Citing drop in customers from Canada, Birch Bay boutique owner announces closure
A Birch Bay business is closing permanently about a year after its owner began to notice a significant drop in customers and revenue from Canada.
Suzanne Smith launched Betty Be Good Boutique in 2012, and in 2013 she opened her brick-and-mortar location off of Interstate 5 in the Birch Bay Square shopping center.
The boutique is named after Smith’s mother, Betty, but it also is named after her mission to “be good,” shown through her dedication to supporting human trafficking victims by donating 2% of gross total sales to two related organizations — Engedi Refuge in Lynden and Deborah’s Gate in British Columbia.
Smith told The Bellingham Herald in April 2025 that she experienced an 80% decline in Canadian shoppers, which make up about 60% of her customer base.
“I don’t count on seeing any Canadians, to be quite frank,” Smith told The Herald in April 2025. “I think they’re on a total boycott of American businesses and U.S.-made goods. I understand, so I’m conflicted. But you know, Washington is a very friendly, blue state. It’s very warm to Canadians. We want to keep relations friendly.”
The 2025 summer season brought a few more customers to the shop, but not as many as past year, Smith told The Herald in October 2025.
“Some Canadians returned. I would estimate 10% more, but we also had a revival by the visitors from California and Oregon,” Smith told The Herald in October.
The boutique is set to permanently close next month after 13 years of business, according to a May 15 social media post from the business.
“We’re letting go of this space that no longer serves us and embracing a new beginning. We will continue to offer affordable AND affordable fashion. That won’t change. We will continue to support survivors of trafficking. That will never change because it’s burned in my heart,” the post states.
Despite the Birch Bay closure, Betty Be Good Boutique will have a permanent location in British Columbia.
“Our new chapter is a vibrant and thriving boutique inside West Coast Gardens in South Surrey, British Columbia. Our pop-up plans are going long haul with a permanent space inside this beautiful garden center,” the post states.
The Birch Bay boutique is expected to remain open through the end of June, but no official closing date has been set. Until closing, the store will be offering a discount on spring and summer inventory.
“Lastly, I want to express my most sincere gratitude to the Whatcom County community who has loved and supported me through these past 13 years. At the end of it all, I can say what we do truly matters. It’s been a privilege to share in your lives and I’ll never forget you. Thank You, Birch Bay and hope to see you on the journey,” the Facebook post states.
Betty Be Good is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 8125 Birch Bay Square St., Suite #201 in Birch Bay.
The Bellingham Herald reached out to Betty Be Good Boutique but had not received a response as of May 19.
