Are you from out of town or just wondering what kind of shopping there is in Thurston, Pierce and King Counties? Well, you are very close to a ton of great shopping areas within an hours distance to all the shopping you can dream of. Trust me… I know my shopping!
(Distance from Fort Lewis, WA is annotated)
Let’s start off with the malls of the area…
(20miles) Westfield Capital Mall in Olympia, WA This is a great mall if you are close by, but nothing spectacular. I wouldn’t travel to come here. It has all the typical mall stores; JcPenny’s, Macy’s, American Eagle, Hollister, Best Buy, Children’s Place and the Gap.
(12miles) Tacoma Mall in Tacoma, WA This mall is large and has more variety then the Capital Mall. The main stores are; Nordstroms, Macy’s, JcPenny’s, A/abercombie, Old Navy, Eddie Bauer, Coach, Papaya etc.
(24miles) The Commons Mall in Federal Way, WA This is a typical mall with basic shopping and not very large inside. But if you’re just looking for the basics and close by, I’d shop here.
(33miles) Westfield South Center Mall in Tukwila, WA Now this is the mall of all malls! If you have the time and want some major shopping, this is the place to be. I get lost every time I go here. Leave the men and children at home on this one; you’ll be here for hours. This mall has over 240 stores and 50 restaurants/fast food, where ever you like to shop, they’ve got it.
(45miles) Westlake Center in Seattle, WA This mall is very unique. Bring some serious money if you want to shop here. Its four stories, the top being the food court. Don’t come here if you’re looking for the typical mall selection, all these stores are one of kind.
If you are more of an outlet mall shopper, we have…
(25miles) The Super Mall in Auburn, WAiles) This is my favorite so far… The mall is 1 mile around and takes you in a loop. It has a Nordstrom’s Rack, Banana Republic, Children’s Place, Carters, Gymboree, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Layne Bryant and Wilson’s Leather.
(83miles) Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, WA Now this is the place I have always wanted to go but haven’t been yet. It sounds amazing with high end outlet stores. They have; Coach, Burberry, Adidas, DKNY, Guess, Kenneth Cole, J. Crew, BCBG, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor… over 110 stores. Worth the drive!
(54miles) Premium Factory Stores in North Bend, WA This outlet strip has 50 stores to choose from including Zumiez, Bass, Coach, Eddie Bauer and Gap.
(38miles) Centralia Factory Outlets in Centralia, WA I like to go here on occasion for the Quicksilver and Famous Footwear outlet. But they also have other stores like, Gymboree, Nike Clearance, Bath & Body Works, Helly Hansen, and Ralph Lauren. Remember it is on both sides of the freeway so don’t forget to drive to the other side.
Of course there is great downtown shopping with thrifty and unique stores in the big cities… Olympia, WA (16miles) Tacoma, WA (14miles) Seattle, WA (45miles) Redmond, WA (55miles)
Another cool place that I have to tell you about is IKEA. This is the best place to find just about anything for the home, at a reasonable price and in modern fashion. Plan at least a couple of hours to shop around so you don’t miss anything. IKEA also provides free day care for 1 hour at a time. Don’t forget to enjoy the Swedish meatballs in the cafeteria! Located in Renton, WA (37miles)