Freeland Plaza Shopping Center — Local services in Whidbey Island

Freeland Plaza is small collection of stores: Payless Foods, Flowers by the Bay, Rite-Aid Pharmacy, Lind's Jewelery, Stihl Tools and Ace Hardware.

When my family first moved to Whidbey Island almost thirty years ago, our retailers were very small establishments which carried little more than the necessities and usually rolled up the sidewalks and closed by 7:00 pm. We were out of luck on Sundays because almost everything was closed.

While I long for those simpler, quieter days to return, it's stunning that I can drive five miles down the road and find: prosciutto, sushi-grade Ahi tuna or organic beef stock; a competitively priced Stihl chainsaw; just about any type of fastener, Dremel accessory or table saw; durable medical equipment or even anti-rejection drugs for transplant patients!

The price we pay for this convenience is shocking population growth, a skyrocketing real-estate market and signal lights! Still, it's nice not having to travel for two hours, including a ferry crossing, just to find a loaf of...

LOTS OF WIDE SPACE PARKING SPOTS. Payless Grocery store has just about anything you could want, Deli, Produce, Bakery, Meat, Dairy, nice clean bathrooms, wide isles, easy to reach items, comparable prices for the area. Floral Shop next door has a wide variety of premade arrangements you can grab on the run or you can special order for pick up or delivery. Linds Jewelry has a wonderful display of fine jewelry as well as top end clothing for sale. Freeland Ace Hardware has pretty much anything and everything, with the most helpful and friendly employees that will bend over backwards to help you find that hard to find item. The popcorn they provide free everyday is awesome. Saw Shop, small engine repair is a small quaint store that pride themselves on fixing just...

Well, I have to admit, I'm biased. As an Ace Hardware employee, I know how much I and ALL of my fellow team members strive to make an awesome shopping experience for everyone who walks through our doors. We really do go the extra mile for each customer we meet. Payless is equally amazing with customer service and care for our community. Rite Aid has had a bit of a rough go, but I've noticed amazing changes in the past few months. And who doesn't LOVE Linds? An island fixture for many years, they offer beautiful gifts and accessories, clothing and jewelry, an eclectic blend of all tastes. And let's not forget Flowers by the Bay.... friendly and professional service, beautiful selection of both...