When Renton residents shop at local stores, it helps the community thrive.
“The money goes back into the community, versus shopping online or in chain stores,” said Mary Clymer, owner of happy delusions. “Tell them to shop locally.”
With the downturn in the economy, small retail businesses are looking to their community for support. About half of Clymer’s sales are made between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“There are many businesses that are struggling to hang on,” said Alex Pietsch, Renton’s Community and Economic Development administrator.
The past few years the city has invested heavily in retail, in particular at The Landing where the city developed much of the infrastructure, such as roads.
“One of the challenges that Renton has had for a long time is that we haven’t had retail shopping,” Pietch said. “The retail offerings in Renton are growing.”
Before heading to Southcenter or Bellevue for holiday shopping, consider a few locally owned retail shops in Renton.
happy delusions
Happy delusions is arguably the most popular gift shop in Renton.
Clymer hosts independent crafters, jewelers and artists from around the country with about half her stock made locally.
Located in the heart of downtown, the clean and bright shop is great for browsing.
From stone necklaces and handmade wind chimes to indie-rocker bags, it has a youthful spark and a variety of styles.
Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, open until 2 p.m. Christmas Eve. 924 S. 3rd St., Renton. For more information call 425-255-6078 or visit happydelusions.com.
A handmade wind chime hangs in the corner of happy delusions, which sells independent crafts, art and jewelry.
Celeste Gracey/Renton Reporter
Poggi Bonsi
Combining locally designed ceramics, Italian imports and popular chef lines, Poggi Bonsi is a well-rounded specialty cooking store.
Two mothers, Keli DeRitis and Michelle Codd, opened their Burien store for their fondness of French cookware and Italian olive woods.
They have a new location at The Landing, which opened Nov. 21.
Offering premiere cookware from Le Creuset and All-Clad, the store has beautiful imported dishes, some designed by the owners.
It also has a healthy amount of kitchen gadgets, linens and decorations.
Their grand opening is Dec. 4 from 5-9 p.m.
It’s located just across the street from the Landing theater, 920 S. 10th St., Renton. It’s open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-6 p.m. Sunday. For more information call 206-859-6401 or visit poggibonsigifts.com.
G.H.Y. Bikes
Owned and run by passionate cyclists, G.H.Y. Bikes started as a shop for downhill and free ride bikers about five years ago.
The shop is known for its custom work, but the storefront is loaded with a variety of bicycles from thin road bikes to beach cruisers.
“We’re a downtown family bike shop,” said three-year employee Jesse Debortole.
There’s a large selection of kids’ bikes, even one without pedals for toddlers.
The shop emphasizes quality over cost, but they try to match most online prices.
Their winter hours are 11 a.m.-7p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 12-5 p.m. Sunday, 909 S. Third St., Renton. For more information call 425-227-4825 or go to ghybikes.com.
Wayne, left, and Leesa Kofmehl, right, opened All Things Wine in the Highlands about two and a half years ago. The knowledgeable and friendly owners can also make custom gift baskets.
Celeste Gracey/Renton Reporter
All Things Wine
With three free wine tastings a week, it couldn’t hurt to give All Things Wine a visit.
Having about 700 wine labels, the Highlands wine shop specializes in boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest.
Though about 70 percent of their stock is local, the shop carries wines from around the world. It also has over 100 types of cold beer.
Owners Leesa and Wayne Kofmehl are knowledgeable and love to answer questions and help customers pair wine.
“We also have all the accessories you can imagine,” Leesa said. The shop can make customized gift baskets, or help customers pick out a nice gift for a friend.
11 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 4605 N.E. Fourth St., Renton. For more information call 425-254-8400 or visit allthingswineonline.com.
The Comic Den
After being burned out of its downtown shop in June, the Comic Den set up shop on nearby South Third Street.
Though most of Howard Wheatly’s clientele are older than 25, the books make great stocking stuffers. The walls of the shop are also lined with popular action figures.
On occasion, Hercules, Wheatly’s dog, welcomes customers into the shop. Though the storefront is poorly lit, the atmosphere is friendly and the owner is knowledgeable.
It’s open noon-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, 822 S. Third St., Renton.
