The name drew me in! And so glad it did. I was on 6th Avenue for lunch, so decided to walk around and check out all the nearby businesses, which is when I spotted a huge, colorful sign with a narwhal wearing sunglasses. It was The Nearsighted Narwhal! Of course I had to check it out. The shop is small, but has a ton of fun and witty gifts and items, from local zines to buttons to prints. I spent a good amount of time, checking out all the different and detailed items. Specifically, I really liked the magnets they sell here, as they have clever sayings with a colorful background. In fact, when I was checking out, I asked the owner if there were any more and she mentioned that she was making more magnets and to stop by again for different sayings. One that I bought says, "Not today motherfucker." Now who wouldn't want that hanging at their office? The Nearsighted Narwhal is a great store to browse and shop local. If in the area, definitely pay this shop a visit and support the local artists that sell their work here here. Plus, ya gotta love the Tacoma pride found, as they sell many items from tees to magnets, expressing Tacoma is cool and Seattle drools. Hah! read more

The Nearsighted Narwhal - Storefront - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Cute shop! We popped in twice while in town to have lunch at nearby Shakabrah. The owner arrived as we were admiring the cute vinyl decals through the window. She let us in and was very pleasant and helpful as we shopped for t-shirts, lotions and decals. The jewelry was amazing-very bold and wearable. Loved that the t-shirts were high-quality, soft, amazing colors, and in all sizes, not just small and mediums. We each bought a t-shirt and I got a pepper lotion to use on sore muscles- whoa, its very potent! But I think I like it. The book and zine section was cool. I wish I had more time to browse that section. read more

The Nearsighted Narwhal - Great vinyl decals to add to my bumper sticker collection plus 2 lotions. - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

And here we go with my 2nd update on Nearsighted Narwhal. Apparently all of my frustrations with their hours the last week and a half was a fluke. The owner had a volunteer take over and the volunteer did not adhere to the agreed hours that were believed to have been made. This was frustrating to the owner as well but with her return they are back to reliable hours which I am extremely happy to see! Go ahead and check out their really cool merchandise! read more

This place is the coolest! Just opened in late June, it's a shop dedicated to DIY in all forms, including self-published books, zines, music, artwork, greeting cards, and more. I chatted with one of the owners (Ossain) and was so impressed by their dedication to creating a community space--they've hosted workshops, musical performances, open mics for local authors, and a 24-hour zine making event. There's space for painting, craft kits, and a typewriter for rent (50¢ a page). They also offer button making and lo-fi recording to make your own CD. I was most excited about their seriously fantastic selection of zines, they've got a great mix of "classics" along with new stuff by local artists. Tacoma is so lucky to have a place like this!! read more

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Cute little store on 6th Ave that sells things made by local artist. They have decals, tshirts, poster boards, totes and plenty of little knick knacks. The lady who was working was very nice. Not necessarily a cheap store but all items are unique and well made. Good place to stop in if you're looking for a creative gift or special little something for yourself. read more

Super cute local craft/artisan shop. It has prints, as well as original art, of great Tacoma-specific locations. The feel is pretty grunge but perfect for the merchandise and the area. It's Tacoma for sure. Cards, magnets and stickers as well. read more

Confirming 6th Avenue's status as "the place to be" in Tacoma and a huge leap forward for T-Town's Indy/DIY scene, The Nearsighted Narwhal is a little delight that is not to be missed. Anyone into zines will appreciate the Narwhal's selections - sure to increase as they get established. The emphasis is appropriately-wonderfully local, but also includes several stalwarts of zine publishing. Even better - the resources they provide to self-publish and self-produce: button making machine, printers, cutters, etc. The Nearsighted Narwhal is one street-savvy shop. Lending to their street cred - walking in and seeing catalogues from PDX Zine Symposium. Clearly, they have been inspired by places like Reading Frenzy, the IPRC and Regional Assembly of Text. They're batting for the fences...zine rookies & veterans alike will be rooting for them. I wish them joy & success in all their endeavors - and I will be there to support them! read more

What a cool little store. I stopped here because the name sucked me in. What can I say, I think narwhals are awesome! The store is very cute and has a lot of neat artwork. I was hoping they had some robot prints/art since the store seems like they'd have something like that, but no luck. I did find a really cool drawing though that I purchased for only $5.00. What a deal. I believe it was the owner working, because he thanked me for stopping in and asked if it was my first time visiting. He was super nice and made me want to come back. I can't wait to stop by and visit again. read more

I so wanted to like this place as it's stocked with cool stuff by local artists. But after spending a few bucks and inquiring about consigning my artwork there, I am truly disappointed. I emailed with links and samples of my work and a request to set up an appointment. No reply. Emailed again to see if possibly they missed the previous email. No reply. Seriously, NO REPLY at all? Hey I get that perhaps they may not be interested in my work but that's just plain bad business and rude not to acknowledge the communication. Artists beware. If a consignment shop has this little regard for potential vendors for their FREE inventory, chances are they won't treat you well even if you get your merch in there. read more

The owner was extremely rude, slammed the door in my face for asking a legitimate, polite question about her business hours to which she responded, "I refuse to do business with someone like you." I had asked if I could make an appointment to visit the business, and asked what her hours were, because the door was locked with the lights on and the "open" sign on. I stood patiently in the rain, made no complaint about any of it, and when she did return and I walked in with a smile on my face. "Are you the guy on the phone?" Yes. "I refuse to do business with you." She then explained that, "I'm a business owner and I can come and go anytime I want." Ah, I see. There was nothing in my tone or manner that deserved this. She was simply very offended that a customer would ever dare question when the door might be opened. She also explained she was caring for a sick family member. I am just going to say that I am tired of being victimized by people who say they are a victim. It may not occur to someone as self-centered as this business owner, but she is not the only one who experiences pain and suffering, or cares for others. Instead of accepting an olive branch and finding common ground with me, she chose to do what so many others do, and act in shaming, abusive manner, and attempt to humiliate me in the process. Why can't people like her realize that they're just adding twice as much negativity to the already bleak world we live in? A place like Nearsighted Narwhal is somewhere I should've been able to find some light and joy, but instead she ruined my day and made me feel like crap. I hope you're happy in your gleeful pettiness in wielding your tiny amount of power over me. My pain doesn't give me any more of a right to mistreat others than yours does. If anything, it gives us both an obligation to repay our pain with kindness. You have failed at that, and so long as you do, all that you do will fail. I forgive you, but having been abused enough in this world, I need to protect myself, and I will not be patronizing this business ever again. I hope you can find it in your heart to treat the next person who walks through your doors with some human decency and respect--or at least some civility or an ounce of professional integrity--regardless of you're going through. read more

Love this place. One of my favorite spots to find funky/unique gifts and lots of terrific local art and stuff!

What a valuable concept: support and highlight locals artists, writers and craftspeople. So glad to see this in Tacoma! We picked up a CD for me, and a book and some buttons for the kids for under $20. If we lived in Tacoma I'd be there frequently. Please support this place! read more

Tacoma's much-needed zine emporium & DIY crafty space! I love this shop and the friendly folks who work here. They have an excellent selection of books, zines, crafts, art, and more, and a calendar full of great events. I'm so happy this is here. read more

A fun little store for those interested in DIY self publishing, writing group workshops, Local zines, music, comics and art. Employees are really nice and welcoming, location is right on 6th next to Legendary Donuts. read more