Alo Yoga expands into the Pacific Northwest with a store at Bellevue Square

Alo Yoga, the Beverly Hills-based activewear brand known for its high-quality casual wear, has officially opened its first Seattle-area store in Bellevue Square. The 36,000-square-foot retail space on the mall’s ground floor takes the space formerly occupied by Amazon Books.

Founded in 2007, Alo Yoga has quickly gained popularity, especially during the pandemic when a number of celebrities were frequently spotted wearing the brand’s stylish and comfortable clothing. This celebrity endorsement helped the brand reach new heights, with annual sales reportedly surpassing $1 billion. As part of its aggressive growth strategy, Alo Yoga CEO Danny Harris announced plans to open a new store every week through 2024, bringing the brand’s total number of locations worldwide to 100 by the end of the year.

Alo Yoga’s Bellevue Square location joins a growing list of activewear brands at the mall, including Beyond Yoga, which recently opened, and Vuori, which is scheduled to launch soon. These new additions meet rising demand for high-quality activewear and casual wear and reflect a broader consumer shift toward health, wellness and lifestyle-focused purchases.

The Bellevue retail market is experiencing significant momentum in 2024, driven by strong demand and a competitive leasing environment. According to recent reports from JLL and Windermere, Bellevue has become a magnet for retailers, particularly those looking to capitalize on the area’s high-income demographic and steady customer traffic. Leasing activity has surged, with many brands quickly securing prime space as availability becomes more scarce. This increased competition is due in part to the limited supply of new retail space as construction starts have declined, resulting in landlords exerting more pricing power in negotiations.

Additionally, Bellevue’s retail market has benefited from the general trend of brands moving from urban centers like downtown Seattle to suburbs. This shift is influenced by ongoing public safety concerns and the persistence of hybrid work models that have reduced foot traffic in downtown Seattle offices. As a result, Bellevue Square has seen an influx of new retailers, including big-name athletic apparel brands, further cementing its status as a premier shopping destination.

Bellevue Square is a large shopping mall in Bellevue, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. It is part of the Bellevue Collection, which also includes Lincoln Square and Bellevue Place, and forms a major retail and entertainment center in the area. Opened in 1946, Bellevue Square has grown and evolved significantly over the decades through numerous renovations and expansions. The mall now includes over 200 stores, including major department stores such as Nordstrom and Macy’s, as well as a variety of upscale shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Bellevue Square is a central feature of downtown Bellevue, attracting shoppers from throughout the greater Seattle area.