Your favorite Junction shop?

Quiet night, weather’s turned miserable again, nothing in WS seems to be making news right about now. So how about a little discussion? Tell us about your favorite shop (non-food/beverage, please, we’ve talked about all THAT enough for a while) in The Junction. We’ll start — Pegasus Book Exchange. You can take in books to sell, and you get credit applicable to part of the price of anything there you want to buy, same day or even years into the future. So what’s your fave? Leave a comment!

Sue February 17, 2007 (8:07 pm)

I really like Zamboanga – it’s such an eclectic store that I just love to browse. I also like the Friends & Company craft store. My husband spends a lot of his time in Rubato Records.

dunsany February 17, 2007 (10:05 pm)

Easy Street

Admiral Janeway February 17, 2007 (10:55 pm)

Capers. I know… you can also eat there, so my second choice is J.F. Henry.

The House February 18, 2007 (12:43 am)

For me…Easy Street. For the little one…Curious Kidstuff.

Hills February 18, 2007 (7:35 am)

I have 2!
Northwest Art & Frame: they have so many cool ‘gifty’ items, their holiday decorations & cards are always unique, and their supply section is great.
Second up is Carmilia’s: I love boutique stores, and this one is not as spendy as Sweetie (which I still go to for sales!).

Trevor F. Smith February 18, 2007 (7:46 am)

Time and Time A Gain usually has a good deal or two, hidden among the strangely priced items.

This is the year that I started spending more time in hardware stores than record stores, so I’ve seen the inside of the Junction True Value more than Rubato or Easy Street’s music wing.

Gina February 18, 2007 (8:11 am)

Key Bank.

T. De February 18, 2007 (8:18 am)

I like Jan’s – a couple of doors south of Radio Shack. People may think it’s strictly a beauty supply shop, but you can get darn near any hair product you want there… and if you poke around you can find other interesting stuff. In the spring and summer they have really great tanning towels and there’s always wonderful little bits of jewelry and bath products that come and go. The ladies in the store are fun to talk with.

jd February 18, 2007 (8:57 am)

Before continuing, let me just say that the Junction is way better and more exciting than it has been in decades, mostly owing to the great restaurants, bars, cafes, and bakeries (special shout out to Godsend ‘Bakery Nouveau’). Plus all the little boutiques and whatnot being started by mostly thirtysomething women. Now then…

Current: Easy Street (although they serve food). So many people gathering. That’s what makes a street hum. All neighborhood business district street corners should have such community gathering places (not nutritional supplement super stores).

In the mists of memory:
West Seattle Speedway and Hobby
Penny Lane
Turnabout
Shallit’s (sp?) Shoes (go see “Uncle Barney” – He’ll make your toe squeak)
Alfieri’s Delicatessen (not really at the Junction – location of Buddha Ruksa)
Leg Room (get your “big bell” Levis, kids!)
Junction Feed & Seed

And the worst: PetCo. Or is it PetSmart? Not really their fault. That old grocery store is just the wrong scale, is hostile to the street environment, and generally needs redevelopment. And who needs a big corporate pet store when we have (at least) three cool pet supply shops – one each at Morgan, the Junction, and Admiral? Sorry guys.

K February 18, 2007 (9:27 am)

I have a three way tie… NW Art & Frame (gotta love a place outside of the ‘burbs where you can get ribbon – and by the yard at that!), Funky Jane’s, and Easy Street. Oh, one more that I like is Edie’s (especially when they have sales!).

Jiggers February 18, 2007 (9:55 am)

The Liquor and Wine store is my favoirte.

Ms_F February 18, 2007 (10:42 am)

Can I mention an Admiral District store? I love “Click” — very cool, high-design gift items and stuff for the home; and one-of-a-kind jewelry made by the West Seattle owner. I did all my Christmas shopping here, and it’s just around the corner: http://clickdesignthatfits.com/

Todd in Westwood February 18, 2007 (10:45 am)

Does anyone remember Dogmeat’s Records or am I having a halucintion from all the cold pills I have been taking?
Current fav is West Seattle Anitque Mall and Rubato Records.

Oliver February 18, 2007 (11:32 am)

Next to Nature has the best wholesome food and treats for your furry friends. And, best of all, they are NOT more expensive than the mega-chain PetCo.

Curious Kids has the best developmental-appropriate and not-annoying toys anywhere.

