Snooping in Seattle

Just back from a very quick (and entirely lovely) buying trip to Seattle. We left at 6am on Sunday following our French Flea Market and drove straight to the market showrooms where we scoped out new products, placed orders for things we fell in love with, and talked with fellow retailers and reps. I have to say, over the quick three-day period we were there, the mood felt pretty good. Nobody was rejoicing yet over the state of the market, but there weren't as many scared-looking independent retailers (us included) as last time. It ain't over, but there was definitely a little vibe of hope. The manufacturers were really on the ball, too. So many of them a) designed and produced fabulous new products for the season (they had to put their hearts into that during the worst of the economic woes, not knowing if anyone would buy), and b) many made it easier for us to buy, lowering their minimum dollar amounts to buy in, and trying to make freight more reasonable. It's all about survival now.

Anyway, we found some really great things, some of which are going to be in the shop in a matter of days. Some will take a while to ship, so will be floating in over the next few months.

These market trips are our little vacations. The days are long, but we have fun in the evenings. And then we sometimes have a little window (a day, an hour or two) at the end to goof around and play tourist. Have to say, I love Seattle. It is such a working city, and visitors get to observe. And it's beautiful. Loved all the ferries and harbors and ships going in and out. Loved Pike Place Market and all the bustle. Yep, full of tourists (every one of which -- us included -- has to take a picture with the bronze pig), but also full of locals buying seafood and produce and cheese and coffee. Oh, and the "Oh My God" peaches from one local farmer.

Took the Farmer's Market shot from upstairs at Matt's in the Market, a fab little restaurant we found on our last trip. Highly recommended. Hard to find, so look it up. Next morning we accidentally stumbled into that crazy alley where everybody sticks their gum on the walls. Quite artistic it is. And we had a teeny bit of time to jump into the Seattle Art Museum and catch the Andrew Wyeth exhibit. It's just a dozen or so of his paintings, but each one is spectacular. Ahh, a mini, but perfect vacation.