Downtown wine bar prepares to close; business submits plans for former Big Lots space
Here’s a roundup of recent retail activity in Whatcom County:
▪ Vinostrology announced on Facebook that its last day of business is Saturday, Dec. 28. Katie Bechkowiak opened the wine lounge at 120 W. Holly St. in May 2013.
The space may not be vacant for long. Earlier this month a state liquor license assumption application was submitted for that space. The proposed business name is not listed, but the applicants are Kaycee Rezvani, Milad Rezvani and Jessica Henderson.
▪ Chuck and Barbara Patterson announced on Facebook that they have sold the Welcome Grocery Store. The Pattersons opened the store in March 2016 on Mount Baker Highway, near the Mosquito Lake Road turnoff.
The Pattersons didn’t announce the name of the buyer, but said they plan on being around the store for the next few weeks to help with the transition.
▪ A building permit application was submitted to a gym called KO Training Grounds at 1524 Birchwood Ave., in the former Big Lots space at the Park Manor shopping center.
Big Lots moved into its new space about 200 yards away last summer.
▪ A full-service laundromat in Ferndale recently opened. Ferndale Laundry is at 5619 3rd Ave., near Pioneer Park. Along with wash and fold, the business also offers alteration services.
Details about the business can be found on Facebook.
▪ It turned out to be a strong spring in Whatcom County for retail sales.
During the second quarter retail sales hit $1.2 billion, a 6.9% increase compared to a year ago, according to the latest data from the Washington State Department of Revenue. Retail trade, which focuses on things sold in stores, jumped 11.2% to $560 million.
The big jumps came in car sales (up 12.2% year-over-year) and electronics (up 18%). With a 5.6% increase, restaurants and drinking places hit nearly $103 million in second quarter sales.
