A Mall on Tribal Land With a Surprising Story
Quil Ceda Village is a municipality created by the federally recognized Tulalip Tribes. In 2001 it became the first tribal political subdivision in the country set up under a 1982 federal tax status law, and it is also the only federal municipality other than Washington, D.C.
Before the shoppers arrived, this land had a long industrial life. The Department of Defense leased it for ammunition storage in the 1940s and 1950s, and Boeing later used it for jet engine testing until 2000. Retail came in 2001, when Walmart and The Home Depot opened their stores.
In 2004 the tribe signed a deal with Chelsea Property Group, an outlet developer that Simon Property Group soon acquired, and the developer leased the site from the tribe before building and managing the mall. It opened on May 5, 2005, with 383,000 square feet of shops, and a promenade expansion that opened in June 2013 added more than 100,000 square feet.
Where to Shop in and Around Quil Ceda Village
Seattle Premium Outlets
Stroll this upscale-leaning, open-air center, where Banana Republic, Kate Spade, Michael Kors and Restoration Hardware count among its roughly 125 tenants. Browse fine leather, designer clothing, housewares and specialty goods, all gathered in one walkable spot in Tulalip that suits anyone hoping to see a wide range of brands in a single trip.
Cabela's
Anglers, hunters and campers already in Tulalip for the outlets will find a natural next stop at Cabela's. The large outdoor retailer opened in Quil Ceda Village in April 2012, between The Home Depot and the resort casino, as the chain's second store in Washington.
Tulalip Resort Casino
The casino was the first enterprise in the business park, and its success funded the tribe's push into retail. It moved into a 227,000-square-foot building in 2003, and when you want dining or entertainment after a day of shopping, it is just a short hop from the mall.
Seasonal Events to Plan Around
Bargain hunters keep an eye out for Midnight Madness, a late-night sale with extended hours and extra savings that has started at midnight following Thanksgiving. Dates and details can change, so confirm with the mall before you go.
In the weeks before Independence Day, a seasonal fireworks market called Boom City sets up on a lot behind the Tulalip Resort Casino, so expect bigger crowds in the area during that stretch.
Sign up for the Premium Outlets VIP program, too, and you will get a coupon book that works at both Seattle Premium Outlets and North Bend Premium Outlets.
More Outlet Centers Within a Drive
Tulalip is only one option. Several outlet malls sit within roughly 30 to 90 minutes of the city, each in a different direction.
North Bend Premium Outlets
Head about 28 miles east on I-90 to exit 31 for around 50 designer and name-brand stores with mountain views. Shop Coach, Nike, Under Armour, Gap Outlet and an Adidas clearance store, then pair your visit with a day trip toward the Cascades, or use the nearby lodging to make it an overnight.
The Outlet Collection Seattle
Save this one for a rainy day, since its covered layout keeps you dry. Located in Auburn, it is the largest indoor outlet mall in the Pacific Northwest, with about 130 traditional and outlet stores including Nordstrom Rack, Nike Factory Store, H&M, Old Navy Outlet and ULTA Beauty. To get there, take I-5 south to I-405 south, then WA-167 south toward Auburn and exit at 15th Street SW.
Centralia Outlets
Roughly 80 miles south on I-5 at exit 82, this center offers more than 25 stores, with brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Volcom, Aeropostale and a Helly Hansen outlet. It makes the most sense when you are already heading south or toward the mountains and want to pick up outdoor gear.
Making a Day of It
Once you add driving time, an outlet trip usually fills most of a day. If you would rather stay close to the city, browse our guide to things to do in Seattle or explore the shopping streets of Seattle neighborhoods.
With a free afternoon, you can also see famous Seattle landmarks or stretch your legs in one of the city's parks and green spaces.
Before you drive, check each business's own website for current hours, store lists and details.
