Petco moving to a new West Seattle Junction location: Capco Plaza

| Pets | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

When we first reported on Tuesday that the Junction liquor store was moving to Capco Plaza at 41st/42nd/Alaska, we were also trying to confirm that another Junction business planned to move into that building too. This afternoon, that confirmation has just come through: Petco will leave its California SW storefront (photo) later this year and move into Capco Plaza.

We originally had checked a few days ago with Petco and with Capco’s owner/developer Leon Capelouto, after a WSB’er pointed us to this real-estate listing for Petco’s current California SW spot. The listing page says “tenant relocating” – something many had expected was inevitable, based on the fact it’s been known for more than three years that Petco wanted a new West Seattle location. (You may recall the proposal that fell through three years ago at the site of the Charlestown Café.)

We subsequently found Petco mentioned on this city webpage for the Capco Plaza space. Though no one was ready to confirm it a few days ago, the lease has since been signed, according to Petco, whose media-relations department just called WSB to say it’s official: They expect to open their new West Seattle store in Capco Plaza this fall (the space once was planned as an Office Depot, but that fell through). No date set yet for when the current Junction store will close.

JBL February 18, 2011 (3:49 pm)

Man…that’s a large space to fill. I hope it doesn’t stay vacant for long.

Petert February 18, 2011 (3:54 pm)

That’s the spot I thought TJs would go to, had it been vacated. It’ll be interesting to see who moves in. It is *indeed* a big space to fill. The only existing retailed in the Junction that I can think of who’d actually *need* more space is West Seattle Antiques, although the Petco space doesn’t appear to really be that much bigger.

CB February 18, 2011 (4:00 pm)

I hope something good goes in there. I wonder if they will break it up into smaller units? Seems like only national chains could afford the yearly six figure rent.

villagegreen February 18, 2011 (4:07 pm)

Breaking it into multiple spaces would be awesome! Imagine the possibilities. Man, I’ve been hoping Petco would leave for years. That place is such an eyesore on that block. Large chains like Petco definitely have their place, but not in a street level pedestrian area – especially if you’re going to let years go by between updating/cleaning your window displays. Petco and Capco – a match made in heaven!

DW February 18, 2011 (4:09 pm)

Table 35, Tom Yung Koom, the print shop and now Petco. That corner of the Junction is dying

Sir drink a lot February 18, 2011 (4:09 pm)

Get PETCO out of there, the junction is starting to get some really cool independent retailers. Let’s try to keep it that way. Petco is great, but there could be much cooler retail in the Junction then Petco.

Agen Schmitz February 18, 2011 (4:11 pm)

Agree that Petco has been an eyesore. doesn’t have to be that way — they could have made the windows look more inviting and less full of garbage. hopefully, they’ll be able to do this at Capco.

Junctionite February 18, 2011 (4:16 pm)

Much better space for Petco – with parking, but this will leave another big hole in West Seattle!

GenHillOne February 18, 2011 (4:16 pm)

Interesting observation, DW. Is Curious Kidstuff the only thing holding that end of the block together? If so…I hope “development” isn’t rolling around in anyone’s head.

kate February 18, 2011 (4:18 pm)

I, too, am ready for Petco to move on. Ditto Sir drink a lot! I love seeing the new indie shops and eateries. I’m kinda bummed to hear the Office Depot thing fell through, though. I’d love to buy office supplies and not have to drive to Staples in Westwood Village.

johnnyblegs February 18, 2011 (4:19 pm)

Bakery Nouveau could expand into that warehouse of a space. I envision an open air space filled with delicious smells of bread & pastries. Chocolate candy production will be open for everyone to see and drool over. A lot more seating for people to devour William’s goods. I like that idea.

csw February 18, 2011 (4:19 pm)

I like Petco being on California. Ok, they could update the front of the store. Is West Seattle so snooty that the whole street needs to be indepentent business?

ellenater February 18, 2011 (4:23 pm)

Agreed with csw. Diversity is nice and all boutiques is not. Gennnnntttttttrrrrrriiiiiffffiiiiiiccccccaaaatttttiiiioooooonn. It is pretty ugly though.

ann February 18, 2011 (4:24 pm)

One place that most definitely needs a bigger spot is Again and A Gain. It would be great to have a big kid’s consignment store. I can’t stand going in there now. I makes me claustrophobic just thinking about it.

