CHS Northwest to sell Bellingham store, layoffs planned

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CHS Northwest, a chain of farm and garden stores, has informed the state of Washington that it will sell multiple stores across the state, including the Bellingham Farm & Home store. The announcement comes less than a month after the chain announced the closure of the Lynden True Value hardware store, which led to 11 layoffs. Layoffs for the Bellingham store will take effect on April 19, though CHS is hoping the stores can remain open under new ownership.

Why it matters

The sale of the Bellingham store is part of a broader restructuring at CHS Northwest, which is looking to sell four additional stores across Washington. This reflects the challenges facing some regional retail chains as they navigate changing consumer preferences and economic conditions.

The details

CHS Northwest filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) to the Washington State Employment Security Department announcing the sale of four additional Washington stores, including the Bellingham Farm & Home store at 3500 Meridian St. Although the Bellingham store will be sold, CHS is hoping the stores can remain open under new ownership. The store offers lawn and garden supplies, hardware, pet and wild bird supplies, propane filling and more.

• On Feb. 19, CHS Northwest filed the WARN notice.
• Layoffs for the Bellingham store will take effect on April 19.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The company did not announce how many layoffs would be required at each store, but stated that a total of 38 employees will be laid off across the four stores being sold.