While waiting to reopen, this Bellingham business is expanding into a bigger space
Here’s an update on recent retail activity around Whatcom County:
▪ During this current pandemic restrictions, Life Force Ninja is busy for a major expansion. The obstacle course/fitness gym is moving into the former Trampoline Zone space at 4201 Meridian St., near the Kellogg Road intersection.
Co-owner Becca Margulies said they are spending the month of December moving equipment into the new space, which at 18,000 square feet is more than three times the size of their current facility. They hope to be open in mid- or late-January, but that will depend on where things are with the pandemic. Current restrictions have closed gyms until at least Monday, Jan. 4.
If pandemic restrictions are still in place when it is time to reopen, Margulies said they will look into the possibility of doing some limited child care programs.
Once open in the new place, Life Force will have several new features, including an 18-foot warped wall and obstacles over an air bag.
▪ Another business that’s expanding is Borthwick Jewelry in Ferndale.
The store, which is at 1730 LaBounty Drive near Interstate 5, recently doubled in size to 2,000 square feet.
Founded in 1997, the locally owned company offers loose diamonds, bridal sets, anniversary bands, sterling silver, gemstone rings and gemstone pendants. It also handles most repairs at the store, reducing turnaround time for their customers, owner Tom Borthwick said in a news release.
Jewelry sales at the shop are up 10% compared to 2019, contributing to Borthwick’s decision to expand.
“During a time when many of our usual activities are restricted, jewelry has become even more appreciated,” Borthwick said.
Borthwick Jewelry is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call Borthwick Jewelry at 360-384-2803 or visit its website.
▪ As the extension of the latest pandemic restrictions sink in, local restaurants continue to adjust. The Black Cat in Fairhaven announced on Facebook that it will take a “Black Cat Snooze” and pause takeout/delivery services starting Tuesday, Dec. 15, until dine-in restrictions are lifted.
The Cedars Restaurant in Ferndale announced on Facebook that it was temporarily closing on Dec. 13 until dine-in restrictions are lifted.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Tuesday, Dec. 8, that current restrictions, including restaurants remaining closed to indoor dining, will be extended until Monday, Jan. 4.
A current list of what local restaurants are doing during this current period of pandemic restrictions is available on The Bellingham Herald website.
▪ When you feel ready to travel outside of Whatcom County for some retail shopping, the Seattle Premium Outlets in Marysville announced new stores have opened. Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs and Salvatore Ferragamo are new stores in the outlet mall, while lululemon has moved into a bigger space, according to a news release.
▪ In a sign of how things are changing in retail, Target submitted a building permit to the city of Bellingham to convert its cafe into an online pickup storage area.
▪ For those still on the hunt for holiday gifts, Kulshan Brewing Company announced it is shipping its canned beer within the state of Washington.
The brewery is offering several award-winning beers in a special release variety pack, according to a news release.
“We are excited to be able to offer our customers across the state a different way to access Kulshan beer — having it delivered to your doorstep,” said Emily Mallos, Kulshan’s marketing manager, in the news release. “And since we’re sticking closer to home these days, this will provide people the opportunity to try some of our beers you don’t normally find in stores or are only available in the taproom.”
Although beer can only be shipped in Washington, Kulshan has merchandise for purchase on their site that ships nationwide. For more information and to order visit Kulshan’s website.
This story was originally published December 12, 2020 at 9:00 AM.
