Microsoft or Starbuck's are model Washington businesses, but there are some unique online Washington businesses that are doing quite well. Join me as I visit them, won't you?
Onlineshoes.com
When was the last time you ordered shoes online?
If you ordered from http://onlineshoes.com , you are supporting business in Mountlake Terrace. It's one of the nation's top Internet shoe retailers carrying scads of well-known brands.
The business originated with a Seattle shoe store Kuno Gerler pioneered in 1968. He opened a Red Wing storefront in Lynnwood in 1982. That same year his son, Dan Gerler, now president of Online Shoes.com, took over the Red Wing store. He then opened two more Red Wing outlets in Virginia and later started marketing online from the back of his store near Green Lake in Seattle. When business grew he moved to a 20,000-square-feet warehouse in Mountlake Terrace.
Business thrives.
Archie McPhee
Want some kookie kind of fun internet style or in person at the Seattle store?
This is the place: Archie McPhee's in Ballard. Since 1983 they have been what they call "Outfitters of Popular Culture."
They carry the Librarian action figure modeled after real Seattle Public librarian Nancy Pearl, which sports real-live librarian shushing! How about an elephant cigarette dispenser, bacon air freshener or wind-up walking lederhosen?
Take a trip to their online store at http://mcphee.com to order a catalog if you can't make it in person. It's an amusing shopping experience.
All Merciful Savior Russian Orthodox Monastery Coffee and Tea
Looking for some "Monastery Blend Coffee," some "Orthodox Monk's Tea?"
You can order those and other kinds of coffee and tea online from the Orthodox Monks on Vashon Island at the All-Merciful Savior Russian Orthodox Monastery. Their websites shows they also make prayer ropes and operate an icon workshop for the mounting of icons. The site is http://www.vashonmonks.com .
Outdoor Gear
At a reader's suggestion I'm adding REI, a local firm that sells outdoor gear. It's a co-op and you'll get a yearly return on your money if you join.
It was started by mountaineers in Seattle who wanted better access to mountain gear; it now operates nationwide. Go there at http://www.rei.com .
Past Articles on Shopping
These are but a taste of online Washington businesses. Take a look at past articles for more Washington business:
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