Closed permanently: Here are 12 Whatcom County businesses that shut down in 2025
Many new stores and businesses closed in Whatcom County throughout 2025. Here’s our list of several of the businesses, retail shops and more that closed permanently within the last year:
Bellis Fair mall loses 4 shops early
Bellis Fair mall lost four shops during the first two months of 2025. Airsoft Challenge, an airsoft gun range, closed in February, and Game Stop, Attic Salt and Trishna Rock & Gem also permanently closed in January, according to previous reporting by The Herald. Bellis Fair mall is at 1 Bellis Fair Parkway in Bellingham.
Forever 21
National clothing chain Forever 21, also at Bellis Fair mall, near the food court, closed permanently in April. The company filed for bankruptcy and closed all locations.
Earthbound Trading Co.
Earthbound Trading Co., a clothing, home decor and gift shop with locations across the country, also closed its Bellis Fair mall location in April.
BBay Running
BBay Running, a running and walking shoe store in downtown Bellingham, closed in May. The locally owned store closed as its owner, David Penrose, announced his retirement. The shop was at 1431 N State St.
Joann fabric and craft store
National fabric, home decor and crafting chain Joann, the national chain of fabric closed all of its locations throughout 2025. Bellingham’s Joann store closed in May after concluding a liquidation clearance sale. The company announced in February that the company was being liquidated as part of bankruptcy proceedings. Joann was located in Sunset Square at 1125 E Sunset Drive.
At Home
Another pillar of Sunset Square closed in June when home decor chain At Home closed its Bellingham location in June after its parent company declared bankruptcy. The chain still has some stores open across the country, but the Bellingham’s at 1001 E Sunset Dr. is no longer among them.
Ponderosa Beer + Books
Ponderosa Beer + Books, a bottle shop, taproom and book store, closed in August. The business was located at 1225 Roeder Ave. near downtown Bellingham.
Griffinstown Cozy Corner Bookstore
Griffinstown Cozy Corner Bookstore, a used bookstore in Ferndale, closed in September. The store offered a $1 book liquidation sale leading up to its closure, as its owners planned to retire. The store was at 5772 Second Ave.
Gallery West
A 52-year-old Bellingham business closed permanently in December. Gallery West, an art gallery and shop in Fairhaven, closed as its owner, Dave Lucas, planned to retire. The gallery was located at 1300 12th St. in Bellingham.
