bluesmom
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This is a fun thread!

I have had great boot success at Funky Jane's and Cherry Consignment. Also found a cocktail jacket at Funky's! My best find ever is a gorgeous black wool pea coat like they just don't make anymore.

I get a lot of basics like socks, tights, etc at Marshalls.

Yes, some cosmetics from the drug stores are fine - but sometimes I want to splurge on Stila or Benefit!

I love shopping the small stores in West Seattle and really believe you can find great stuff at very reasonable prices - it takes some exploring - but that is what makes it an adventure..and what makes WS special to me.

Posted 1 year ago #
lucky chick
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Good advice! I clearly judged without looking around enough, since I never went in some of the store mentioned here. Next time I'll be a better sport (although online works for me).

Posted 1 year ago #
WSB
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Kids' clothing:

Glad Donna Ryan has weighed in, as she was the first place that came to mind. I lost track of whether consignment was ruled out, but there is smallclothes
http://smallclothes.info/

as well as Again and A Gain.
http://www.againandagain.net/

If you haven't checked lately, I'd guess you'd be surprised at the quality of consignment clothing. And kids' clothing is ripe for it since anyone who's had a child in the family knows how short a time any given growing kid can wear any particular item!

Thanks all for sharing your ideas as always and for supporting locally owned, independent businesses (of which WSB is also one).

Posted 1 year ago #