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

No More Bartell Drugs

1 week ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

I popped into the Ballard Bartell Drugs the other day in search of some cold medicine. Shelves throughout the store were mostly empty, even in the pharmacy section. It’s been like this for years. It seemed only a matter of time that the iconic 135-year-old Seattle retailer would cease to exist. Drug store chain CVS announced Friday that the 20 remaining locations across the city would be rebranded as CVS, a Rhode Island-based chain that operates more than 9,000 pharmacies across the United States.
Seattle's Food Scene 'Is As Diverse And Dynamic As The City Itself'

1 week ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

Planning a night out soon? Sure, Seattle is loaded with possibilities, but you may want to consider heading to Woodinville or even Bainbridge Island. Those three cities rank in the top eight of vacation rental company HomeToGo’s “Taste of Summer Index” of the best food and drink experiences across the United States.
‘A Flood Of Unprioritized Chaos’ During The Workday

1 week ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

We’re all overburdened with the constant flow of emails, chats and video meetings. Now, new research from Microsoft called “Breaking down the infinite workday” reveals just how overwhelmed we all actually are. The research, based on trillions of globally aggregated Microsoft 365 data, is fascinating. The average worker, for instance, receives 117 emails each workday — most are skimmed in less than 60 seconds.
First Taiwan Tourism Center Opens in Seattle

1 week ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

Taiwan has chosen Seattle for its first Taiwan Tourism Information Center in the United States. The effort is part of the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s effort to expand its tourism presence across North America and deepen travel, cultural and business ties between Taiwan and the U.S. Seattle has had a sister city relationship with Kaohsiung, Taiwan, for decades.
Unlock the Unknown at Pioneer Square Scavenger Hunt

1 week ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

Somewhere in the art gallery Laura Van Horne opened six years ago is a piece of art depicting a crushed Starbucks cup. You may want to remember that. Van Horne’s Gray Sky Gallery is among the 14 Pioneer Square galleries participating in a scavenger hunt from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 21. Each gallery features a different clue, and participants will be entered into a drawing for one of two pairs of lower-level tickets to a Mariners game.
Think You Know Seattle?

2 weeks ago | seattlemag.com | Rob Smith

You already know that Amazon, Boeing and Microsoft are the region’s top employers. You may be aware that China is our top trade partner. But did you know that almost one-quarter of King County residents are foreign born? Or that more than one in five employees in the county work remotely? Did you know that the Seattle area is home to the largest aerospace supply chain in the United States?
When in Rome, Think Alaska

3 weeks 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 month 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 month 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

1 month 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.