Despite two nearby fires and a global pandemic, this Bellingham landmark is still open
Even before the new coronavirus arrived, Vienna Cleaners was hit with two fires to neighboring businesses, leaving the downtown Bellingham dry cleaning business with $100,000 in roof damage, according to Brian Richards.
It also meant a lot of work protecting customers’ clothes and blankets; the smell of smoke is not something a dry cleaning business wants to have.
“It’s just mind-boggling,” said Richards, noting what his family-owned business has gone through in the past 16 months, including the demolition of three neighboring buildings that have cleared out about half a block of Railroad Avenue. “We want to continue, but we’re just praying to stay open.”
Being in the dry cleaning business is difficult during the coronavirus pandemic. With so many people working from home, the business has seen a substantial drop in office dress shirts, blouses, ties and slacks that need to be cleaned.
They have seen an uptick in blanket and wedding dress tickets, as well as some extra COVID-19-related cleaning services. However, it’s not making up for the slowdown in other areas, Richards said.
The first fire in February 2019 destroyed Hohl Feed & Seed, but Vienna Cleaners was fortunate to have little damage and no flooding from the water used to put out the flames.
The second fire in July destroyed Clark’s Feed & Seed and Avalon Records, as well as damaging the dry cleaning business. Along with the roof damage, the company had to clean customers’ items that smelled of smoke.
While these three events have definitely tested the resiliency of the business, Vienna Cleaners is known for its staying power. The business is more than 100 years old and has been at its current spot at 206 E. Magnolia St. since the 1950s. Brian’s father, Maurice, has operated the business since 1962 and still drops by to help.
Brian Richards said they have the oldest drive-thru window in Whatcom County, which customers have appreciated during this pandemic. The company also takes drop-off and pick-up orders at the Barkley, Ferndale and Sehome Haggen stores.
Current business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. For further details, call 360-734-3333.
