Journalists’ Reference Guide

Retail with a Flair

The Greater Seattle region offers a strong and diverse retail sector. Many of our stores initiated trends that have swept the nation. Greater Seattle is home to Nordstrom, which revolutionized customer service in department stores. In addition, Eddie Bauer, REI (Recreational Equipment Inc), Costco, Starbucks, Seattle’s Best Coffee and Redhook Ale Brewery were all founded here.

The retail industry serves not only the local market of more than two million consumers; it serves the entire Northwest as well. Greater Seattle is only a two-hour drive from Canada, and Canadian shoppers frequently avail themselves of the many and varied stores located here.