After being shut down for months, Whatcom retailers excited to open their doors
Whatcom County retailers are meeting the announcement that Phase 2 has arrived with a mixture of excitement and the realization that it is time to make sure everything is ready to go.
Whatcom County was approved for Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan on Friday morning, June 5. Phase 2 allows opening of many businesses that have been closed since March 24 and eases limits on social distancing that have been in effect to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Scott Ward, co-owner of the gift store Current and Furbish and executive director of the Historic Fairhaven Association, said many merchants were probably doing a bit a happy dance before getting back to the work involved in reopening. He’s expecting a variety of soft openings in Fairhaven through the weekend, with more of a celebratory look in the district by Monday, June 8.
“Now it is time to do what we can to welcome our customers back,” said Ward.
In Bellingham, city officials have partnered with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership and the Fairhaven association to help welcome residents back to local retail stores that have been closed by the coronavirus pandemic. Two hundred green cones will be placed in front of businesses that are ready to handle customers at a limited capacity.
Some businesses are planning to open right away, while others will take some time. On Friday afternoon, Mari Kemper, co-owner of Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen, was doing some final sweeping of the outdoor seating area and was planning to serve customers. Chuckanut had just started offering a to-go menu when the Phase 2 announcement was made. Now they will be offering outdoor seating and a limited number of seats indoor.
“We are thrilled to see our customers again,” Kemper said.
Brandywine Kitchen is planning to open on Saturday, June 6, for limited dine-in service. Co-owner Azizi Tookas said they have taken steps beyond health department recommendations, including tables being spaced eight feet apart and installing vinyl-covered screens between each table. They will also have free disposable face-masks.
Downtown retailer Greenhouse is planning to reopen on Wednesday, June 10, said co-owner BreAnne Green. She said in an interview that they want to take a cautious approach to ensure customers and employees have safe interactions.
The store will be open noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. Sunday-Tuesday will be by appointment only for customers who want to shop in the store but with fewer customers around, Green said.
Green said she’s not sure what to expect during the reopening, but she’s hoping customers will begin supporting the local businesses that weren’t considered essential early on and have had to rely on curbside and delivery service. The store will have a huge selection of outdoor furniture, which is typically what they would focus on for this time of year.
In Fairhaven, Ward also hopes customers return to local retailers, adding that it is important that everyone does this in a safe manner to avoid a setback during this pandemic. The state plans to have Whatcom County in Phase 2 for at least three weeks before considering a move to Phase 3.
“It’s relatively easy for merchants to control what is happening inside the store; but I hope customers pay attention to each other outside,” Ward said. “I know there is a great desire to get back to normal, but we don’t want to go back to Phase 1.”
Some businesses will choose to not reopen in Phase 2, waiting for Phase 3. There could be a variety of reasons for this, whether it is being unable to meet the restrictions in Phase 2, or that they might not be able to make a profit at reduced capacity.
“Every business is doing an analysis of whether opening in Phase 2 will work for them,” said Guy Occhiogrosso, president and CEO of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce.
One thing he doesn’t expect to happen often is businesses not being able to stay open in Phase 2. If all goes well Phase 2 will only last three weeks, and even at reduced capacity it still means cash coming in the door.
“Considering that these are businesses that were shut down for two-and-a-half months and survived, they can probably handle three weeks with these restrictions,” Occhiogrosso said.
The Bellingham Herald is compiling lists of restaurants, retail stores and services that are reopening in Phase 2. Business owners may send new days and hours of operation to newsroom@bellinghamherald.com to be included.
This story was originally published June 5, 2020 at 1:08 PM.
