Retailers progress on big projects

Coffee, grocery about to open at Smith, Northwest

DAVE GALLAGHER

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It’s time for a little catch up. The focus of this column is to let readers know about businesses that are opening, closing, moving or making other significant changes. There have been a slew of announcements in the past few months about businesses doing things, so here is an update on some of them:

Greene’s Corner, the grocery store, drive-through espresso and coffee place going in at the corner of Smith Road and Northwest Drive, is expected to open in late July, said Jeff Hopwood, who has teamed up with Sara Liao-Troth to completely renovate the old Pynor’s Market and Deli building.

Hopwood said they are in the process of finishing some interior work, landscaping and hiring employees. They had originally planned to be done by June, but the challenges of remodeling a building that has been around since 1922 has pushed the completion date out a few weeks.

“Overall it’s been going great and we’re very happy about the response in the neighborhood,” said Hopwood.

The remodel of the Meridian Plaza is expected to begin in July, according to commercial real estate agent Erin Sundean of The Bedford Group. It’s the strip mall near Burger King and Mi Mexico.

Ralf’s Bavarian Bakery is expected to open at the Depot Market Square on Railroad Avenue sometime in August, said Kacy Sigl, who runs the business with her husband, Ralf. Known for their Bavarian pretzels, cheese sticks and buns made at their home bakery and sold either wholesale or at the Saturday Farmers Market, the Sigls plan a year-round retail space, offering a lunch menu and sandwich delivery service.

La Gloria Market on Meridian Street is going well after opening this spring, said co-owner Petra Apreza. The owners are planning on expanding, adding about 1,000 square feet. They are looking at options of what to add, she said.

Victoria’s Secret new space is now open at Bellis Fair mall. Formerly located in the Macy’s wing, the new store is near Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers.

NEW OWNER AT COLD STONE CREAMERY

When Saleem Jaffer took over Cold Stone Creamery three months ago, he got to work on what he thought was a lagging part of the business: ice cream cake.

“I’ve been happy to see how we’ve been able to turn that around,” said Jaffer, who also owns a Cold Stone Creamery in Leavenworth. He noted that the key was hiring two cake decorators and keeping the shelves full. “We’ve really focused on catering to that lastminute caller, which represents almost 30 percent of this business.”

Jaffer said things have gone well, although the chilly spring weather hasn’t helped sales of ice cream. Now that the weather appears to be warming up, he’s expecting that part of the business to start picking up, particularly the evening, after-movie crowd. The creamery, located near Bellis Fair on 3908 Meridian St., is open every day from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“This location really works well for me,” Jaffer said. “It gives us a chance to cater to local shoppers as well as the Canadian market.”

To create stronger ties with the community, he’s made the decision to hire enthusiastic students with high grade point averages and become more involved in the high school programs. He is also developing a catering program for parties and other events.

For more information about the Bellingham store, call 733-5334 or visit www.coldstonecreamery.com.

PORTABLE BUSINESS ON THE MOVE

Portable Kid has made a move into a bigger space. Formerly at 1201 Cornwall Ave., the store moved across the street to 1206 Cornwall Ave., increasing its square footage from 373 to 1,100. Owner Laurie Shultis plans on adding new product lines and increasing what she is already offering, said her husband, Scott.

The store offers a variety of products to move young children around, including slings and car seats. More information can be found at www.portablekid.com.

Retail Tip Sheet runs each Monday. Reach Dave Gallagher at 715-2269 or dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com.

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Monday, Jun. 30, 2008

Retailers progress on big projects

Coffee, grocery about to open at Smith, Northwest

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