Bellis Fair mall adds a community organization but also loses a longtime retailer
Here’s a roundup of Whatcom County retail activity:
▪ Bellingham Makerspace will soon have a new space in Bellis Fair, near Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The nonprofit organization, which provides access to tools, education and technology, recently moved its equipment into the 7,000-square-foot space and could reopen sometime this month, Jeremiah McCoy, Makerspace manager, wrote in an email to The Bellingham Herald.
Equipment includes 3D printers, computers, woodworking and metalworking tools as well as laser engravers.
Being at the mall has several advantages, according to McCoy. There’s a lot more room, which will allow the organization to add more equipment and volunteer staff to keep it open every day. Being at the mall also means a lot more visibility. They will also be able to offer more classes.
McCoy noted that they are also planning to have a few new business partners joining Makerspace in that spot. There’s also a residential membership option for artists and local businesses to have a designated space in Makerspace. McCoy wrote that it is a new business model for them, and believes it will help make the organization more sustainable.
For details and updates, visit the organization’s Facebook page.
▪ Last month Abercrombie & Fitch closed its Bellis Fair location. The clothing store, which was near the JC Penney wing, had been at the mall since 2000. The company announced last year it was closing up to 40 stores, mostly in the U.S.
The nearest U.S. Abercrombie & Fitch store is at the Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip.
▪ Earl’s Bike Shop is taking a short winter vacation and will be closed through Saturday, Feb. 15, according to a Facebook post. Customers of the store/repair shop can continue to shop at the store’s website during the break.
▪ The website My Ferndale News reports that the Sky High Pot Shop at 6167 Portal Way closed last month and the store’s license was suspended for failure to pay taxes.
▪ The jewelry and accessory store Apse is opening a space on the first floor of The Herald Building at 1155 N. State St. According to the signs on the door, the new store space should be ready this spring. The company has a retail space at 1307 Cornwall Ave.