I Wonder February 18, 2011 (4:26 pm)

Hear, hear csw! I wonder the same thing sometimes.

Paula T February 18, 2011 (4:45 pm)

The businesses are suffering because there is no decent parking on that end of the junction. When it was a Tradewell and later Petco, we could park in the back. Once they built on that lot, parking was lost and businesses started to tank.

DB February 18, 2011 (4:53 pm)

@ Paula T

I think you nailed it. Parking is so hard around there, unless you can walk to and from the store, its going to be hard to get business.

BB February 18, 2011 (4:54 pm)

Gotta figure out parking for businesses on that end. I think that is whats killing the eateries down there ever since the parking across the alley went away (although the old Guppy’s space hasn’t been able to support anything). That lot across from USBANK goes un-noticed. I don’t know what it is but I just cringe at paying for parking in the Junction. Even if its just $1-2…

ad February 18, 2011 (4:54 pm)

GREAT! I think this will give the PETCO management a chance to freshen up and start over. I’ve recently frequented to other Petco’s because I usually buy a heavy bag of dog food or cat litter, so I need parking close by. The WS Petco is MUCH funkier than other locations. I hope they take advantage of this new location!

I Wonder February 18, 2011 (4:56 pm)

Mayor McSchwinn has an idea: boost parking to $4/hr in the Junction to empty out the spots and create more parking spaces. Wonderful!!

Alki Area February 18, 2011 (5:07 pm)

Yeah! Maybe someone will tear that building down now! There are some GREAT vintage buildings in the Junction, and that ain’t one of them. I’ve always hated that ugly beige wall. And since PetCo lost their actual “lot” it’s been awkward. At least there’s plenty of free covered parking at the new spot (and a usually half empty free Junction street parking lot across the street from QFC too).

Yeah, I think the old Guppy’s spot has been cursed since they got kicked out too. The owner wanted something “different” and has had nothing but a string of failed businesses since then. Maybe it’s just haunted. ;-)

Rod February 18, 2011 (5:09 pm)

Great spot for a JC Penney’s!

Jay February 18, 2011 (5:12 pm)

I don’t understand why people think parking is such an issue in this area. I have never had any trouble finding parking in the vicinity. In fact there is even free three hour parking on 44th. Oh yeah and street parking is still free. I’ve lived in other cities where you would be lucky to find parking within a five minute walk from your destination; never have had a problem like this here. Come on people stop being lazy; it’s not such a bad thing to park a few blocks away and walk if you have to.

wsguy February 18, 2011 (5:17 pm)

G-8 place for a parking garage

maplesyrup February 18, 2011 (5:21 pm)

Jay for my wife the parking is an issue because she can’t lug a huge bag of dog food a couple of blocks. It’s annoying for me but I can do it. But I can see why that would be a deal killer for a lot of people.

JB February 18, 2011 (5:27 pm)

No parking? Perhaps you overlooked the two free public lots within a block. The first, just west of Petco where the farmers market takes place, and the second lot is right across from QFC. Or are we so lazy that if you can’t park on/under/adjacent to the location, then there’s “no parking nearby”? I’ve never had an issue parking in that area, either on street or in the public lots.

I Wonder February 18, 2011 (5:29 pm)

Jay, ever do down CA after 5pm? Its really not that open for parking. And as many great ideas as people want to have, its going to be a tough business with limited parking. If you’ve got such a great idea, then go for it. Otherwise, its strangling the core with a lot of specialty shops that need traffic to survive.

flowerpetal February 18, 2011 (5:37 pm)

Parking is exactly why Petco wanted out. If you are buying large bags of pet food you don’t want to park too far away.

