WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. – Retail sales had a healthy rebound in the first quarter of 2021, both locally and statewide.
Retail trade in Bellingham, which includes goods like clothing furniture and cars, was up almost 23% over the first quarter of 2020, which was just before the pandemic took hold.
Other Whatcom County cities also saw solid gains, except for Blaine and Sumas.
Those border towns saw declines in retail trade of over 35% and 40% respectively as they struggled without the benefit of Canadian shoppers.
Whatcom County was up 19% and retail trade was up 21% statewide.