Friends, gather round -- behold this week's edition of Racked Seattle, where all the good retail gospel is spread by your girl, Ali Brownrigg. Check back here everything Thursday for news, tips, sales and events, and if you've got fun tips for our in-house sartorial mastermind, hit the tipline at seattle@curbed.com.
Crowd-sourced cool: The people are in the process of speaking in Puget Sound Business Journal’s Social Madness poll. This "one-of-a-kind corporate social media competition measures growth and engagement in social media networks and online votes, and each company's score is the result of an algorithm that takes all of those factors into account," says the publication. This is a really interesting contest for businesses that look to social media to encourage business. And who understand what “algorithm” means. Eco-chic nail polish and parlor company, Julep, is in the lead in the small company category (between one and 99 employees), which is pretty cool. Owner Jane Park chalks their success up to “authentic conversation” via social media. “We look to our social community for our inspiration and feedback, and also to share exciting news, like product launches. They always provide Julep with honest, genuine feedback, which is what we value.” Voting in round one, which pits Julep against Uber hipster car service, ends on June 25, with the entire she-bang ending on July 16 after rounds 2 and 3 determine the winner and the first runner up. (PSBJ)
Bigger, better, Bellevue Square: The Seattle Times is reporting that Kemper Development, Bell Square's owner, has filed preliminary paperwork to expand the mall's retail space by about 10 percent, which means 119,000 square feet of retail and 131,500 square feet of parking. Speculation on who’s moving in includes Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s or Nordstrom Rack, but Kemper’s not talking. And no one else is either. (ST)
Summer Sales: Way Underway
Mario’s Men’s Summer Sale starts today, Thursday, June 21. Clothing, sportswear and shoes from Prada, Etro and the many other fine brands Mario’s is known for will be marked down and ready for action. Their Women’s Summer Sale started on May 31, which means that by now the markdowns are even better.
Barney’s Summer Sale is also underway with amazing deals, up to 60 percent off, on many summery pieces in a nice array of sizes.
Olivine: This online locavore emporium’s summer sale currently has great deals on Suzabelle, Prairie Underground (even the ubiquitous Hoodie) and lots of other lovely lines.
Promesse: Kirkland’s Promesse is closing after seven years. Everything left in-store is 20 to 60 percent off.
Things To Do:
Pacific Standard magazine release party: See what the coolest and most innovative voices coming out of the Pacific Northwest have to show for themselves. Contributors include Laura Cassidy, Kyle Johnson, Charlie Schuck, as well as publishers Strath Shepard and his wife Emily Shepard Smith. Saturday, June 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Land Management (755 Bellevue Ave East).
Rockstella trunk show: Also on Saturday, June 23 (from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Essenza is debuting the gorgeous Pavao Collection from San Fran’s Rockstella. Featherweight, bright and diamond-y: the perfect summer bling.
Head to Butch Blum’s Summer Savvy Event on Tuesday, June 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. for skin consults from Calidora: sushi from Japonessa; a nice cocktail; door prizes; and special savings on already marked down summer styles. RSVP: promotions@BUTCHBLUM.com.
[Photo by Julep]