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Part of a $500 million development plan, this is the crown jewel of Seattle’s retail shopping centers. Stores include Tiffany & Co., Coach, Ann Taylor, Helly Hansen, Cartier, Pottery Barn, L’Occitane, Aveda, and Williams-Sonoma. The top level has an 11-screen AMC Theatre complex and several fine gourmet restaurants. There is also a skybridge connection to Nordstrom’s flagship store.

A collection of boutiques between Union and Spring Streets caters to customers for whom price is no object. Fox’s Gem Shop, Brooks Brothers, and St. John Boutique are the best stops for fine gems and jewelry and high fashion galore.

Renovated and repositioned as a stellar shopping destination this open-air mall just east of the UW has lovely landscaped walk-ways, fountains, restaurants, and stores that no longer attract just the resident graduate student population. Key stores include Abercrombie & Fitch, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Restoration Hardware, and Banana Republic.

The center has a four-tiered glass-enclosed atrium stacked with small regionally based shops, several chain stores, and a large food court. Made in Washington, April Cornell, Fossil, The Children’s Place, Mont Blanc, and Talbots are well worth visiting. Outside, Westlake Plaza attracts workers on break and also features seasonal concerts and public events.

John W. Nordstrom’s (see John Nordstrom (1871–1963)) shoe store, opened with his Alaska Gold Rush earnings in 1901, is now synonymous with impeccable service and quality merchandise. Hunting for fine apparel, elegant shoes, exquisite handbags, or other fashion accessories can be exhausting, so step into the in-store spa and salon for an unusual experience.

For less extravagant spenders, there’s what used to be the locally owned Bon Marche. The new name reflects investment and ownership by the famous Chicago department store chain, but locals still refer to this large store simply as the Bon. Find everything from linen to lingerie, and loveseats to luggage, all at reasonable prices.

A stroll along First and Second Avenues in the Belltown area leads to this ultrahip shopping destination, but you may witness remnants of some institutions along the way. Bushell’s Auction, which has been in business since 1906, always has something of value for the right buyer.

For a real taste of Seattle’s charming Wallingford neighborhood, discover a variety of local commerce along 45th Street, such as restaurants and shops, as well as the Wallingford Center, a converted turn-of-the-19th-century elementary school. Quite a few of these shops are for or about children, including L’il Klippers (haircuts), Imagination Toys, and Boston St. Baby Store.

A cavernous mini-city of upscale shops selling everything from imported chocolate to Louis Vuitton designer goods is in the base of Rainier Tower. Find entrances on any of the four sides of the complex, which occupies an entire city block. Be sure to visit the Jeffrey Moose Gallery for the latest in painting and sculpture. The underground concourse links up with the Washington State Convention Center (see Washington State Convention Center).

One of Seattle’s most original artist-designers, Stenderu’s shop is a celebration of unusual color treatments and texture. Her hand-dyed silk, velvet, and light knits employ signature touches with woodcut prints and original paintings. Browse her famous collection of long gowns, or purchase more practical quilts and pillows. There’s also a fine selection of scarves, hats, and bags. All items are one of a kind.