News
No More Bartell Drugs
The 20 remaining stores will be rebranded as CVS locations
I popped into the Ballard Bartell Drugs the other day in search of some cold medicine. Shelves throughout the store were mostly empty, even in the pharmacy section. It’s been like this for years. It seemed only a matter of time that the iconic 135-year-old Seattle retailer would cease to exist. Drug store chain CVS…
‘A Flood Of Unprioritized Chaos’ During The Workday
Microsoft report breaks down the hectic, endless workday. The numbers are staggering.
We’re all overburdened with the constant flow of emails, chats and video meetings. Now, new research from Microsoft called “Breaking down the infinite workday” reveals just how overwhelmed we all actually are. The research, based on trillions of globally aggregated Microsoft 365 data, is fascinating. The average worker, for instance, receives 117 emails each workday…
First Taiwan Tourism Center Opens in Seattle
The center is the country’s first in the United States
Taiwan has chosen Seattle for its first Taiwan Tourism Information Center in the United States. The effort is part of the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s effort to expand its tourism presence across North America and deepen travel, cultural and business ties between Taiwan and the U.S. Seattle has had a sister city relationship with Kaohsiung, Taiwan,…
Think You Know Seattle?
Greater Seattle Partners releases a treasure trove of fascinating information
You already know that Amazon, Boeing and Microsoft are the region’s top employers. You may be aware that China is our top trade partner. But did you know that almost one-quarter of King County residents are foreign born? Or that more than one in five employees in the county work remotely? Did you know that…
Fresh from Switzerland
A world-renowned chocolatier lands in Tukwila and Bellevue this summer
There’s a new reason to detour through the mall: expertly made Swiss chocolate. Swiss brand Läderach is set to open its first Washington store in early July at Westfield Southcenter in Tukwila. A second location will follow at Bellevue Square in August. Läderach is best known for FrischSchoggi — slabs of chocolate embedded with nuts,…
The Fight for Affordable Housing
Advocates are stepping up efforts and eyeing new approaches
Doug Cox’s journey from inmate to entrepreneur was, to say the least, littered with challenges. Cox, a resident of Aspen Terrace — an affordable housing complex in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood — is in advanced patent discussions for an interactive toy he invented that mimics the sounds of dinosaurs, military devices, superheroes, and more. The…
The Art Behind the Frame
For 20 years, one Seattle agency has shaped the look of the city’s biggest film event
Each spring, SIFF sweeps through the city like a season of its own. Seattleites know the rhythm by now: the trailer drops, the posters go up, and the festival’s distinct look starts showing up everywhere. And while the films change from year to year, the team behind that visual identity has stayed the same. WongDoody,…
Microsoft President Brad Smith: ‘Never Take Your Strengths For Granted’
Washington state’s tech industry needs nurturing, support
Brad Smith is tired of politicians and others who take the state’s tech industry for granted. Smith, Microsoft’s president and vice chair, was the main attraction at the Tech Alliance State of Technology Luncheon May 20. He did not disappoint. During a wide-ranging 40-minute keynote conversation with Seattle magazine Publisher and CEO Jonathan Sposato, Smith…
Done Deal: Nordstrom Is Officially A Private Company
The deal with Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool is worth $6.25 billion
Nordstrom is now a private company. The iconic Seattle-based retailer has closed its $6.25 billion deal to go private with Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool in an all-cash transaction. Brothers Erik and Pete Nordstrom — great grandsons of company founder John W. Nordstrom — will lead the company as co-CEOs. Nordstrom common stock will…
Costco Limits Gold Bar Buys
Issaquah warehouse retailer began selling the bars two years ago
If you’re thinking of adding gold to your financial portfolio during a time of economic uncertainty, don’t plan on making a big buy at Costco. The popular Issaquah-based warehouse retailer just put a limit on gold bar purchases. Costco began selling gold bars in 2023. It’s estimated that the company sells more than $100 million…
Funko’s WNBA Deal Showcases Top Stars
Collectibles company creates Pop! figures of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, others
I love the Seattle Storm, and all things WNBA. My passion for women’s basketball even predates Caitlin Clark. My wife and I recently bought a partial season-ticket package, and my basketball-obsessed son closely analyzes games to help him improve. Now comes news that Everett pop culture collectibles company Funko has signed a deal with the…
BECU Scores Naming Rights For Storm Performance Center
The $64 million practice facility will be known as the BECU Center for Basketball Performance
Credit union BECU has secured the naming rights for the Seattle Storm’s basketball facility. The $64 million facility in Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood will now be known as the BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance. The center opened in April 2024. The Storm says the deal is the first for an independently owned WNBA team. The…