Posted: Jul 31, 2023 · Updated: Apr 27, 2026 · Becky Newton · Lakewood, WA
The City of Lakewood is home to three retail trade areas. They include the International District, Lakewood Station District (adjacent to Interstate 5 between SR 512 and Bridgeport, along Pacific Highway), and the Downtown.
Lakewood is a growing city, planning for another 20,000 residents by 2044. We’re building a truly walkable downtown with art and cultural amenities, enhanced parks and recreational activities, restaurants, pubs and wine-tasting rooms, retailers, and fun for the whole family. A good portion of the commercial and residential development is planned for the Downtown subarea.
Lakewood Station District has approximately 500 new units under construction as of Summer 2025, 345 of which are low-income (60% area median income). Right on I-5, with connections to major transportation networks, the Lakewood Station District Subarea has over 100 housing development units in the pipeline, both market-rate and affordable. The plan for this district envisions a multi-modal commuter hub at the southern terminus of Sound Transit’s commuter rail service, providing an amenity-rich, transit-oriented development node surrounding the Lakewood Station with access to regional rail and freeway transportation. Residents will need more shopping options close to home, and travelers can easily access these businesses right off the interstate.
Both the Downtown and Station districts in Lakewood are targeted growth areas, looking to attract mixed-use businesses.
Lakewood Towne Center has retail space availability, with more coming online as commercial retail building is added to this mixed-use center.
Colonial Plaza, also in Downtown, was built in 2019 as a catalyst project for future development. This is a cultural hub and gathering space for night markets, festivals, galas, art walks, and more. Properties adjacent to the Plaza are being redeveloped with more opportunities for retailers who want to be in the heart of this burgeoning center.
Lakewood is becoming stronger in attracting retail business from outside the city, as noted by the increase in pull factor from 2014 to 2021. There is a demand for local and unique retailers.
One especially beneficial program for local startups is the Pierce County BIPOC Business Accelerator. BIPOC and female entrepreneurs can benefit from grants and assistance to help their businesses get up and running. The City of Lakewood contributes to the program with American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Boo Han Market
Meet Jae Han, owner of Boo Han Market.
Boo Han Market | Build Your Better Here
Owner Jae Han shares how his family built Boo Han Market and grew their business in Lakewood.
Boo Han Market | Building a Business in Lakewood | City of Lakewood Economic Development
Speaker: Jae Han, Owner – Boo Han Market
Hi, my name is Jae Han, and I’m with Boo Han Market, a family-owned Korean grocery store located in Lakewood.
Our family built our business here in Lakewood starting in 1973, when my parents first came to the United States. A few years later, around 1977, they opened a small tofu and rice cake factory—bringing the same type of business experience they had in Korea to the local community.
As more Korean families moved into the area in the early 1980s, our customer base began to grow. People would come in for tofu and rice cakes, but they also started asking for other traditional ingredients and products. Over time, we expanded to meet those needs, and Boo Han Market continued to grow into what it is today.
Why Lakewood is a Great Place to Start and Grow a Business
Lakewood has been an ideal location for our business because of its diversity and openness. It’s a community where different cultures and perspectives are welcomed, and that has made a big difference for us.
When we first started, international foods were less common, but today, people are actively seeking out new and diverse experiences. That shift has helped businesses like ours thrive.
Beyond that, Lakewood is simply a great place to live and work. The community is supportive, and there’s a strong sense of connection between local businesses and residents.
Supportive Business Environment in Lakewood, WA
One of the things that stands out about doing business in Lakewood is how accessible and supportive the local business environment is.
The business community here is welcoming, and whenever I’ve had questions, I’ve been able to go directly to City Hall and get the answers I need. That level of support makes a real difference, especially for small and growing businesses.
A Long-Term Home for Business Success
For our family, Lakewood has provided the opportunity not just to start a business, but to sustain and grow it over decades.
We were able to build our future here—and more than 50 years later, we’re still proud to call Lakewood home.
Transcript
Since its beginning in the late 1970s, Boo Han Market has grown from a small grocery store, to become the bustling heart of Lakewood's International District. The business sought to provide popular products for its then primarily Korean customers.
Today, Boo Han Market offers fresh produce, meat, seafood, and more. They offer a wide variety of products from across the globe, and always strive to source foods that customers are seeking.
Lakewood is home to one of the largest International Districts in Washington State, featuring markets, restaurants, and other retail businesses. It is a popular destination for Lakewood residents, and visitors from nearby cities.
For owner Jae Han, Lakewood, WA has been a great place to live and work. As an individual, he has developed a strong sense of community. As a business owner, he has received support from the business community throughout Lakewood, and empowerment from the city to grow and develop the market.
Ed Selden Carpet One
Meet Gayle Selden, Owner of Ed Selden Carpet One Floor & Home
Ed Selden Carpet One
Owner Gayle Selden talks about growing a multi-generational family business in Lakewood.
Ed Selden Carpet One | Building a Family Business in Lakewood | City of Lakewood Economic Development
Speaker: Gayle Selden, Owner – Ed Selden Carpet One
Hi, I’m Gayle Selden, owner of Ed Selden Carpet One, a family-owned flooring business based in Lakewood.
Our company was founded by my grandfather, Ed Selden, more than 65 years ago. He saw the potential of Lakewood early on and chose this location as the foundation for our business—a decision that continues to shape our success today.
Serving the South Sound from Lakewood, WA
While our roots are in Lakewood, our reach extends throughout the South Sound region, including Gig Harbor, Graham, Lacey, and Olympia.
Being centrally located in Lakewood allows us to efficiently serve customers across multiple communities. This accessibility has made it easier for us to grow while maintaining strong relationships throughout the region.
