News

Retail vacancies in Bellingham increase as costs to operate rise

Retail vacancies in Bellingham increase as costs to operate rise

Photo: Metro Services


BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham’s retail vacancy rate rose in the third quarter of 2025.

According to Pacific Continental Realty co-owner Ryan Martin, the retail vacancy rate increased 0.8% to 5.3%.

The increase is largely due to major closures in Sunset Square and Bellis Fair.

Sunset dealt with the loss of JoAnn Fabrics, Rite Aid and Right at Home, while Bellis Fair lost Forever 21 and several smaller retailers.

But even with the increase in vacancies, the average asking price for leasing increased 76 cents to $20.48 per square foot.

Meanwhile, the industrial sector stayed strong.

Industrial vacancies in Bellingham dropped slightly from 2.2 percent to 2.1 percent in the third quarter, continuing a steady trend in that sector.

Recent Headlines

1 day ago in Entertainment, Music

Kendrick Lamar leads 2026 Grammy nominations, followed by Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff and Cirkut

Not like us? More like him: Kendrick Lamar leads the 2026 Grammy Award nominations, announced Friday.

1 day ago in Business, Government, Lifestyle, Local

Bellingham International Airport sees flight cancellations due to government shutdown

The Port of Bellingham is urging anyone flying out of BLI to check their flight status online before they head to the airport. 

2 days ago in Sports

Broncos’ defense shines in 10-7 squeaker over Raiders despite offensive and special teams struggles

The Denver Broncos aren't collecting many style points but as long as they keep racking up more points than their opponents on the scoreboard, they don't care how ugly it looks.

2 days ago in Sports

Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown arrested on attempted murder charge in Miami shooting

Former NFL star Antonio Brown has been arrested on an attempted murder charge stemming from a shooting after a celebrity boxing event in Miami, police confirmed Thursday.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Shaggy recounts his relief mission to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa and shares how you can help

After the devastating October storm that killed at least 75 people across the northern Caribbean, Shaggy, 57, mobilized relief immediately for Jamaica, shuttling supplies from Miami and hand delivering them to the worst-hit areas.

Bellingham Traffic