‘I can no longer afford the rent.’ Bellingham shop closing as owner seeks support
A downtown Bellingham business is closing permanently, a move its owner says is due to rental costs and decreasing foot traffic.
EverLocal, a locally owned shop with secondhand clothing, locally made goods, art and gifts, is set to close at the end of July, but the owner, Rob B., is looking for help.
“I’m closing the store because I can no longer afford the rent. The store was built as a physical retail business and lacks any e-commerce functionality, and I don’t have a business model to build an online operation. Wish that was an option,” Rob told The Bellingham Herald.
“Because I have to close before the end of my lease, I could still be responsible for approximately $90,000 in remaining rent and fees. However, there is an agreement in place that would allow me to fully exit the lease and avoid that large amount. But this only works if I can make the required rent and other payments through July. If I can’t, the agreement becomes void,” Rob told The Bellingham Herald.
“I’ll be here through the end of July, raising funds to cover those payments and the cost of clearing out the store properly. Any support will help me get through this and would be deeply appreciated,” Rob told The Herald.
Rob is asking for support through shopping the store, donating clothes, and spreading the word.
“Small business struggling with downtown rent, closing in July. Every purchase helps,” a sign outside EverLocal stated on June 18.
Until closing July 31, EverLocal will be open regularly from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at 232 E. Champion St. in downtown Bellingham.
