Seattle Shopping
Given the current economic downturn in the US, people have increasingly curtailed visits to the malls and boutiques. This is not surprising given that most shops that were once thriving business outlets are now rendered bankrupt or are in the process of filing for bankruptcy. Shopping was once considered a revolution that swept through the US and the rest of the world, transforming the very basis of a normal day. Presently however the story is an entirely different one. Malls are not the thriving hubs they used to be. Shoppers consider them only an absolute necessity, not a recreational activity or a source of enjoyment with family and friends. During a time such as this, any mall's worthiness would be judged upon how efficient it is in providing its customers with all their needs under one roof.
Seattle, like all or most other states in the US is a thriving business hub with an abundance of malls, boutiques, and thrift shops to its credit. For the purpose of this article emphasis would be on only those shopping centers that cater to a wide client base owing to their versatility in products, product outlets, and value for money.
The Pacific Palace is considered on of the best shopping malls in downtown Seattle. With its vast collection of clothing boutiques, both designer and retail for men, women and children, jewelry stores, household appliances, electronic equipment, stationery outlets, shoes, sporting goods, salons, banks, movie theatre, and ample affordable parking, the Pacific Palace has it all. No wonder it has been judged the premier shopping mall in downtown Seattle. The convenience of having such a mall in one's neighborhood cannot be ignored.
Another mall that has received considerable positive reviews is the Westfield Southcenter mall in Tukwila. Recently refurbished, this mall has a vast array of store options to choose from, making it an ideal one stop shopping experience. Whatever the customer's need maybe, Westfield would be guaranteed to supply it. Apart from the usual clothing stores, accessories departments, food outlets, shoes, jewelry boutiques, electronic stores and book stores, this mall is unique in that it accommodates home furnishing accessories, leather goods, sportswear, sporting equipment and specialty stores. Additionally, it has restaurants, an optical store, a wireless communication services centre, and a special children's and teen fashion store. Seattle Shopping
A short bus ride away from downtown Seattle is the Bellevue Mall. This is the ultimate cocktail of sophistication, extravagance and sheer pleasure. This upscale shopping experience is ideal for the shopper who does not mind splashing a few extra bucks. The Bellevue Collection as it is called consists of the Bellevue Square, the Bellevue Place, the Lincoln Square and the Luxury Bellevue. With each of these four categories being a unique experience in itself, it is not a wonder that the Bellevue Mall is referred to as the 'pulse of the New Northwest'.
The Westlake Center is another mind-blowing shopping experience that will not leave any customer feeling like he has not got his money's worth. With an endless list of designer and retail stores to choose from, the Westlake Center is ranked amongst the best shopping malls in Seattle.
Leaving the upscale malls and shopping centers behind, shopping in Seattle would not be worthwhile without a visit to the local thrift shops. The rationale behind this is the simple fact that the proceeds not only contribute towards a more eco-friendly shopping experience, it is by far the best option during these times of economic strife. The Bellevue Goodwill Store is probably the most prominent thrift shop in Seattle. The Salvation Army operates in Seattle just like it does in all other states in the US. St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is a thrift shop that offers its customers something more that the usual clothes, shoes and accessories. Collector's items such as pulp paperback novels, furniture, and kitchen and garden appliances also sit on the shelves of this store. Value Village has locations all over Seattle, making it easily accessible to those who cannot travel very far.
As a first timer shopping in Seattle, or a veteran shopper in the city, given the variety of malls, retail outlets, boutiques and thrift stores, there is nothing one would not find in the Emerald City, whilst still getting total value for money.
