Whatcom Roundup: New Blaine boutique; Bellis Fair shop closed; unemployment jump
Here’s our weekly roundup of the latest retail and restaurant activity around Whatcom County:
New Blaine boutique opening
Harbor House, a new boutique store in Blaine, is planning to open at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6.
“Harbor House opens February 2026 — a home décor boutique featuring one-of-a-kind pieces, heritage-inspired goods, and uniquely curated finds for your home. Enjoy gourmet foods, non-alcoholic bubbly, and personalized staging and design services designed to elevate everyday living,” a Dec. 28 Instagram post from the boutique states.
The new shop will be at 838 Peace Portal Drive in Blaine.
Ben Bridge closed
Ben Bridge Jewelers officially closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27 after 30 years of business inside the Bellis Fair mall.
The jeweler was located in a central suite of the mall. No new tenant has been announced for the vacant space.
New dental office opens
Samish Bay Dental, a women-owned start-up dental office, opened in Bellingham on Jan. 5. The dental office was started by Dr. Jessica Dubek, who also owns a mobile dental office.
“I also own DentALL, a mobile dental practice that serves populations who do not have access to dental care. We also are able to go to businesses and provide in house dental care to employees.”
Samish Bay Dental is located at 3136 Squalicum Parkway, Suite A.
Unemployment rate jumped in December
The latest data update from the Washington State Employment Security Department shows Whatcom County’s unemployment rate increased from November to December.
Whatcom County had a 5.2% unemployment rate with 5,918 unemployed people in December, an increase of 0.6% and 671 people compared to November.
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.
