Bellingham Washington has a strong retail based economy. If fact, there are few major private employers in Bellingham. The city’s economy thrives on tourism and the aggregate of many small office and retail based businesses. There is available retail space in nearly every area of Bellingham. The most popular locations for retail businesses to locate are the Bakerview Cooridor in North Bellingham and the Historical Fairhaven District at the south end of Bellingham. With over 10,000,000 SF of Bellingham retail space, there is plenty of opportunity to find the right location for your business.

Bellingham Retail Space Market

The Historical Fairhaven District is one of the most unique retail locations in Bellingham. Fairhaven is a tourism destination and often brings people in while they are traveling between Seattle and Vancouver BC. Due to the popularity and limited supply of retail space in Fairhaven, the lease rates generate premium rates. The current market rate for retail space in Fairhaven is $18 per square foot.

Downtown Bellingham is also a popular location for retail businesses to locate. Many of the buildings in downtown Bellingham were built in the early 1900’s and offer walk-in traffic as well as historical value. Lease rates for downtown Bellingham retail space range from $12 – $24 per square foot.

The Cordata District located north of the Bellis Fair Mall is an area where the City of Bellingham is currently directing growth. This is one of the most popular locations for Bellingham retail space.