Seattle’s small shops fear losing identity, independence
Angela Nichols’ last landlord admitted during lease negotiations that Funky Janes Consignment store didn’t present the right image for the West Seattle shopping center.
The vintage flowered skirts, sailor dresses, used designer jeans and corset-shaped purses apparently didn’t jibe with offices and franchise stores, she said.
Now, with the West Seattle Junction preparing for a wave of new development, the store may be displaced a second time. A proposed project at the center of that retail district will likely drive out some businesses now paying cheaper rents – Funky Janes, a used-record store, sports bar, cobbler, barber shop.
As retail space in new mixed-use buildings across Seattle is gobbled up by national chains, many are concerned about losing West Seattle’s independent essence.
“That’s what I’m worried about with this new development – that their vision doesn’t include a Rubato Records, that it doesn’t include me,” said Nichols, owner of the 22-year-old consignment shop. “It probably would include a Red Robin or a Gap or an iPod store.”
National companies are so efficient at selling sandwiches, cell phones or suntans that they can afford the high rents that come with new construction. Many developers welcome the near-guaranteed income stream.
