8 Best Shopping in University District, Seattle

Forget going obsolete—this shop shows how video stores can keep up with modern viewers. One of the biggest and best independent film shops in the country can be found on Roosevelt Way, where 145,000 rare, out-of-production, foreign, and mainstream films are available to rent and buy. Scarecrow's friendly staff are bona fide film geeks—pick their brains for suggestions, or stop by for one of the non-profit shop's many in-store events.

Crossroads Trading Co. carries dependably cute and trendy used clothes, bags, and accessories. Their buyers screen each item, so you won't be stuck poring over a rack of stained T-shirts. It's all clean, bright, and fun.

With designers ranging from Mihara Yasuhiro to Nike, this sneaker store has an extensive brand selection that's perfect for the eclectic Capitol Hill neighborhood. With its emphasis on "less is more," the clean white space creates the illusion of art gallery rather than shoe retailer. They also have a wide variety of apparel and bags.

Primarily a video game store, here you'll find a huge variety of new and used classics and rare games for all consoles, with a focus on imported and retro games going back to Atari times. They also carry toys and their own branded merchandise, which is pretty snazzy. They have a second store in the International District.

Nostalgia rules in this cavernous space filled with well-organized, good-quality (and sometimes pricey) vintage and new clothing. Fantasy outfits from decades past—complete with accessories—adorn the dressing rooms. It's a go-to spot for stylists and thrifters. Fun fact: this funky shop was one of the locations in Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” video.

Campus bookstores are usually rip-offs to be endured only by students clutching syllabi, but the University of Washington's store is a big exception to that rule. This enormous resource has a well-stocked general book department in addition to the requisite textbooks. Author events are scheduled all year long. Check out the bargain-book tables and the basement crammed with every art supply imaginable. They also carry a good selection of UW Husky gear if you need a souvenir and plenty of local gifts.

Make a beeline here for fabulous upscale shopping and good restaurants in a pretty, outdoor, tree- and fountain-laden shopping village. You can have your fill of chains like Williams-Sonoma, Banana Republic, L'Occitane, Crate & Barrel, Sephora, Aveda, Warby Parker, H&M, Madewell, Apple, Anthropologie, and Kiehl's. If you get enough of that at home, however, there are a few unique gems among the batch, including the excellent Village Maternity Store, candy wonderland The Confectionery, and local artsy chain Fireworks. Note that parking here can be tough, especially in the holiday season, and the atmosphere is slightly snobby. If you're in the mood to walk a bit farther, go immediately to one of the free parking garages.