Whatcom Roundup: Downtown shop closing; Rite Aid bankruptcy; Joann liquidation sale
Here’s your weekly roundup of the latest retail and restaurant activity around Whatcom County:
Downtown Bellingham business closing
BBay Running, a running and walking shoe store in downtown Bellingham, is permanently closing this month. The closure was announced on the business’ website and on social media.
“As my 69th year begins and May — both my birth month and the store’s — arrives, it feels like the right time to reflect, celebrate, and say goodbye. After nine incredible years, BBay Running (and its previous iterations) will retire alongside me,” according to a Facebook post posted on May 1.
BBay Running will close May 31 and is now offering a clearance liquidation sale, as owner David Penrose plans to retire.
BBay Running is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday at 1431 N State St.
Rite Aid possibly closing Whatcom stores
Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy for a second time May 5, and although the company is looking for potential buyers, your local pharmacy likely will be closing.
“During this process, Rite Aid customers can continue to access pharmacy services and products in stores and online, including prescriptions and immunizations. In connection with the sale process and court-supervised proceedings, the Company is working to facilitate a smooth transfer of customer prescriptions to other pharmacies. Rite Aid employees assisting with this process will continue to receive pay and benefits,” a Rite Aid news release states.
Rite Aid rewards points are no longer being issues for purchases, according to Rite Aid’s website, and all gift cards, returns and exchanges will no longer be accepted starting June 5, according to previous reporting by McClatchy.
Rite Aid locations in Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden will remain open until further notice.
Bellingham Joann store closing sale
Since craft and fabric chain Joann was purchased in February, all of its stores across the nation are set to close, including Bellingham’s location.
Bellingham’s store is still offering liquidation sales and has no official closing date yet.
Joann is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at at 1125 E Sunset Drive.
Mother’s Day events and meals
Many local restaurants are hosting special Mother’s Day buffets, brunches and meals this Sunday for Mother’s Day. If you’re looking for a fun outing for Mother’s Day, we’ve put together a guide of Bellingham meals, kayaking trips, sailing trips and more.
Bellingham events, trivia nights and live music
Bellingham is full of local events, markets, festivals and other events during the month of May. Here’s your guide to this month’s events, trivia, live music and more. For an extensive list of local events, visit our new Events page at www.bellinghamherald.com/events/#.
Discover Whatcom
If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Whatcom County, new restaurants to visit, or stories on what makes our area unique, subscribe to our free weekly “Discover Whatcom” newsletter.
This story was originally published May 9, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
