Past, Present & Future - The Urbanity Story
PAST
Urbanity began in 2009 when newly graduated Division 1 football player, Lee Smith, came up with the idea while visiting his sister in New York City. At the time, in his hometown of Seattle, WA, building a full outfit meant going to multiple stores; footwear here, apparel there, and while some consumers enjoy that process, the clientele Lee wanted to attract were ones that were like him. People that appreciate one on one shopping experience, supporting local, and finding the most unique items in one store. The vision was simple but ambitious: create the first true one-stop shop in Washington where everything comes together under one roof.
Urbanity opened its first standalone location on December 18, 2009, and quickly built a loyal following. Urbanity became the shop where athletes, celebrities, and full family's came in to shop, hangout, and overall just support. This location was in the heart of the University district and managed to create growth that provided Lee with the confidence to strive for bigger. After learning the ropes, creating relationships with some of the top accounts in the fashion industry, Lee took his ever evolving idea and made the decision to relocate to a mall. Although a tough decision, that store was his baby, Lee knew that his vision was bigger and deserved to be seen and experienced by more people.
In 2013, Urbanity moved into Bellevue Square, becoming the first, locally owned, urban streetwear store in the mall; eventually breaking sales records and creating a path for growth within the streetwear scene. Over the course of a decade, Urbanity Bellevue truly became a lifestyle brand in itself; from the amazing employees, to different community's throughout the PNW, being on the eastside only proved that Urbanity could thrive in another market- which was always a goal.
In September 2022, Urbanity (Westfield) Southcenter opened its' doors for the first time. The location sits next to some of the most popular big block stores in the country, but Urbanity definitely stands out and brings a unique vibe to Southcenter; people want to leave the mall with an Urbanity bag.
PRESENT
With growth comes change, and it was time for change. After an incredible run, Lee made the tough decision to not renew the lease in Bellevue Square, and the location officially closed its' doors on October 12, 2025. Urbanity now only operates out of Southcenter, alongside its' rapidly growing e-commerce platform. With the start of the first Urbanity Udistrict to now, Urbanity is proudly 16 years deep and still independently owned and operated.
FUTURE
Looking ahead, Urbanity is entering its next chapter with focus and intention. The priority in 2026 is aggressively growing the shops e-commerce and expanding how we serve customers beyond the four walls of a store. We’re being patient and strategic with physical retail, intentionally holding off on opening another location until the market corrects.
What won’t change is our commitment to culture, exclusivity, and delivering a premium shopping experience. The future of Urbanity is about evolution — and we’re excited to build it with you.