Businesses that expanded during pandemic

Some of the world’s best-known businesses started in depressions, recessions and other hard economic times.

Three La Conner businesses followed their example last year, expanding their operations while many others were retrenching or folding.

When Sempre Italiano relocated from the corner of First and Morris streets to the O’Leary building two blocks south, Robyn Bradley’s landlord asked whether she knew someone who could take over the space.

“Without really thinking, I said ‘oh my gosh, me!’” she recalled.

The owner of handmade.la conner already leases 3,000 square feet on two floors, including her apartment. She was always on the lookout for more space to make, store and sell her products online or face to face.

"When I moved here almost nine years ago, I told myself that if that storefront was ever available, I’d take it,” said Bradley.

Handed the keys last August, she opened Winston’s General the first Friday in December.

Bradley says things are going well and that her flexible “general store” concept means she can fine-tune her inventory to meet customer desires.

Last June, shortly after the pandemic began, Pac Nor Westy moved to a bigger storefront, also on First Street – across from Bradley – and leased warehouse space near Highway 20.

The two moves addressed several challenges for owner Rich Murphy. Under the strictest COVID-19 guidelines, only one customer at a time could enter the old location opposite Maple Hall. The new store could fit at least six. Warehouse space would accommodate its fast-growing wholesale and online operation. Credibility would also be boosted – an important factor for a business that started online.

“A lot of businesses doing apparel online are not necessarily the most credible,” said Murphy. Opening a brick-and-mortar store set Pac Nor Westy apart from shady competitors.

“Our store on Commercial (Avenue) was super successful, which was why we chose to expand and open our new store on First Street,” he said.

Buying the former Courtyard Gallery building was a way for Mark Carrier and Deb Storey of the Wood Merchant to broaden their merchandise.

“It’s hard to sell glass when ‘Wood’ is in your name,” said Storey, owner-partner of the new Waterfall Gallery.

When they bought the building in November 2019, they hoped to open for the 2020 Tulip Festival. After spending the pandemic creating a 21st century retail space inside the 1890s-era building, they opened for the 2021 Festival.

The new gallery features art glass, ceramics, jewelry and photography. The Wood Merchant is just doors south on First Street.

Both Bradley and Murphy say that online and wholesale sales helped them weather the economic storm of COVID-19.

“Having different kinds of revenue streams is almost necessary in La Conner,” said Bradley, who in addition to her storefronts sells her handmade.la conner products at craft fairs, trade shows and online to 350 wholesale customers.

“You can’t rely just on walk-in traffic, especially in a pandemic.”

But the old saying “location, location, location” is still pertinent for retail.

Bradley is thrilled that her new store is on Gilkey Square, which she calls “the epicenter of town.”

“La Conner real estate can be limited and you have to jump on it,” said Murphy. “If something good in a high-traffic area comes up, grab it while you can. It’s worth the risk.”

About 20 businesses have grabbed spots in town in the last year.

In addition to Pac Nor Westy, four businesses moved to new quarters: Mo’s Eclectic Gifts, Stompin Grounds, Sempre Italiano and Bunnies by the Bay.

There are also six new retail stores, two new art galleries and four new restaurants. Many have opened in spaces vacated when former store owners retired or moved.

Two businesses – the Scone Lady and Tillinghast Postal – transitioned to new owners.

“Nobody closed because of COVID,” said Storey. “This is all about retail and tourism being reinvented.”

Bradley’s “reinvention” vision is for the town to consider hosting outdoor events that draw crowds. “I know a ton of other makers who would love to show in a La Conner street fair.”

Murphy hopes the town can continue to focus on promoting Maple Avenue, First Street north of Morris and other areas that get less visitor traffic.

The big thing these entrepreneurs are looking forward to? The day the Canadian border opens. Restrictions on non-essential trips imposed in March 2020 remain in place until at least July 21.

“Whenever that happens, we’ll have another spike in business,” said Murphy.

“Those folks are really ready to do some traveling.”