There’s something that feels so nostalgic about stepping into an old-fashioned general store. In an era of large “one-stop shopping” chains, visiting a family-run general store can feel a lot more personal. And if you happen to live near Port Angeles, Swain’s General Store probably holds a lot of memories for you. After all, as the saying goes, “Swain’s has everything.”
Swain’s General Store got its start in 1957 when logging truck operator and PA Salmon Club manager Cliff Swain and his wife Bee decided to go into the retail business.
Shirra C / TripAdvisor The couple opened the 7,000-square-foot store in Port Angeles that year and the rest is history.
Not long after opening, the Swains became acquainted with other independent stores in the Northwest, realizing the way to get the best possible pricing from their vendors was to join a buying group.
Swain’s General Store Facebook They became active in the Worldwide Distributors Cooperative, with Cliff serving as the Board President in the 1980s.
Swain’s General Store has been renovated quite a bit since the 1950s.
Swain’s General Store Facebook It has been renovated twice, including an addition of a 12,500-square-foot warehouse in 1979. The latest expansion, in 2014, added another 4,300 square feet. That original 7,000-square-foot building is now a two-story, 38,300-square-foot space!
The goal is still to carry everything customers want at Swain’s, and you really will find a little bit of everything here.
Swain’s General Store Facebook They have a full lineup of clothing and shoes for children and adults alike, including some big name brands, plus hardware, fishing gear, and plenty of auto supplies.
Swain’s also sells athletic apparel and supplies, camping and backpacking equipment, and electronics.
Swain’s General Store Facebook Everything is priced as fairly as possible, and if you don’t see what you want, you’re always encouraged to ask.
Need a toy for your little ones? Swain’s has you covered.
Swain’s General Store Facebook Needless to say, this is a favorite aisle for many local children.
This place even has Fiestaware, something you’ll typically only find in large department stores.
Swain’s General Store Facebook And the selection is fantastic.
Customers can also purchase some Swain’s swag.
Swain’s General Store Facebook They sell t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and coffee cups.
Swains General Store is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Swain’s General Store Facebook You’re also welcome to shop online from their website 24/7.
Address: 602 East 1st. Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Shirra C / TripAdvisor
The couple opened the 7,000-square-foot store in Port Angeles that year and the rest is history.
Swain’s General Store Facebook
They became active in the Worldwide Distributors Cooperative, with Cliff serving as the Board President in the 1980s.
It has been renovated twice, including an addition of a 12,500-square-foot warehouse in 1979. The latest expansion, in 2014, added another 4,300 square feet. That original 7,000-square-foot building is now a two-story, 38,300-square-foot space!
They have a full lineup of clothing and shoes for children and adults alike, including some big name brands, plus hardware, fishing gear, and plenty of auto supplies.
Everything is priced as fairly as possible, and if you don’t see what you want, you’re always encouraged to ask.
Needless to say, this is a favorite aisle for many local children.
And the selection is fantastic.
They sell t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and coffee cups.
Swain’s General Store Facebook
You’re also welcome to shop online from their website 24/7.
Isn’t Swain’s General Store fantastic? Work a visit into your next trip to Port Angeles.
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