Have one day in Seattle and was looking for some shopping ideas - more along the lines of artsy, one off stores (not chains). Any ideas would be very appreciated.

This link might be helpful:

http://www.nwsource.com/peoplespicks/2008/

What exactly are you shopping for? My 'hood, Fremont, is the self-proclaimed center of the universe and has some funky clothing, book, music, and housewares shops.

What exactly are you shopping for? My question, too.

That said, none of the shops in the Pike Place Market are chain stores. First Avenue and Pioneer Square are other downtown locations with one-of-a-kind stores.

Was looking for one of a kind art, pottery, jewellery, home kitsch, that kind of thing. Was at Pike Place a few years back and really loved alot of the shops (found one of a kind handbags, funky clothing, loved the shop that sold all the Mexican folk art). Hope this helps. And thanks for the replies thus far (doing more research on them now).

If you walk up Pike Street, you are likely to find shops of interest to you starting at about Summit. Have lunch at Boom--a trendy Japanese noodle house at the corner of Pike and 12th.

The entire area around the Pike Place Market is good. Especially for clothing and shoes. Along 1st Avenue from say around Seneca up to Bell or so... all kinds of great independent shops.

Not so sure where I'd go for art, pottery, household stuff though in the downtown area. Can't think of anything to suggest.

suze (in Seattle)

The Seattle Art Museum store (on First nr. Union) has a lot of nice things, although much of it can be obtained at other museum stores around the country.

There are also a fair number of design-forward shops in the Belltown and Regrade areas.

NinaM, if you go back to the market, look for Jim Chow's jewelry booth if you like sterling silver and semi-precious stones. Some very nice jasper pieces.

Try the Fireworks galleries -- there's one in Pioneer Square, one in Westlake Center, and one at the airport. They have some unique stuff. Seems to be there are some interesting "artsy" type stores in Pacific Place, too, but I can't remember any names offhand.