Rob Smith

Seattle

Executive Editor at Seattle Magazine

Executive Editor at Seattle Business

Executive editor at Seattle magazine and Seattle Business magazine. News tips welcomed at [email protected].

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Articles

When in Rome, Think Alaska

3 days ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

Traveling from the Emerald City to the Eternal City will soon become much more convenient. Alaska Airlines will launch a direct flight from Sea-Tac International Airport to Rome in May 2026. It’s the first time ever that Seattle travelers can reach Rome via a nonstop flight. The route will operate four times a week. Fares go on sale this fall. “As an Italian American whose parents emigrated from Italy, this is a particularly meaningful addition to our network,” says Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci.
Seattle Magazine’s Critter Chronicles

1 week ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

May is National Pet Month, a celebration of the bond between humans and their pets that began back in 1981. To celebrate, Seattle magazine team members want to introduce you to their pets. Happy Pet Month!Bruno, our 11-year-old Cavapoo, joined us at 8 weeks old from a puppy mill we stumbled upon in West Virginia. We’re in Italy now, but while we were living in the United States he trained as a therapy dog and loved visiting nursing homes. When we moved to Europe, he came along.
Space Needle Unveils Spaceship-Style Elevators

1 week ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

Riding to the top of the Space Needle just got a lot more fun. The Space Needle last Friday opened the world’s only double-deck, floor-to-ceiling glass elevator. Two similar elevators are slated to open in 2028. The privately funded $100 million modernization project broke ground in 2023.
From Clicks to Bricks: Barnes & Noble Is Making A Novel Comeback

2 weeks ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

The physical bookstore is not dead, at least as far as Barnes & Noble is concerned. The bookseller is opening stores like crazy, both nationwide and in Washington state. The latest? Barnes & Noble will take over a portion of the University Book Store space in Seattle’s U-District.
Microsoft President Brad Smith: ‘Never Take Your Strengths For Granted’

2 weeks ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

Brad Smith is tired of politicians and others who take the state’s tech industry for granted. Smith, Microsoft’s president and vice chair, was the main attraction at the Tech Alliance State of Technology Luncheon May 20. He did not disappoint. During a wide-ranging 40-minute keynote conversation with Seattle magazine Publisher and CEO Jonathan Sposato, Smith said a lack of investment in the state’s thriving tech sector was a recipe for disaster.
Done Deal: Nordstrom Is Officially A Private Company

2 weeks ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

Nordstrom is now a private company. The iconic Seattle-based retailer has closed its $6.25 billion deal to go private with Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool in an all-cash transaction. Brothers Erik and Pete Nordstrom — great grandsons of company founder John W. Nordstrom — will lead the company as co-CEOs. Nordstrom common stock will be delisted starting tomorrow. Company stock was up slightly today during its last day of trading, closing at $24.66 per share.
Costco Limits Gold Bar Buys

2 weeks ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

If you’re thinking of adding gold to your financial portfolio during a time of economic uncertainty, don’t plan on making a big buy at Costco. The popular Issaquah-based warehouse retailer just put a limit on gold bar purchases. Costco began selling gold bars in 2023. It’s estimated that the company sells more than $100 million worth of gold bars every month. The limit is now one bar per transaction, with a maximum of two purchases over 24 hours.
Backpage: Sonic Gloom

3 weeks ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

The much-ballyhooed supersonic transport (SST) never got off the ground, and back in March 1968 Seattle magazine weighed in on common concerns that the plane would create a “sonic boom” that would harm the earth’s ozone layer. Boeing had won the federal government contract over Lockheed to develop the plane, which the magazine noted could carry 350 passengers at 1,800 miles per hour, three times the speed of other jets. The SST could reach any place on the globe within 12 hours.
Baby Bears, Sick Dogs, And A Mission To Help Animals

3 weeks ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

Several years ago, during a string of 95-degree days, we bought a kiddie pool to lounge in while sipping cocktails. That lasted half of one afternoon. Thirsty raccoons began hovering around the small backyard pool, even when we were in it. They became bolder, and we abandoned our plan. No way were we about to challenge fearless urban raccoons familiar with people. The next day, the water was gone and they’d popped the pool.
Trailblazing Women

3 weeks ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

These 10 women embrace challenges as opportunities, demonstrate courage in the face of adversity, and stay true to their values while breaking barriers. These are their stories of persistence and progress.