Issaquah Buzz

In this holiday edition of Issaquah Buzz, Autumn Monahan and Alexis Fitzsimmons cover it all—from post-storm business check-ins to major retail news, including J.Crew Factory coming to Gilman and updates on Costco’s fuel station expansion. They also highlight newly opened businesses, dog-friendly delights, hot yoga, family-friendly indoor play, and the best spots to shop local this season. Plus, don’t miss festive events and what’s coming up as Issaquah heads into the New Year.

Welcome to the Holiday Edition of Issaquah Buzz! In this episode, Autumn and Alexis dive into the latest business news, holiday events, and local shopping highlights happening around Issaquah. 🎄 What’s Inside This Episode: Big retail news: UNIQLO coming to the former Ross space New local businesses, including Clay Element and the expanding Northwest Pottery Collective A full rundown of holiday pop-up markets, Small Business Saturday, Artists Sunday, Giving Tuesday, and shopping resources from Visit Issaquah Gilman Village Holiday Fest, author events, and more community celebrations Details on the Turkey Trot, Santa photos at the Commons, and a fun Nutcracker production at the high school A special Business Spotlight featuring Cougar Mountain Zoo’s three new African lion cubs 🦁—and how you can help name them! If you’ve got business gossip or rumors for a future episode, email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Issaquah Buzz, Autumn Monahan welcomes Alexis Fitzsimmons, Issaquah’s new Economic Development Manager. Alexis shares her background in business attraction, retention, and workforce development, and her excitement about joining the community. We also dive into: * Retail Gossip: A new luxury men’s clothing store opening in Gilman Village * Burger Master Update: Construction progress and what to expect in 2026 * Family Fun: Indoor Sand Garden play space now open * Tourism Spotlight: Lake Sammamish State Park ranked a top Puget Sound attraction * Salmon Days Preview: Parade, vendors, dock dogs, live music, Sasquatch photo booth, food favorites, and more! Whether you’re new to town or a longtime local, this episode is packed with insights, updates, and all the excitement leading up to Issaquah’s biggest celebration of the year.

In Episode 34 of Issaquah Buzz: Autumn Monahan sits down with guest Co-Host Christy Garrard, Executive Director of Visit Issaquah, to chat about all things business in Issaquah. Like family-friendly spots like Sand Gardens and Kid Strong, to the debut of JoJo’s Café and all the BUZZ around Wine Me Up in Gilman Village, there’s plenty happening in Issaquah! We also highlight upcoming events including the Wine & Art Walk, Culture Fest, Salmon on Sunset, the Issaquah Open Studio Tour, and more. ✨ Business Spotlight: Wine Me Up – a locally owned wine bar with a fresh vibe, small-business collaborations, and an unforgettable guest experience. 👉 For more events and things to do, check out visitissaquahwa.com.

In Episode 34 of Issaquah Buzz: Autumn Monahan sits down with guest Co-Host Christy Garrard, Executive Director of Visit Issaquah, to chat about all things business in Issaquah. Like family-friendly spots like Sand Gardens and Kid Strong, to the debut of JoJo’s Café and all the BUZZ around Wine Me Up in Gilman Village, there’s plenty happening in Issaquah! We also highlight upcoming events including the Wine & Art Walk, Culture Fest, Salmon on Sunset, the Issaquah Open Studio Tour, and more. ✨ Business Spotlight: Wine Me Up – a locally owned wine bar with a fresh vibe, small-business collaborations, and an unforgettable guest experience. 👉 For more events and things to do, check out visitissaquahwa.com