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General Info
Shops in the United States may be very similar or quite different from those in your home country. Purchasing food, supplies, clothing, personal items, and the like can be challenging, annoying, normal, or an adventure. Generally, shopping is “self service” in that you place your purchases in a cart or basket and bring items to a cashier for purchase. Do not place items in your pockets as store employees will think you are stealing or shoplifting.
Bargaining is only for buying cars, major appliances, and at garage sales. Price tags do not include sales tax of 8.8%, which will be rung up by the cashier. Keep the receipt for a purchase, as you may need to return the item to the store. Some items cannot be returned, such as merchandise sold at reduced prices, some food items, and clothing you have already worn. Be sure to check the store’s policy regarding returns and exchanges before purchasing, but it’s usually very easy to make a return.
You may save money while shopping by using coupons or watching weekly advertisements in newspapers. Coupons offer a price reduction, can be for a specific size and quantity of a product, and must be used by a certain expiration date. To receive your discount, give the cashier the coupon before you pay for your purchase. Many grocery stores offer “discount or advantage” cards, which are free; however, you must supply the store with personal information such as your name, phone number, and address. Store or generic brand products are usually less expensive than national brand name products.
Cooking items and food can be found in grocery stores, while snack items and sundries are found in convenience stores. You have a few options for purchasing food: national chain grocery stores, local grocery stores, natural food stores, and farmer’s markets. Prices can differ from store to store, so comparison-shopping is a good idea if you’re on a tight budget. For cuisine-specific food, check under “Grocers” in the Yellow Pages.
The following is a list of some grocery stores in and near the U-District:
QFC (national chain)
U-Village
2746 NE 25th
(206) 523-5160
www.qfconline.com
Whole Foods Market
(national natural food market)
Roosevelt Square
1026 NE 64th St.
(206) 985-1500
www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Safeway (national chain)
4732 Brooklyn NE (also, one near the U-Village)
(206) 522-4565
www.safeway.com
PCC Natural Markets
(local food cooperative)
6514 40th Ave. NE
(206) 526-7661
www.pccnaturalmarkets.com
Trader Joe’s (small, unique chain)
4601 Roosevelt Way NE
(206) 547-6299
www.traderjoes.com
U-District Farmer’s Market
University Heights Center (corner of 50th and University Way)
Open May-November, on Saturdays
http://www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org/
Uwajimaya
(large Asian grocer, in the International District and Bellevue)
600 5th Ave. S, Suite 100
(206) 624-6248
www.uwajimaya.com
You must be 21 years of age or older to buy any form of alcoholic beverage, and to enter most bars. You must show proof of age with a state-issued ID or passport. If you are under 21 and are found with alcohol, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and face a heavy fine, and your visa will be affected. If you supply a minor with alcohol, you can also be charged. To purchase hard liquor, you must buy it at a State-controlled store. You can buy beer and wine in grocery stores. You can also purchase alcohol in bars and clubs. Alcohol is often available in restaurants, too. Even though there is no age requirement to enter restaurants in Seattle, you must be 21 to buy alcohol there.
University Bookstore
The University Bookstore is a great place to buy textbooks, stationery, and other student supplies. The main bookstore, located on The Ave., is where you can buy textbooks and computer supplies. You can also find a branch on the first floor of the HUB. Check out their Web site for further details.
http://www.bookstore.washington.edu
Patronage Refund
The University Bookstore offers a certain percentage back on all purchases made by full-time University of Washington students, faculty, and staff. Save your receipts throughout the year, and bring them to the bookstore in an official patronage refund envelope (these are available at the bookstore) by the end of June to receive your full refund.
Household items and Clothing
The U-District has a few drug stores, Rite Aid, Bartell Drugs, and Walgreens, where students frequently buy household items. The Ave. and the U-Village mall both have clothing stores, shoe stores, jewelry stores, and more. Beyond the U-District, large discount or super-chain stores such as Target or Fred Meyer have everything from disinfectant cleaner to CDs.
You can find good quality items at low prices in second hand shops, and at garage and yard sales. Below are some local resources to help you find used goods.
Craigslist, www.seattle.craigslist.org
Value Village, www.valuevillage.com
Goodwill, www.goodwill.org
Salvation Army, www.salvationarmy.org
Also look in the “Garage Sales” section of the classified advertisements of local papers for small sales at individual homes.
Value Village (popular stores for used clothing and Halloween costumes): Capitol Hill: 1525 11th Ave., (206) 322-7789 (bus 49, 43)
Ballard: 8700 15th Ave. NW, (206) 783-4648 (bus 44)
Lake City: 12548 Lake City Way NE, (206) 365-8232 (bus 72)
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