As part of the vision of developer Ron Sher, Third Place Books opened in Lake Forest Park's Towne Center in November 1998, offering visitors what sociologist Ray Oldenburg calls a "third place." After home, school or work, a third place gives people an opportunity to interact with others in the community who come from a wide variety of backgrounds.
In the store, customers can peruse nearly 200,000 new and used books, pick from 500 magazine titles, purchase six different newspapers and buy gifts and calendars. Third Place Commons, which is adjacent to the bookstore, features five restaurants and tables where people can eat, meet or relax and enjoy musical performances and other live entertainment, as well as hear from their favorite authors. Book events also take place within the bookstore. In addition, visitors can take advantage of free Wi-Fi for work or play.
The Costco in Shoreline is part of a national chain of wholesale warehouse location offering customer membership. It offers a variety of food and household products at affordable prices. This location also has a tire center, pharmacy and eye exam office.
Towne Centre Hardware in Lake Forest Park is not your average hardware store. While it has the usual departments you would find at a hardware store such as paint, gardening, power tools, lighting and plumbing, it also carries pet food, furniture, office supplies and arts and crafts supplies. The owners, brothers Tim and Joe Uhrich, grew up in the area and do their best to carry local brands and to cater toward the locals, giving Towne Centre Hardware a real community store feel. The owners do their best to listen to their customers and make sure they carry the products to fit their needs.
Wireless Connect offers prepaid cellular phones, accessories and internet access. Phone brands include Samsung, Motorola, Blackberry and Sanyo as well as a multitude of calling plans. Need iPhone accessories? Wireless Connect has them. Already have a phone and need to upgrade or change plans? Wireless Connect can do that as well.
At Lovers, a wide selection of toys, lingerie, DVDs, books, games and other accessories are available for couples who want to spice up their bedroom life. The adult shop's mission statement is "to provide an exciting environment to explore human sexuality and to acknowledge the freedom to do so." Lovers strives to promote a fun, safe and comfortable shopping experience for its customers and its top-of-the-line, professional sales associates are always available to help. It also offers a monthly Ladies Night event and other workshops and educational events throughout the year.
The 99 Cent Store in Shoreline is conveniently located off of Aurora Avenue North and is open seven days a week. This store is a unique deep-discount retailer of primarily name-brand consumable general merchandise. The staff is always delivering great value to the customers along with good customer service.
Seattle Restaurant Store is Seattle's oldest commercial restaurant equipment supplier. The family-owned busines has provided restaurant equipment and furnishings to small businesses and the public since 1933. The large showroom floor features bakery equipment, bar supplies, cooking equipment, dining room and service items, food preparation equipment, janitorial, cleaning and maintenance supplies, kitchenware, refrigeration equipment, serving and display accessories, tabletop transport and storage items and more. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about restaurateuring.
