Business - Business News

POSTED: Saturday, Nov. 01, 2008

Whatcom County market report for September

While the stock market was taking everyone on a roller-coaster ride of wild proportions in October, the economic numbers locally about September were fairly stable.

It might mean the turmoil of the national economy won't hit the local numbers until the coming months, but in September there were month-to-month drops in foreclosures and unemployment as well as some increases in auto sales and building permits.

Here is some other economic data reported in the past month:

Retail trade: While Whatcom County had a slight gain in overall taxable retail sales in the second quarter, this area saw a nearly 2 percent drop in retail trade - goods sold in stores.

Taking the biggest hit was new and used car sales, which was down 21 percent in the second quarter year-over-year. The third quarter numbers won't be released until later this year, but the expectation is that retail trade will continue to contract as consumers cut back on spending.

Tourism: Spending by people visiting Whatcom County was up 7.4 percent in 2007 year-over-year, to $453.7 million. That's slightly higher than the state average. Whatcom currently ranks fifth highest among the 39 counties in the state in visitor spending.

Other significant business changes: Lynden City Council repealed its city-wide prohibition of Sunday alcohol sales, which had been on the books for 41 years... Walkers Carpet One has acquired a bigger facility on 2425 E. Bakerview Road as the company continues to diversify in the home interior market. The facility was formerly home to Elements Design Center... Two local businesses are going through significant changes - Bargainica closed its State Street store, while the main store at the Bellingham Public Market remains open. Burger Me is currently for sale, and will be closing later this month if no buyer steps forward.