Somewhere between nostalgia and the latest hip trends lies the world of pop culture. It’s a place where everyone—from toddlers to teens to grandparents—can appreciate the same things with the same enthusiasm. From old movies and comic books, to the newest anime projects and Funko POP figures, you’ll find them all here in our roundup of best pop culture shops in Seattle. Scroll down to learn more!
Funko
When you think of the term “pop culture,” Funko may be the first company to come to mind. For years, Funko has created a huge collection of pop culture collectibles, vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, housewares, accessories and even breakfast cereal! You can probably find Funko creations at each of the stores listed in our roundup, but a trip to the source is definitely worth the drive. Funko’s headquarters is situated smack dab in the middle of downtown Everett and slowly taking over the city (the Everett Memorial Stadium has recently been renamed Funko Field). The outside of the flagship store is adorned with larger-than-life Spider-Man, Batman and Huckleberry Hound figurines while the inside features a life-size Batmobile, a build-your-own Funko toy center and just about every pop culture character you can think of. Read more about the store here.
2802 Wetmore Ave.
Everett, WA 98201
425-783-3616
Online: funko.com
Box Lunch
Box Lunch offers a bunch of products you probably didn’t even know you needed like Peeps boxer briefs, Batman air fresheners, Jurassic Park license plate holders and Golden Girls Pez dispensers. They also carry a large assortment of t-shirts, belts, wallets, jewelry, watches, items for the home and more. From Disney to Game of Thrones, you’ll find it here. But what makes this store extra unique is their commitment to giving back to the community. For every $10 purchase made in their stores, Box Lunch gives a free meal to someone in need through Feeding America. So while you’re getting your fill of pop culture goodness, someone else is receiving a meal. A win-win for everyone!
Alderwood Mall
3000 184th St. S.W., Space #286
Lynwood, WA 98037
425-744-7477
Westfield Southcenter
2800 Southcenter Mall, Space #800
Seattle, WA 98188
206-241-1135
Online: boxlunch.com
Anime World
Anime fans young and old will find their fill at the three Anime World stores which carry t-shirts, hats, accessories, backpacks, cosplay costumes, figures, home décor, plush toys, stationery, wall art and more. From Pokémon to Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon to Zelda, you’ll find them all here. Other pop culture favorites can be found here as well like Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, Super Mario and Dr. Who.
Everett Mall
1402 S.E. Everett Mall Way, Suite 285
Everett, WA 98208
425-374-2127
Seattle Premium Outlets
10600 Quil Ceda Blvd., Ste. 810
Tulalip, WA 98271
360-716-2401
Alderwood Mall
3000 184th St. S.W., Suite 960
Lynnwood, WA 98037
425-697-5885
Online: animeworldusa.com
Disney Store
You already know that the Disney Store carries everything Disney including clothing, toys, phone covers, plush characters, tea sets, costumes, stationary, kitchen gear and more. But many people are unaware that many stores (especially the outlet stores) carry a good amount of items from the many Disney theme parks as well. Even better, these items are almost always on clearance, so you can snag a good deal at the same time. If you have a Disney trip planned for the future, consider stopping by here first. You just might find your family’s souvenir t-shirts before you even leave for the airport!
Bellevue Square
172 Bellevue Square
Bellevue, WA 98004
425-451-8300
Seattle Premium Outlets
10600 Quil Ceda Blvd.
Tulalip, WA 98271
360-658-5320
Westfield Southcenter
536 Southcenter Mall
Tukwila, WA 98188
206-241-9887
Online: stores.shopdisney.com
Bobakhan
The name Bobakhan came from combining the Star Wars character Boba Fett with Star Trek’s evil Khan. Perhaps a silly idea, but 25 years later, the store is still going strong. Though technically called a toy store, Bobakhan is so much more for the pop culture enthusiast. In addition to LEGO sets and action figures, you’ll find new and used collectible items, including comic books, figurines, prints, vintage toys and more. Psst...you'll find the owner’s personal collection behind glass to view as well. Even better, the guys here are super friendly, too!
500 S.E. Everett Mall Way, Suite A1
Everett, WA 98208
425-258-3582
Online: bobakhan.com
Think Geek
Sure, you’ll find plenty of t-shirts and Funko figures at your local Think Geek store, but they also feature geeky products you won’t (easily) find anywhere else like the Star Wars Empire Panini Press, the Pokémon Poke Ball Waffle Maker, the Thor Hammer Tool Set, the Unicorn Sconce Wall Light, the Doctor Who TARDIS Coffee Press, stand up video games and more. All of your family’s favorite characters can found here from superheroes to dragon-tamers. Plus, you’ll earn ten "Geek Points” for every dollar you spend which can be redeemed for even more geeky goodness.
Alderwood Mall
3000 184th St. S.W.
Lynnwood, WA 98037
425-223-4679
Tacoma Mall
4502 S. Steele St.
Tacoma, WA 98409
253-473-1620
Northgate Mall
401 N.E. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98125
206-364-4363
Online: thinkgeek.com
Golden Age Collectables
Known as the world’s oldest comic book store, Golden Age Collectables can be found in the lower level at Pike Place Market. The owners of the store have refused to grown up since 1961. Unlike your average comic book store, Golden age carries items for movie and TV buffs such as publicity photos and even printed scripts. So whether you are looking for the latest X-Men comic book, a really rare Superman story, a headshot of your favorite actor or a kitschy figurine, there is a good chance you’ll find it here.
1501 Pike Place, #401
Seattle, WA 98101
206-622-9799
Online: goldenagecollectables.com
MoPOP Gift Shops
The MoMOP (Museum of Pop Culture) gift shops often feature items based on the exhibits they are currently featuring and the general public is allowed to come inside and shop even without a museum ticket. You can also shop online, too. Formerly known as the Experience Music Project, MoPOP still features a lot of musical influences including the Beatles, Nirvana, Pearl Jam and more while also offering a large collection of sci-fi, TV, video games, cartoons and superhero favorites as well. Psst...they have a great sale section, too!
325 5th Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-770-2774
Online: shop.mopop.org
FYE
When FYE (For Your Entertainment) first opened its doors in 1973, it was primarily a music and video store. As our world has changed, FYE has changed with it. They still sell music and movies, but they have also become a well-rounded entertainment retail store with an understanding that some customers need to “touch, listen and experience products before they buy." With this in mind, FYE offers an "immersive, modern pop culture experience” with a good collection of apparel, toys, collectibles, home products, gifts, technology solutions and more.
Westfield Southcenter
2636 Southcenter Mall
Tukwila, WA 98188
206-439-3636
Online: stores.fye.com/wa/tukwila
Tacoma Mall
4502 S. Steele St.
Tacoma, WA 98409
253-474-1035
Online: stores.fye.com/wa/tacoma
Archie McPhee's
Perhaps the weirdest store in America, Archie McPhees also has the distinction as being one of the top ten independent toy stores in the country. Since 1983, the shop has been providing the residents of Seattle a supply of weirdness in the form of party supplies, crafts, costumes, miniatures, toys and even candy. Iconic local pop culture characters like J.P. Patches are featured in the form of t-shirts, action figures and air fresheners. Psst...if you decide to make the trip, be sure to visit the official Rubber Chicken Museum in the back of the store as it is definitely worth a visit!
1300 N. 45th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
206-297-0240
Online: archiemcpheeseattle.com
—Jeffrey Totey
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