Wsjeep February 18, 2011 (5:42 pm)

Maybe a mens clothing store could go in somewhere, that would be great. Or maybe a sports store.

Rod February 18, 2011 (5:59 pm)

The best parking situation in the entire city and people still need to complain. Unbelievable.

DP February 18, 2011 (6:18 pm)

I like Petco and am glad they are staying in West Seattle. We need a wide diversity of businesses to meet workforce and customer needs, not just small, independent ones. I’d love to see Bakery Nouveau expand — they are amazing!

austin February 18, 2011 (6:22 pm)

Yeah the parking complainers are seriously on another planet.

GenHillOne February 18, 2011 (6:31 pm)

Personally, I “complain” about parking because of what I carry from Petco (or used to carry when they had the lot). The new space will be much friendlier to shopping carts! I’m perfectly okay with availability for restaurants, etc.

Genesee Hill February 18, 2011 (6:33 pm)

I don’t want to walk more than 16 steps to and from a store. Total. And if I have to carry more than 3 pounds, that business should have a drive-thru.
I am very upset that the proposed new liquor store does not have a drive-thru. I buy a case of Prince Alexis vodka twice a week! What is wrong with this state and city?

A February 18, 2011 (7:12 pm)

Sorry..bad question but where is the Capco place???

Genesee Hill February 18, 2011 (7:16 pm)

New QFC near AK/CA junction.

homesweethome February 18, 2011 (7:31 pm)

the great thing about Seattle residents is that they think they are urban dwellers, but want suburban amenities…solution: buy a cheap foldy cart at Bartells, toss it into your trunk and when you must walk farther than a block to your destination, use your very own cart…this is how people in cities live

natinstl February 18, 2011 (7:37 pm)

I’m happy they’re staying, we shop there all the time, but it is tough trying to lug all that cat food and tubs of litter back to the car when you have to park far away. Hopefully parking will be much easier now.

Cheryl Phelps February 18, 2011 (8:06 pm)

I agree with the parking issue. I love West Seattle and have lived here a long time. It used to be going to the Junction area was a breeze, usually lots of parking. Now, I drive around and around looking for a parking space. The lots are full, the streets are full. Luckily, I don’t have a 9-5 job, so I can shop at different hours and find parking.

NotMe February 18, 2011 (8:40 pm)

I don’t think some folks can lug a 25 pound bag of dog food to their car very easily, especially when the car is some 4 or 5 blocks (or more) away from the store. Also, you can’t stop and get too many things at a time when you are hoofing it. Think before you bark at people for being lazy.

I Wonder February 18, 2011 (8:48 pm)

I always enjoy the people who complain about other people as if they’ve never complained before themselves. That must be an expensive glass house.

SV February 18, 2011 (8:55 pm)

It could become the West Seattle Blog headquarters….helicopter pad up top…reporters working full time, Vashon & Burien correspondents. Either that or a cooking school.

Gina February 18, 2011 (9:12 pm)

I think an A&P or a bingo hall would go well there.

ad February 18, 2011 (9:34 pm)

Here’s some ideas I think blog users might like:

-Headquarters for a campaign against 30MPH on Admiral Hill.
-Tear it down and build a dog park.
-Tear it down and build a huge (free) parking garage. :)

-Another Cupcake shop.

Heeheeehee.

Noelle February 18, 2011 (9:52 pm)

“Petco will leave its California SW storefront later this year and move into Capco Plaza.” – Happiness and JOY! Pet Loves of West Seattle will have parking again! Remember the Old PETCO store front lost its parking lot to the ‘new’ condo-highrise a long time ago. There is NOTHING like lugging a huge bag of kibble around in the rain when you had to park a block away.

flowerpetal February 18, 2011 (10:53 pm)

Petco is in the business of making money. What’s so difficult to understand about that. It is irrelevant if people should or should not walk a few blocks. People won’t even if they have a folding cart to keep in their car. So good for Petco I say. Their bottom line is making a dollar, and they have found a way to do that.

sun*e February 18, 2011 (11:33 pm)

