Remember the old Peace Arch Outlet mall? The one along the I-5 that is a remnant of the heyday when Canadians came down here by the hoards to spend their money? For years it has been slowly dying with more and more business leaving. The blank, empty windows sat there lifeless, like much of the mall.

But then North Bay Christ the King church moved in and took up some space. And then, it was sold. And the new owner has vision!

The transformation to a village style mall called Birch Bay Square is nearly complete and a large new grocery store, Scotts, will be open soon. A grocery store for that part of the county has been a long time coming.

But more exiciting is that Bob’s Burger and Brew is going in. This local restaurant is a popular franchise across Whatcom and Skagit county.

The real stamp of approval though? Starbucks. They announced that they will be opening a store in Birch Bay Square! Now before you just write me off as a Starbucks snob who loves her coffee (which is pretty much the truth, but that is a whole different post) the important thing to look at here is market research. Starbucks does some of the most extensive market research of any company out there before putting in a store. And it makes sense. How bad would it look if a Starbucks opened then had to close due to lack of business? It would certainly tarnish their image.

If Starbucks is going in, there is obviously a need and a desire for that kind of establishment, and the clientele to support it. This is also great news for all the other shops in Birch Bay Square since Starbucks is quite often a destination store that will bring in customers who then shop at other areas.

Looks like the northern part of the county just keeps on growing. Even if Bellingham puts in measures to limit growth and building new homes, Ferndale and Birch Bay seem to be more than willing to take those homes and the growth.