Gift Shop

Sun May Co

SeattleClosed nowOpens Friday 12:00 PM 3 views

About

Sun May Co is listed on FindALoco in Seattle, WA with address, phone, hours, and map location. Common services and related keywords include Gift Shop.

Tucked away inside historic Canton Alley, Sun May Co is a treasured gift shop in Seattle, WA that offers visitors a rare and authentic journey into the neighborhood's living heritage. Established in 1911, this storied storefront is one of the oldest operating retail shops in the Seattle Chinatown-International District. While modern retail trends have transformed the surrounding area, this shop remains a steadfast cultural landmark, serving generations of community members, history buffs, and curious travelers looking for unique keepsakes and meaningful memorabilia.

Stepping across the threshold of Sun May Co feels like entering a welcoming time capsule. Though the physical footprint is compact, the shelves are densely packed with a wide and fascinating variety of vintage collectibles, knick-knacks, and traditional items. Browsers can discover everything from vintage ceramics, jade pieces, and embroidered patches to classic stationery, paper goods, artwork, linens, lanterns, and antique Chinese books. Every nook and cranny holds a potential treasure, making each visit an exciting, tactile treasure hunt with great prices to match.

Beyond its eclectic inventory, the atmosphere inside the boutique is steeped in tangible history and warmth. One of the shop's most celebrated highlights is a century-old, functioning antique cash register that rings up purchases just as it did decades ago. The personalized hospitality provided by the shopkeeper, Connie, adds an extra layer of charm, ensuring that every guest feels genuinely welcomed and appreciated from the moment they step off the alleyway.

Whether you are an antique enthusiast searching for rare finds, a tourist looking for an authentic cultural keepsake, or a local resident exploring the rich heritage of Seattle, WA, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination. The boutique maintains weekend-only daytime hours from Friday through Sunday between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Taking time to wander down Canton Alley to visit Sun May Co is an unforgettable way to support a historic local business and experience a beloved slice of Pacific Northwest history.

Ratings & Reviews

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Eva M
4h ago

Seattle Chinatown doesn’t have nearly as many non-food shops as it once did. (And there were never many anyway.) Sun May is one of those tchotchkes, knick-knacks, cutesy, maybe useful, and antique places that words can hardly describe. It is very small but well-stocked nonetheless. Connie is the proprietor who is cheerful to all who enters; her family has kept this shop going for generations. Even though she is open for only two(?) days a week, shoppers just know to come visit. It’s almost legendary. Her regular visitors sit on the stool shooting the breeze with her while the rest of us trip on that same stool when it is vacant. It is a habitual thing that we just know will happen. The paper cranes outside and inside commemorate Donnie Chin, whose murder is not yet solved. Though I am not a regular shopper, it is always a pleasure to see what I can discover there. Being the start of lunar new year, Connie had horse themed cute items on hand. We selected a colorful horse and a ceramic ram for next year. Prices are reasonable. Come, shop, or just say a hello, Connie will welcome you.

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Justin Xiao
4h ago

It's easy to miss but it's a must visit when you are in Chinatown. It's inside Canton alley. The antiques are of wide variety and I loved the century old cash register which actually still works - really amazing to see and worth buying something just to see that machine in action. This is the oldest store in CID so it's a cultural heritage site not to be missed

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Kevin C
4h ago

Beautiful little shop that's a slice of history for Seattle's Chinatown. A must-go cultural stop with lots of vintage ceramics and other giftables.

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Jean Searing
4h ago

Awesome little gift shop with really great prices. Cool Finds! Patches, cards, jades, antique and collectibles. In business since 1911.

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abaddon
4h ago

Easily overlooked but crucial part of Chinatown's history, and what remains of it. Sun May is a small, eclectic gift shop *stuffed* with all sorts of things, Chinese books, knick knacks and souvenirs, lanterns, and vintage items such as books, papers, artwork and linens. And ran by a wonderful person, granddaughter of the founder. Just wow! I will be back for more! The only thing this place needs other than your visit is more visibility, it is SUPER easy to miss and tourists may not know it's there. Btw this place is NOT ADA ACCESSIBLE! Not that there's much this 110+ yr old business can do about it, but those in wheelchairs or other mobility needs must be aware.

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