For readers in Bellingham, this page covers new business launches, store shutterings, restaurant debuts and retail departures. Reporting tracks shifts in the local commercial landscape as enterprises open and close across the city.
A local commercial real estate broker examines why six Bellingham restaurants shut down in September while one opened elsewhere in Whatcom County.
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November 2, 2026
Stockton's Paint to Consolidate in Barkley BoulevardStockton's Paint will combine its two Bellingham locations into its Barkley Boulevard store starting January 1, 2027.
October 30, 2026
Bellingham Chocolate Shop Celebrates 40 YearsFounded in 1986, the local business now operates two store locations in Bellingham.
October 28, 2026
Cafe Rumba Owner Launches Fundraiser for ExpensesThe longtime Bellingham restaurant is seeking community support to address financial struggles during a slow season.
October 25, 2026
Mallina Wilson Releases Memoir on Mother's DisappearanceThe Bellingham resident explores her family history in a new memoir after 15 years of writing.
October 22, 2026
Bellingham to Open Wetland Mitigation Bank in 2027The city expects to launch a new ecological site to help local developers meet environmental project requirements.
October 21, 2026
Paper Whale Leases Historic Public Market BuildingThe local arts organization plans to transform the downtown space into a hub for community events and studios.
October 2, 2026
Cosmic Games Opened at Bellis Fair MallThe new retailer has officially launched at the Bellingham shopping center in the former DSW Shoes space.
September 29, 2026
Bellingham Schools Will Close Two Elementary CampusesCarl Cozier and Columbia Elementary will shut down at the end of the 2026-2027 school year to cut costs.
September 25, 2026
Paper Whale Partnered with Local Transit AgencyThe nonprofit will occupy a former Bellingham market site ahead of future bus station construction.
September 25, 2026
Grizzly Industrial Released Two New JointersThe Bellingham-based company launched a pair of 16-inch parallelogram jointers for high-volume woodworking.
Day to day, that means monitoring new leases, permanent closures, grand openings and service changes. It reaches across the city and the communities around it to identify shifts in the retail environment. Business turnover in the city often follows seasonal tourism patterns or shifts in the local housing market. High-traffic corridors and historic districts tend to see the most frequent movement in occupancy.