Comment by Sir drink a lot: “Get PETCO out of there, Petco is great, but there could be much cooler retail in the Junction than Petco.”
.
I must agree… and I’m sorry it’s really NOT the best place for a pet store, especially when it no longer has that convenient parking in the alley.
.
Also, I must say I love that name: “Sir drink a lot” Too funny! :lol:

Jeremiah February 19, 2011 (12:36 am)

Man, I’d love to see a Boom Noodle/Tokyo Sweets go in here. And can we get a SBUX in the Table 35 space? That corner needs a strong anchor.

barbara jones February 19, 2011 (1:04 am)

A small department store would be nice….carrying essentials for men and women…a nice perfume area..and a nice women’s lounge inside for all the older ladies who need to rest a few minutes inbetween shopping…like the Bon downtown.

Paul February 19, 2011 (1:24 am)

As a vodka-drinking cat owner, this is definitely good news for me!

Mike February 19, 2011 (6:21 am)

When the condo/apartment complex was built on the parking lot everyone used to go to Petco, I figured they’d have to move eventually. Carrying 50lb of dog food across California Ave to the Junction parking lots if I don’t find one of a couple spots behind Petco is not exactly fun. I’ve actually spent about half there that I used to due to the lack of parking. I just go elsewhere. Unfortunately, Petco is the only store that carries Purina ProPlan around here.

WSB February 19, 2011 (7:32 am)

Since it’s come up a few times, just for accuracy’s sake, the complex on the site that includes former Petco parking is Mural (WSB sponsor), and is apartments, not condos. Three ground-floor businesses: Fresh Bistro, Wallflower Custom Framing, and Season’s salon. – TR

I. Ponder February 19, 2011 (8:50 am)

A cupcake superstore would be nice. Not enough cupcake choices.

Ahistorytip February 19, 2011 (9:33 am)

For those of you who haven’t been here that long, they did try a bingo place there.

Neighbor February 19, 2011 (10:29 am)

I’m with the Boom Noodle idea! It would be so nice to have a competently run restaurant with decent food. WS is a great fit. It’s affordable, quick if you need it and best of all family seating for those with kids and a nicely separated bar for those who don’t want to eat with those kids.
Thank god Petco is out, it’s a blight. Dirty and bizarre staff. It felt like a David Lynch movie in there at times.

Paul February 19, 2011 (10:52 am)

My dog says woof woof

DW February 19, 2011 (11:04 am)

It would be great to see a new University Book Store or a 2nd location of Elliott Bay Books there

Or a Nordstrom Rack :-)

Rick February 19, 2011 (11:37 am)

How about a nail salon super store. 300 stations – no waiting!

Kelly February 19, 2011 (12:28 pm)

I could really use a Goodwill/Value Village/St. Vincent closer than Burien. The antique stores north of the Junction are fun but don’t have practical things I need like clothes and housewares.

HJ February 19, 2011 (4:15 pm)

GenHillOne: Curious Kidstuff is not the only business left down there– there’s also Q Cleaners, Yummy Teriyaki, and Kathy’s Dance Studio. I’m not thinking development, as most of the businesses moving out have had it coming for some time (Petco has always wanted to move, TYK has been for sale for about a year now, and Table 35 was a disaster from the start).

sun*e February 19, 2011 (7:11 pm)

I miss Ovio Bistro. :-( It was the best restaurant in West Seattle!

MsEvelyn February 19, 2011 (8:28 pm)

I am with you Kelly! I, too, would love for a great thrift store, or Nordstrom’s Rack or bringing JC Penneys back to WS!! (Okay, I know, DREAM ON!!!). And food wise how about a Sizzler Restaurant. Affordable yet lot’s of good food choices…

wsguy February 19, 2011 (9:28 pm)

I have been posting as “wsguy” the last few years on this blog. I invite the person who has posted as wsguy on this thread to contact me at wsguy@comcast.com to discuss why he has chosen to post under this screen name.

Original wsguy

tab February 19, 2011 (10:13 pm)

I had no idea the QFC shopping area was called Capco Plaza. Learn something new everyday.

