SHOPPING AT SEA-TAC IS ALL ABOUT LOCAL FLAVOR
NATALIE COMPAGNO TELLS US ABOUT HER FAVORITE SPOTS TO SHOP
Seattle Tacoma International Airport--Sea-Tac as it is affectionately known-showcases local designers, artists, and icons, making a last minute gift or souvenir purchase easy and fun. “I love the way Sea-Tac supports the small, indie businesses,” Stephanie Hara, co-owner of Show Pony, explains about why she moved into the C Gates earlier this year. Show Pony is a longtime Seattle hot spot in the Fremont area and recently opened a second location in the airport. Show Pony spotlights local designers, fashion, and jewelry, as well as gift items. “Sometimes I can’t even keep up with the re-stocking,” says Hara about the success she has been experiencing in the new location.
It’s much more than business as usual at Sea-Tac for Hara. She loves the exhilarating momentum of the days, meeting people from all over the globe, and hearing about their adventures. She also appreciates introducing her favorite designers to these travelers. They love the quirky Revival Ink hand screen printed tees and sweatshirts, which feature an octopus or otter holding a coffee mug. How very Seattle! Daily Bird leather earrings and Veronica & Harold jewelry are also best-sellers. Show Pony is a perfect stop for style, gifts and local tips. Right next door, Seattle Chocolates is a must-visit for chocoholics. A great gift for friends and family back home are the delicious truffle bars that have apropos names like “Overcast Sea Salt” or “Rainy Day Espresso”. Delectable truffles in souvenir Space Needle and Seattle ferry boat boxes are also available. It will be hard not to sample these gifts before they are given.
Music fans should flock to the C Gates for the retail location for legendary Seattle label Sub Pop. This iconic brand broke most of the huge bands that made grunge music in Seattle famous, including Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Mudhoney. Stock up to earn massive points at home: Sub Pop merch is the coolest gift in Seattle for music lovers aged 15 to 50. Their book collection is second to none and makes great in-flight reading.
Concourse B has the perfect shop for aviation addicts who long for the Golden Age of Travel. – Planewear – with aviator jackets, Pan Am bags, luggage labels, vintage maps, and bag tags, plus a Junior Aviator section that entice passengers who walk by. Glassybaby is a local phenomenon; visitors can find the shop near the A Gates. Pick up the colorful hand-blown glass votives made in Seattle. 10% from every purchase is donated to the Glassybaby white fund to give financial and emotional assistance to those in need.
For the last stop on the Pacific Northwest shopping tour head to the Central Terminal and duck into Made in Washington. They carry smoked salmon, lavender products, candles, and Washington apples to make leaving the airport--and Seattle--behind a little less difficult.