Where To Find Bargains In Seattle Year Round

Last Updated on November 30, 2019 by Estrella

I am writing this article–where to find bargains in Seattle year round–for those who just moved to Seattle. Whether you are an international student or an immigrant, you need to furnish your home and buy household items pretty much right away. And if you are staying for just a year or two, you may prefer not to invest in high ticket items. Here are some stores that offer what you may need.

UW Surplus Store

First, the UW Surplus Store . It’s located right across from U Village. The address is Plant Services Building, 4515 25th Ave NE, Seattle. It is open to the public every Tuesday from noon to 6 pm. The store sells all surplus items from UW departments and medical facilities. When a department doesn’t need something anymore, they send it to the surplus store.

Common items sold in UW Surplus Store

Some common items for sale include desks, chairs, file cabinets, keyboards, computer monitors, office supplies. Even binders for 25 or 50 cents. Chairs used in libraries are often sold for $5. And they are not in bad shape. I’ve seen computer monitors for around $40. If you are looking to furnish your apartment, and you are planning to stay here for a year or so, this could be a store to furnish your home.

Cords and adapters are often sold for a dollar. There are also art work, large tables, office chairs. The store gets new items everyday. Even bicycles from the UW police department.

The Surplus Store also sells new items

It’s not only used items. I’ve seen new athlete shoes sold for $10. New hospital scrubs for less than $5. The best thing to do is just to visit on some Tuesday and see for yourself.

The store auctions cars several times a year

UW Surplus store also holds 6 to 8 auctions a year. They sell cars, trucks, boats, even airplane! You can get on their mailing list. Here is a link to frequently asked questions. https://facilities.uw.edu/finadmin/movingandsurplus/strorefaq

Artist & Craftsman Supply

If you are an artist or an art student, one bargain store is Artist & Craftsman Supply. Art supplies can get expensive in regular stores, but the prices in this store are fairly reasonable. It’s located in the University District. The address is 4350 8th Ave. NE, Seattle. From the outside, it doesn’t even look like there’s a store. It’s next to Petco, but the entrance is on the side. If you park across the street, you can get free merchant parking. Just read the parking instruction first. Here’s a link to the store. https://www.artistcraftsman.com/

Daiso

This is the Japanese version of the dollar store, but with higher quality items. There are several Daiso’s in the Greater Seattle area–Bellevue, Lynnwood, Seattle, South Center, Federal Way. You can get kitchenware, nice gift bags, pretty bowls, storage solutions, peautiful greeting cards, even umbrellas.

Big Lots

Big Lots has expanded to include furniture. There are stores in Issaquah, Lynnwood, Everett, Marysville. Everyday items often have better pricing. From kitchenware to office supplies and storage solutions. Even Christmas lights.

Grocery Outlet

Although it’s a grocery store–a discount supermarket, Grocery Outlet also has good pricing on personal care and household items. They also carry orchids and Christmas gift items. You can find Grocery Outlet in Bellevue, Kirkland, Seattle, Kenmore, Lynnwood, Everett, Monroe, Bremerton, and Silverdale.

These are just a few of the bargain shops in Seattle where you can find items you use daily to furniture and art supplies. If you ask around, you can easily add to this list. And when you do, please send me an email so I can add them to my list. The address is support@englisharoundtheworld.com

If you find this article helpful, here is one on Free resources for immigrants in Seattle.

Estrella Chan coaches immigrants and international professionals in English fluency, interview skills, and public speaking.    To schedule a session with her, please email support@englisharoundtheworld.com