Retail

store ownersIf you own a retail store or restaurant - bring it to Burien. The City has been named one of the most walkable cities in Washington and the Seattle Times wrote about taking a trip to Burien’s ‘eat streets.’

The culture of downtown retail and restaurants has attracted visitors from throughout the region and travelers arriving or department from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport. We are looking for additional businesses to become part of the culture that draws them in.

Burien is the anti-mall, something that's truly unique. We have the true downtown character that invites people to park, walk and explore. For small businesses, that’s the ideal environment to attract new customers and build a loyal following. Classic Eats is just one of Burien’s success stories. “Burien is a homey town and everyone knows everyone. We have a cult following among the locals. Plus, this is a destination location so people from Tacoma, Everett and the East Side are coming here,” said owner Tony Hayes. Beka Atwood, owner of The Shoppe Seahurst agrees, “We draw customers from Seattle, West Seattle and Tacoma who like the old-town feel that Olde Burien offers.” As for locals, Alfredo Covarrubias said this of starting ISP Computer, “It was easy to get customers. The Hispanic community was very supportive.”

Our small retailer presence is strong, but we are still experiencing a retail leakage, creating significant opportunities for businesses in the home improvement, apparel, furniture, electronics, home and sporting goods to open locations within the city. Site consultants are encouraged to contact our economic development team for help finding sites.


 

“We like our mom-and-pop stores here and that helps to attract people and make Burien a destination. Our small-town vibe is one of the reasons that people visit to eat at our restaurants and shop at the local stores."

— Tony Hayes, Owner of Classic Eats

 

1,300+
Brick and Mortar Small Businesses
3rd
Most Walkable City
22.5%
More Affordable than Seattle
15
Minutes to Seattle

book storeBurien is an Affordable Destination for Retail & Restaurant Businesses

A strong local demand, combined with Burien attracting visitors from throughout the region, makes this an ideal location - something that’s about to get even easier with the 509/I-5 connection. Burien also offers small businesses a critical advantage - affordability. Commercial and retail space is incredibly affordable here. It may even shock you if you’ve been looking at space in nearby Seattle or Bellevue. Plus, our taxes are low and we don’t have overburdensome regulations. If the cost of entry has seemed too high to make a new location pencil - tour properties in Burien. You Belong Here. You’ll thrive here. And, you can afford it here.

Contact us to find a location for your retail business or restaurant today.