Are metered spots readily available? I have a rarer heavy item to return and don't want to carry it too far.

There are a few spots directly across the street. Availability varies per the typical trends downtown.

Yes

Yes there are metered parking but I had to park around the corner. No upfront parking...

Yes. Also there is a Plaid Pantry right across the street you can park in.

We went a bit later towards 7pm on a weekend and there were some metered parking across the street from the store.

You have to be lucky, and get one around the corner. There is nothing in front and there is no dedicated parking

To my knowledge there are available across the street or around the corner, but not directly in front of Amazon as there is a bike lane on that side of the street.