At Center Street Junction, locals can shop for the holidays while supporting their community

By Rick Stedman

Center Street Junction has been a fixture in Eatonville since it opened its doors in May 2018. The 10,000-square-foot, high- end thrift shop is a nonprofit marketplace owned and managed by Eatonville Family Agency.

“The store’s mission goes beyond shopping—it’s about supporting local entrepreneurs, building community and funding vital EFA programs, such as the food pantry that helps local families,” says EFA Executive Director Kylee Hutchings.

CSJ is home to a mix of vintage, thrift and locally made goods, including clothes, furniture, collectibles and gifts. It also has a coffee shop, where many people grab a drink before wandering the store.

“The store’s layout allows shoppers to explore at their own pace,” Kylee says. “Each merchant space feels like stepping into a different story.”

Roughly 90 local merchants rent space in CSJ. These merchants—ranging from age 9 to their 80s—create treasures of all sorts.

“These small-business owners, artisans and collectors offer an incredible variety of goods,” says CSJ Store Manager Krystal

Benham. “Each booth reflects the creativity and personality of its owner, making every visit to CSJ a new experience.”

Unique Layout, Unique Items

When first entering CSJ, Cassady’s Coffee owner Barb Wolters will greet you with a smile and a latte, if you desire.

“Since opening a year ago, Cassady’s Coffee has been a gathering place for conversation, connection and community within the store,” Kylee says.

With many visitors passing through the area en route to Mount Rainier National Park, CSJ provides a brief history lesson of the Eatonville area.

“We’re proud to showcase Eatonville’s roots through our historical timeline display, located inside the store,” Kylee says. “This display ties directly into the town’s new Eatonville Historical Walking Tour, and Center Street Junction is featured as stop No. 4. It gives visitors a look at the town’s rich heritage and the evolution

of local businesses over the years from the early logging days to the vibrant community hub Eatonville is today.”

Volunteering Is Key

Joshua Sides, the newest EFA board member, says he got involved because he wanted to help bring a new sense of purpose, prosperity and pleasure to Eatonville.

“To do something like that you have to reach the families at a mental, physical and spiritual level, and what better way to do that than a family agency?” he says.

With CSJ and EFA, volunteers do everything from sorting donations to helping with large events, and much more.

“Volunteers play a big role in the success of both CSJ and EFA,” Kylee says. “We encourage all who would like to be a part of this impactful work to go to eatonvillefamilyagency.org and sign up to be a volunteer.”

Holiday Season Magic

“The holidays are a magical time at CSJ,” Krystal says. “The entire store transforms with beautiful decor, festive displays and affordable holiday gifts.”

CSJ has the same seasonal ups and downs as any store. While CSJ’s revenue tends to dip during the winter, the holiday season sees a big bump.

“The CSJ impact is evident leading up to the holidays in the role the store plays in the community, generating festive cheer and promoting local merchants,” says EFA board member Sarah Cole. “Management and staff take great care in creating an inviting shopping experience, which draws people in and creates loyal customers. The ‘shop local’ movement also plays a huge role in CSJ’s success.”

One of the events CSJ offers this winter is the Holiday Sip & Shop Dec. 5 from

6-9 p.m. The free event will have live music, food, drinks and exclusive sales.

“It’s a fun evening to shop, socialize and celebrate the season while supporting a cause that directly benefits local families,” Kylee says.

Center Street Junction is at 101 Mashell Ave. N

For more information, call Eatonville Family Agency at 360-832-6805 or Center Street Junction at 360-832-2526.