A Supportive Business Environment in Lakewood
The City of Lakewood has played an important role in supporting our business over the years. They’ve helped highlight our company, recognized our family with meaningful awards, and created an environment where local businesses can thrive.
Beyond that, we’ve experienced strong support from both the community and city leadership. That combination has allowed us to adapt, evolve, and continue growing—all within the same location my grandfather originally chose decades ago.
Growing a Legacy Business Across Generations
Today, I’m proud to be part of a generation of women who are leading and growing family-owned businesses. In Lakewood, there is a strong network of women business owners, and that sense of community has been incredibly valuable.
Having that support system—both professionally and personally—has made a real difference. It reinforces that we’re not alone, and that Lakewood is a place where businesses can grow, evolve, and succeed over the long term.
Why Lakewood is a Strategic Location for Business
For us, Lakewood has provided:
A central location to serve the South Sound
A supportive and engaged business community
Long-term stability for multi-generational growth
It’s a place where we’ve been able to build on our legacy while continuing to look forward.
Transcript
Ed Selden Carpet One Floor & Home is part of a worldwide cooperative of over 1,000 stores, but this store has called Lakewood, Washington "home" for decades. The store is now owned and operated by Gayle Selden, Ed's granddaughter.
Ed Selden Carpet One is proudly a women-owned business. As the business has grown, it now serves customers in the greater Puget Sound area. Lakewood has proven to be a great home base for the business, both in terms of location, and municipal and community support.
Classy Chassis
Meet Corey Campbell, owner of Classy Chassis.
Classy Chassis | Build Your Better Here
Owner Corey Campbell explains how he built and expanded his business in Lakewood.
Classy Chassis | Building a Business in Lakewood | City of Lakewood Economic Development
Speaker: Corey Campbell, Owner – Classy Chassis Car Wash & Auto Services
Hi, I’m Corey Campbell with Classy Chassis, a full-service car wash and auto care business located in Lakewood.
From the beginning, our goal has been to be in the people business—focusing not only on delivering a great customer experience, but also creating a strong, supportive environment for our team.
Growing a Business in Lakewood from the Ground Up
In 1995, we built our location from the ground up along Custer Road. At the time, the area was still developing and relatively underserved. As Lakewood grew and eventually incorporated as a city, we saw significant changes driven by a clear vision for the community.
That growth created new opportunities—not just for our business, but for the entire area.
Expanding Through Partnership with the City of Lakewood
Over the years, we’ve been able to expand our services to meet customer needs. Between 2005 and 2007, we added new offerings including a coffee shop and an express oil change center.
Those expansions required close collaboration with the City of Lakewood. From planning to execution, the process was highly cooperative, and the city played an active role in helping us bring that vision to life.
Lakewood has consistently demonstrated a pro-business approach—from city staff to leadership—which makes it easier for businesses to grow and evolve.
Business-Friendly Environment in Lakewood, WA
One of the key advantages of operating in Lakewood is its business-friendly structure. For example, the absence of a Business & Occupation (B&O) tax is a meaningful benefit for business owners.
Combined with a supportive local government and an engaged community, Lakewood provides an environment where businesses can succeed long-term.
Why Community Engagement Matters for Business Success
If you’re looking to start or grow a business—whether in Lakewood or anywhere—being actively involved in your community is essential.
Engaging with local residents, supporting community initiatives, and building relationships all contribute to long-term success. When you invest in the community, that support is often returned.
A Strong Partnership Between Business and Community
We’ve been fortunate to experience that kind of partnership here in Lakewood. The collaboration between local businesses, city leadership, and the community has created a strong foundation for continued growth.
For us, Lakewood has been more than just a place to operate—it’s been a place to build, expand, and succeed.
Transcript
For over a decade before Lakewood achieved cityhood status in 1996, Classy Chassis was offering premium care care services.
What began as a single car wash on Custer Road has expanded to include service locations throughout the Puget Sound area, Xpress Lube centers, a coffee chain, and even self-service dog washes.
The Classy Chassis team has watched as Lakewood has blossomed into the thriving city it is today. From physical improvements like sidewalks and road maintenance, to the development of a pro-business city government, Lakewood has become an excellent place to start or grow a business. Lakewood has invested over $150 million in capital improvements over the past 20 years. The primary focus has been on the City’s major corridors to help improve safety, traffic flow, aesthetics, and multi-modal access. As of 2025, $35 million in additional infrastructure is planned, including curbs, sidewalks, and bike lanes to enhance connectivity.
Businesses in Lakewood profit from the absence of a local Business and Occupation (B&O) tax and traffic impact fees, which are imposed by many Washington state cities.
For Corey Campbell, the business support in Lakewood aided him to grow his business into the success it is today.
Key tips for developing in Lakewood
Hire qualified contractors licensed to do business in Lakewood.
Submit quality detailed plans, and stick to the plans.
Project management is key, particularly with large complex developments.
Take advantage of our low-cost pre-application process to get all of your questions answered.
Pay attention to the details in our municipal code. Lakewood has three development code sections, 18A Land Use and Development Code (general codes); 18B Downtown Development Code, and 18C Stations District Development Code.
Communicate often with key staff members, particularly if there are any changes.
While every investment carries a unique combination of features, risks, and rewards, some offer an added layer of financial benefits and the abilit...
Grow Your Business to Lakewood, WA
Connect with Becky Newton, Lakewood’s Economic Development Manager, to learn about expansion, relocation, development, or investment. Get direct guidance on local incentives, permitting, site selection, and pro-business programs designed to help your company grow.
