Get ready for plenty of Whatcom County retail changes in early 2013.

With the holiday shopping season nearly complete, several businesses have announced plans to make changes. A flurry of activity tends to take place this time of year as leases expire and stores decide to move or close. January also tends to be a slow time for retailers in terms of customer sales, making it a good opportunity for stores to remodel or move.

Here's a list of some announced changes, with more sure to follow:

- Terri Zweber, who operates America's Cup café on Squalicum Harbor and Our Kitchen is Your Kitchen in the Barkley district, is making changes to both businesses.

America's Cup is being remodeled and will be closed the month of January. It's scheduled to reopen Friday, Feb. 1.

Our Kitchen is Your Kitchen is moving into a new space. Its Barkley location is now closed; it will be going into an expanded space near the corner of Hannegan and East Bakerview roads. The plan is to reopen the bakery/café in the new space Feb. 1. Classes are available at the Barkley location in January.

The phone lines and email at Our Kitchen is Your Kitchen are still active, and customers can schedule parties and custom orders during the transition. Once in the new space, Our Kitchen is Your Kitchen will have more offerings than before, including homemade soups and made-to-order sandwiches, manager Susanna Morgan said in an email.

For details and updates, call 360-733-7700 or visit the bakery's Facebook page.

- Digs, a furniture store at 200 W. Holly St., is moving to Seattle in early 2013.

The company announced on its Facebook page that it is having a storewide sale in January, with products discounted 20 to 75 percent. The final day of business in Bellingham is Saturday, Jan. 26, said owner Gretchen Bjork, who opened the store in spring 2008.

The new location will be in Ballard at 2004 NW Market St., near Dakota Art.

- Northwest Gifts at 4131 Meridian St. is closing at the end of the day Monday, Dec. 31. Richard Buford, who also owns Aldrich Farms, said the business lost its lease for that spot but he plans to reopen in a new location in 2013. Aldrich Farms products can continue to be found at Bellingham Farmers Market in early 2013.

For details or updates, visit aldrichfarms.com or call 360-920-5653.

- 4 Starrs Boutique is closing its Bellis Fair store and the owner, Danielle Starr, plans to open a new concept store called Damsel Clothing in the spring at Bakerview Square. The new store will focus on special occasion dresses and accessories.

The Bellis Fair store is closing the end of December. The Fairhaven 4 Starrs Boutique will remain open.

- Two hair salons have applied for tenant improvement permits to go into new spaces: The Hair Art Studio at 109 Prospect St. and Bella Body & Sol at 960 Harris Ave., Suite 104.

- A sign permit was issued by the city of Bellingham for a new 7-Eleven at 145 Samish Way.

- Francesca's Collection, a women's clothing boutique store, has filed for permits to go into the Harry Ritchie's Jewelers space in Bellis Fair mall, near the Food Court. Harry Ritchie's is currently having a store-closing sale.

Reach DAVE GALLAGHER at dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2269.