R Dudley Boyce Library
Doesn't offer as many courses as OCC, but overall still a pretty decent college. Most of the teachers have been fairly good, but there have been a few that were absolutely horrible. The school does seem to have some management problems as right now parts of the school are under construction and cement dust is allowed to fly around the campus freely during all hours of the day. There is also a good selection of classes in both the summer and winter, good taking classes needed for your AA. Online classes are offered as well, and are generally fairly easy.
College Books
You can find much of the textbooks you would need for courses at Goldenwest College for a fraction of the price. Conveniently located right across from the college, College Books offers competative pricing and a pretty good selection. Prices are still often higher than purchasing online, so do you online searches first then compare to prices as the college and at college books. As for buy backs - online is once again your best bet, neither college books nor the college book store offer a fair amount when buying back used books.
Games For Less
A good selection of used games, many of which are out of print or harder to find. However, the prices are generally not that great and they pay very little for your used games then raise the prices significantly for resale. You might be better off with trade ins, but I've heard those aren't the best bargains around either. Good store for browsing or price comparison, but generally does not offer competative prices.
Chain Reaction
A nice place because it's rather small, and the rules are generally too strict for a "punk rock" venue. Absolutely no ins and outs, no backpacks and no stagediving. The staff is sometimes quite rude compared to other venues and the parking is horrible. I guess management isn't totally to blame, as chain reaction tends to draw an often young and rude crowd which sometimes makes shows somewhat unbearable. There have been many decent shows in the past few years, but ticket prices are mainly too high compared to places like koos and the smell.
Apex Auto Body & Paint
My family has been using Apex's auto body repair for many years and we have never had a problem. The staff is helpful (though sometimes not very friendly). However, they have always have done a great job with repairs & the results are flawless. I would definitely recommend for auto body repair and paint work.
Amoeba Music
Best selection of music I have ever seen. Staff is always at hand to help you out if you need to find something. Great selection of new and used vinyl, both LPs and 7". Also has a large selection of cassettes, videos and posters (including gig posters). The trade ins are fairly generous as compared to other stores, though you would still probably be better off selling your used media online. Whenever I go to Amoeba I end up staying 3-5 hours at least. They've always got something new and used bins are filled daily. You will never come out empty handed!
American Apparel
Yeah, sweatshop free clothing is a great idea, but what most people don't know is that American Apparel isn't the only sweatshop free clothing company around. American Apparel clothing seems to be generally made of flimsy material, at a hugely inflated price. The staff isn't very helpful and the marketing tactics of the company are questionable. Located near the college campus, so it tends to try to appeal to 20 something hipsters. If you want sweatshop free clothing, I suggest doing your research and looking elsewhere as there are a lot of growing companies that need support as well.
Beecher's Cheese
I've never seen so many varieties of cheese in one place at a time! Beecher's not only sells their homemade cheese, but a variety of food items as well, including sandwiches and mac and cheese. You can watch the cheese being made through a glass window, which is a pretty interesting experience. Huge selection of cheeses, one of the most interesting stores in Pike Place Market, and that's saying a lot!
Electric Chair
Prices at Electric Chair seem to be somewhat high, but compared to places like Hot Topic, it really isn't so bad. They have a good selection of manic panic and special effects hairdye, pretty much any shade you'd need. Their selection of clothing and accessories is huge as well, including all your vegan leather needs. The clothing sold at electric chair is more "emo" and indie oriented than hot topic (which is more goth, industrial and mall punk inspired). The staff isn't very helpful though. In any case, a good alternative to the malls.
Vinyl Solution Records & Tapes
Vinyl Solution is pretty decent for being such a small cramped space. If you take your time looking through all used bins, you are bound to find something you want for a good price. The used LPs and 7"s are relatively cheap, and the prices for new items are fair as well. You can even find some out of print and harder to find items. Good selection, but rather cramped... wish the place was bigger.