Keith February 18, 2007 (12:14 pm)

This is a tough one because the Junction is home to so many great businesses.

While I probably spend more time and money in Easy Street than anywhere else, I have to give a shout-out to Square One Books as my latest and greatest favorite. I walked by that store many times before finally discovering their great selection and knowledgeable staff.

The one thing I find in common with all the businesses around the Junction is how friendly and personable most of the people working are. (I second the comment about the ladies of Jan’s!) Most of my Xmas 06 shopping was done around the Junction and it was a lot more enjoyable than dealing with a mall.

Jan February 18, 2007 (12:23 pm)

Dogmeats …a record store near Husky’s Deli…the owner was Dave…I can’t remember his last name…a funny colorful guy…he was a Seafair Pirate for a while..succumbed to cancer quite a few years ago, I believe…

pops February 18, 2007 (1:05 pm)

Yeah, I remember Dogmeat’s. It was either in the space that’s now Arts West or maybe the Great Harvest, south of Key Bank but not past the always swellegant Pogie. I also remember that the owner became very ill very fast and his family didn’t want to go on because the business was his thing.

I’ve been in Rubato’s a few times and I found that the help mistook me for a urninal on each and every occasion.

Can I put my .02USD in for Quid Nunc?

They’re always friendly and you always get your question answered correctly the first time.

Jo February 18, 2007 (1:43 pm)

And since you mentioned Pegasus Books, I vote for them. Fred, the owner, is friendly and always helpful, just ask and he knows where it is. I make special trips to the Junction just for Pegasus.

Joe February 18, 2007 (2:06 pm)

Curious Kidstuff, hands down. Great toys, Great books and VERY friendly staff ;)

K February 18, 2007 (3:30 pm)

I would have to say that I’m an Easy Streeter all the way. I could get lost in the vinyl music section! Found some great gems there lately! I also second the shout out to Jan’s Beauty Supply! Sweetest staff in the world!

Jiggers February 18, 2007 (4:32 pm)

K–

Just like you, I can get lost looking at all of the Liquor and Wine selections for hours.

Marge C February 18, 2007 (6:07 pm)

I’d like to add Terjung’s Studio Of Gifts – great place for greeting cards. Love NW Art & Frame and Curious Kidstuff as well.

Trevor F. Smith February 18, 2007 (6:39 pm)

Is there a good junction business listing online?

Lauren February 18, 2007 (7:38 pm)

I’m partial to the Husky, myself

Administrator February 18, 2007 (9:00 pm)

The Junction website has a business guide
http://tinyurl.com/23j3nm
but hard to tell how updated it is. For example, Clementine and Divina and Georgia Blu aren’t listed in the “clothing” category.

The House February 18, 2007 (10:11 pm)

Ahhh, yes. The Liquor Store….I almost forgot. I prefer the Morgan Junction one more…I like to stroll past the bikers next door with my JD or Makers Mark all bagged up.

Jan February 18, 2007 (10:28 pm)

for some sort of business directory, you might also try http://www.westseattle.com…..it‘s sometimes not the most up to date, and only as good as the businesses that sign up to be listed…

Mags February 19, 2007 (9:00 am)

Wasn’t Dogmeat’s actually Turnabout records or was it Dogmeat’s turnabout records? I remember there was a “special” vhs section behind a black curtain….there were many short lived spaces in the junction..Plaid Penguin which I used to love.

Katherine February 19, 2007 (11:32 am)

I’d like to split my vote between Quid Nunc and True Value. Both have patient, knowledgeable people who never seem to mind answering my ignorant questions. Also, I just discovered that Westside Cleaners has a lady who does alterations. She put a new zipper in, saving me the cost of a new coat. Not to mention having to go shopping for one.

Jan February 19, 2007 (6:20 pm)

Mags…you’re right…it started out as Turnabout Records….he added the “Dogmeat’s” later…

Eden February 19, 2007 (10:17 pm)

Rubato Records gets my vote, but Pegasus Books is a close second!

Mary February 22, 2007 (12:09 pm)

I like bargains, so I like the Discovery Shop and Many Moons (thrift shops) and of course, Pegasus Books. Fred is cool!

Tracy February 23, 2007 (8:31 pm)

I also vote for Pegasus Books. Fred is great but the new young guy is also wonderful. I take armfuls of books and leave with just as many. It is cute and quaint and I love the fact that they just leave piles of books on the floor.

Sorry, comment time is over.