Tdyer February 19, 2011 (10:27 pm)

GOOD riddance — Petco off California –HOORAY

Gary February 19, 2011 (11:53 pm)

Maybe tear it down and replace with a multi-purpose building, say a ground level community activist center & gun shop next door. Upper levels could be a parking garage. Something for everyone!

Jen February 20, 2011 (12:35 am)

MsEvelyn said: “…or bringing JC Penneys back to WS!! (Okay, I know, DREAM ON!!!)”

YesEvelyn, dream big!! OMG, like a department store like JC Penney would ever be interested in some irrelevant area like West Seattle! I mean, a store of its caliber only deals with the big players, like Tukwila or Lynnwood. It would take a miracle for WS to land a discount department store that hasn’t been relevant for decades. DREAM ON, GIRL!!

WSB February 20, 2011 (1:08 am)

Perhaps sadly, JC Penney is actually one of the few places we can find clothing. The household is 2/3 male, and the shortage of men’s clothing in WS is well-known (the Chamber’s CEO has been known to remark that’s one of the few things people really do have to leave the peninsula to find)…I would love to buy clothes at West Seattle’s fabled boutiques but so far as I know, they don’t stock the extra-sizable size I wear. Not that I’m necessarily lobbying for a JCP in WS but yes, irrelevant as we may be (?), some of us do find ourselves shopping there now and again (as seldom as possible … I am trying to wear the work clothes I bought before leaving the corporate world until they are absolutely threadbare) … TR

sushi February 20, 2011 (4:00 am)

We need a department store!!!!!! we need a department store!!! we need a department store!!!

austin February 20, 2011 (7:58 am)

This move will decrease the distance I have to carry pet food by a tenth of a mile, from 1.2 miles down to 1.1 miles.

The real, original wsguy February 20, 2011 (8:26 am)

West Seattle- Snooty? Gentrified? Full of boutiques? What city do you think this is?
West Seattle is chock full nice shops and specialty stores but we are a galaxy away from snooty and gentrified. West Seattle is like the person that aspires to the popular clique, even though they they walk around with dirty bare feet, one tooth kicked in, and a lazy eye. And that my friends is what makes West Seattle appealing.

dawsonct February 20, 2011 (10:37 am)

I don’t feel that preferring a locally owned business over a national retail chain is snooty at all. In fact, it makes good economic sense: at the end of the day, local businesses keep their profits in the community, the national chain sends all of their revenues to headquarters.

dawsonct February 20, 2011 (10:55 am)

Yeah! Value Village!!
Or maybe a WS version of Madison Market/Central Co-op.

sun*e February 20, 2011 (11:18 am)

Macy’s is my “go to” store for clothes. How about a Macy’s? Nordstrom Rack wouldn’t be too bad either.

Sv February 20, 2011 (6:00 pm)

A small Nordstrom like the one that used to be in the u dist (across from where u bookstore is) would be wonderful.

Enid February 21, 2011 (7:47 am)

Next to Nature is only a block from PetCo, with parking right behind the store. They have higher quality products, better service, knowledgeable staff (Leanne is the greatest) and they will carry your big bags to your car for you.

I think a big retailer would be a terrible idea for the Junction. The appeal of West Seattle is in it’s small town charm; if you want Nordstrom (talk about unethical big corporations) downtown is a short bus ride away. Westwood Village might be an appropriate location for a Nordstrom Rack – not the Junction. Uniquely neighborhood icons such as EB Brewery and Easy Street seem to be doing just fine. I think this says something about the sense and sensibility of small over big.

Devon February 21, 2011 (9:00 am)

Yeah! More simi-trucks on 41st! Yeah!

grr February 22, 2011 (3:14 pm)

the ‘lack of parking’ crap cracks me up. What you mean is lack of FREE parking. Sheeesh..the few paid lots that are in WS aren’t THAT freakin’ expensive.
=
now..what SMART business there should do is find a way to create a ‘validated parking’ system that gives you some $ off your bill if you spend more than xxx $ or something like that.