Welcome to the 4th addition of “Getting Know“sey” with local, independent business. I am a strong supporter of independent businesses, I happen to work for one, as well! Each month, I will feature a different business, my goal is to introduce you to new places within our community and I do hope you will support these and other local,independently owned businesses in your neighborhood.
This month the featured business is Portage Bay Goods. Owned by one of the funnest, funniest, & nicest people you could hope to meet, Sue Sanen. Coincidentally, I met Sue through Molly of FuelHouse Gym and we are both members there. Do yourself a favor, plan a trip to Fremont and have a meal at The Stoneway Café and then go shopping at Portage Bay Goods- you will thank me. And if you post a review of my services, you can request a gift card to one of these businesses!
What is the history of your business? How do you describe
your business? When did it open?
My friend, Betsy Davis, opened in 1998 and hired me to manage the store. She spent a lot of time in Ireland and wanted to create a space to showcase beautiful Irish artisan wares as well as local art. In the beginning, we carried only handmade items and a lot of environmentally friendly products. In 2001, I bought the store because I love Fremont and wanted to continue to be a part of the community. I also believed in her vision of featuring local artists and I was excited about annual buying trips to NewYork!
Over the years, we changed the trajectory a bit. I kept finding hilariously irreverent products and we expanded our greeting card and gift selection to reflect that. I wanted more levity… a place to take a break and not take ourselves too seriously. I try to balance that while still featuring monthly local artists for Art Walk. From there, we evolved into The Gift Shop for the Thoughtful Procrastinator. I wanted to have a shop where you can swing by on the way to a birthday party/baby shower/housewarming and still find thoughtful, unique gifts. And if you do have time to browse, we have an amazing selection of hilarious, sometimes shocking, always unique greeting cards.
What is your best seller?
Here are a few to pick from:
People are really into candles right now, these keep flying out of here:
https://www.portagebaygoods.com/la-croix-candles.html
https://www.portagebaygoods.com/copy-of-8oz-national-park-candle-olympic.html
https://www.portagebaygoods.com/candle-i-fcking-love-you-endless-summer.html
Of course, the coloring books and puzzles are still popular – these are probably the top ones right now:
https://www.portagebaygoods.com/fuck-off-coronavirus-coloring-book.html
https://www.portagebaygoods.com/puzzle-seattle.html
Best selling cards:
https://www.portagebaygoods.com/c-bd-bad-bitch.html
https://www.portagebaygoods.com/copy-of-c-bd-fishing.html
https://www.portagebaygoods.com/c-bd-otter-birthday.html
https://www.portagebaygoods.com/birthday-card-fuck-were-old.html
What is your favorite thing about running this business?
Hearing customers read the cards and laughing out loud. Never gets old.
How has COVID impacted your business?
Oof, we have been hit hard, but our inventory has a long
shelf life and I’m very optimistic about the future. We need fun and hilarious
cards and gifts more than ever. And we have very loyal customers which I’m very grateful for.
Come check us out at
621 N 35th St, Seattle
We are open 12-5 Monday through Friday and 12-6 Saturday
& Sunday, we also offer in-store pick-up and shipping online!
Thank you for supporting our small business!