Supporting local businesses has never been as easy as it is now in Bellingham. With an array of shops around every corner, selling everything from antiques to socks, you are guaranteed to find those perfect gifts for a friend (or yourself), all while giving back to the community.
Here is your guide to shopping at local independent shops in Bellingham:
Penny Lane Antique Mall
- Located at 427 W. Holly St. Bellingham, WA 98225
- Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm Daily
Located in the antique district, the Penny Lane Antique Mall is a labor of love started in 2012 by brother and sister team Matt and Lyndsey. Here, you can find a wide selection of unique furniture, kitchenware, jewelry, and more, with new items coming in everyday from local antique dealers. For treasures you can’t find anywhere else, the Penny Lane Antique Mall is you go-to spot.
Photo courtesy of the Cresswell Boggs’ Facebook page
Cresswell Boggs
- Located at 1300 Railroad Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225
- Hours: 9:00am-8:00pm Monday-Saturday; 10:00am-7:00pm Sunday
Now in its second decade as a locally-owned and operated independent shop in Bellingham, Cresswell Boggs is your place to find gifts for any occasion. Fun greeting cards, Bellingham-themed t-shirts, novelty items, and jewelry (the heart of Cresswell Boggs’ inventory) are just some of the offbeat and unusual things you will find in this shop (perfect for that offbeat person in your life!).
Photo courtesy of the Paper Dreams in Fairhaven Facebook page
Paper Dreams in Fairhaven
- Located at 1200 11th St. Bellingham, WA 98225
- Hours: 9:00am-9:00pm Monday-Saturday; 10:00am-7:00pm Sunday
Serving the Bellingham community since 1982, Paper Dreams is one of the top spots to support artists in the community. Many of the greeting cards and gift items sold at Paper Dreams are designed by local artists. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also the only place to snag some of Fairhaven’s Finest Fudge, made onsite. If you’re a fan of local art (and fudge), you will definitely be a fan of Paper Dreams.
Village Books
- Located at 1200 11th St. Bellingham, WA 98225
- Hours: 9:00am-9:00pm Monday-Saturday; 10:00am-7:00pm Sunday
A sister store to Paper Dreams, Village Books has been the “Community Bookshop for Browsing” since 1980. They carry a variety of books that have all been carefully selected by local buyers who know the community inside and out. If you’re looking for a niche topic or just want to talk books for a while, stop into Village Books today.
Photo courtesy of the Texture Clothing Facebook page
Texture
- Located at 1425 N. State St. Bellingham WA 98225
- Office Hours: 10:00am-3:00pm Monday-Friday; closed Saturday-Sunday
Sustainable, flattering, and real are three words to describe the clothing and vibe you will find at Texture. This local shop specializes in hemp and organic cotton clothing pieces that are both good for the environment and great as statements or staples to add to your everyday wardrobe. For “clothing with a conscience,” no place beats Texture.
Fringe Boutique
- Located at 1147 N. State St. Bellingham, WA 98225
- Hours: 11:00am-7:00pm Monday-Friday; 10:00am-7:00pm Saturday; 11:00am-4:00pm Sunday
Started by Bellingham native, Rhiannon Troutman, as a ways to bring style to all areas of life, Fringe Boutique is great for everything from wardrobe basics to brands you can’t find anywhere else. This shop has lookbooks for every season, plus space for local artists to showcase and sell their functional works. If you’re looking for high-quality at an affordable price, this is the place to go.
ModSock
- Located at 1323 Cornwall Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225
- Hours: 10:00am-7:00pm Monday-Saturday; 11:00am-6:00pm Sunday
Jam-packed with unique colors, textures, and patterns, ModSock is one of the more fun and unusual independent shops in the Bellingham area. Specializing in whimsical sock designs, owner Urania Shaklee and her team sell socks to fit every mood, season, and interest. If you or someone you know is a sock lover, check out ModSock ASAP.
Ideal
- Located at 1227 Cornwall Ave. Bellingham WA 98225
- Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm Monday-Saturday; 12:00pm-5:00pm Sunday
Opened in Bellingham in 2008, Ideal’s mission is to “gather together unique, authentic pieces and present them in a way that honors the object and the creative process, while also respecting the viewer.” Here, you will find everything from books, to vases, to even calendars, all designed by local artists. What’s more, Ideal also donates to a variety of local nonprofits and schools every year, so you can shop and support your community all the way around.
Photo courtesy of the Whatcom Art Market’s Facebook page
Whatcom Art Market
- Located at 1103 11th St. Bellingham WA 98225
- Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm Wednesday-Sunday; closed Monday-Tuesday
Featuring the work of over 40 local artists, the Whatcom Art Market is the best place to view, purchase from, and experience the talent that makes Bellingham so unique. Paintings, photography, etched glass, and so much more can be found here, all handcrafted as part of the largest cooperative art gallery in the city. If you’re an art fan, you will love the Whatcom Art Market.
Downtown Emporium
- Located at 109 W. Magnolia St. Bellingham, WA 98225
- Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm Monday-Saturday; 12:00pm-4:00pm Sunday
For clothing and accessories to fit any style, you won’t want to pass up the Downtown Emporium. This local shop offers an eclectic mix of imported items like bags, hats, cards, jewelry, and more, plus their staff is always on hand to help you pick out the perfect outfit for any occasion. As an added bonus, if you support them, you also help them support small businesses in other countries. For a premier shopping experience in Bellingham, add the Downtown Emporium to your list.
Ormolulu
- Located at 301 W. Holly St. Bellingham, WA 98225
- Hours: 12:00pm-6:00pm Daily
A popular shop among locals, Ormolulu is a must for anyone who loves antiquing. The store itself is beautiful, filled with carefully curated and displayed items, ranging from furniture to fabric. Both owners are dedicated to helping you find and utilize each unique piece to add just the right touch your home, office, or any spot you wish. For a shopping experience unlike any other, Ormolulu cannot be missed.
