A growing number of area businesses are closing their doors Friday, Jan. 30, or donating proceeds in solidarity with a nationwide boycott and general strike tied to protests over immigration enforcement, due process concerns and human rights violations.
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Dozens of area businesses will close Friday, Jan. 30, in solidarity with a nationwide boycott and general strike.
Many others will donate proceeds, or alter operations in solidarity with the protests centering on concerns over Trump Administration immigration enforcement, due process, and human rights violations. Business owners say participation varies based on mission, staffing, and community role.
Several students at Western Washington University and area high schools also took to social media Thursday to coordinate walkouts on Friday morning.
Some Ferndale students wanted to show solidarity, but planned on participating during “Eagle Time” according to school group chats. Teachers and faculty are aware of Friday’s planned walkouts as many also posted on social media.
Closures mark a deliberate pause
One Bellingham business, Nelson’s Market, said it will close Friday marking a rare break from its normal schedule.
“When we took over Nelson’s Market three years ago, we did so with a promise: to be here for you 7 days a week, 362 days a year,” the owners wrote. “We don’t take closing lightly. But tomorrow, the most important way we can show up for our community and beyond is by shutting our doors.”
The owners said the closure reflects solidarity with the nationwide strike and protests in Minnesota.
“We stand in solidarity with the nationwide strike and the movement in Minnesota to protest human rights violations, acts of violence and the denial of due process across our country,” the statement said.
They urged residents to reject routine behavior in moments of crisis.
“Let’s refuse to let ‘business as usual’ drown out the call for justice,” the owners wrote. “A community’s strength is only as real as our willingness to be there for one another.”
Nelson’s Market said it will reopen Saturday.
List of businesses confirmed closed
Other Bellingham businesses confirmed by customer notices, staff messages, or public statements as closed Friday include Mallards, Bantam, Red Star, Roe, The Cabin, Bloomhaven, Brazen, Cafe Blue, Comics Place, Good Earth Pottery, Hammerhead Coffee, The Little Cheerful, MW Soapworks, Ragfinery, Ritual Records, Sweet As Waffles, Third Planet, Old World Deli, Worn Again, Otherlands, Champlin Guitars and Spincycle Yarns.
REstore, Fringe Boutique, The Foxhole and Intent Hot Yoga also reported closures connected to the strike.
Businesses remaining open while donating proceeds
Some businesses said they will remain open while directing sales toward immigrant and community support groups.
Black Sheep and Goat Mountain said they will donate profits to support people who have been unlawfully detained. Fiamma Pizza and Fiamma Burger said a portion of Friday’s sales will go to Community to Community.
Aslan Brewing and Aslan Depot are asking customers to round up their tabs Friday through Sunday. Proceeds will benefit the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network.
Lake Line said it will donate a portion of sales to the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. Garden Path Fermentation said it will donate all profits to immigrant communities. Old Town Cafe said it will donate 20% of proceeds to Minneapolis restaurants participating in the strike.
Village Books and Paper Dreams focus on civic engagement
Village Books and Paper Dreams said they will stay open while participating through donations and public programming.
“We are aware of and stand in solidarity with the general strike happening January 30th,” the owners wrote. “Our mission of ‘Building Community’ means keeping our doors open to create opportunities for connection and education.”
Staff working Friday chose to do so intentionally, the statement said.
“Employees working that day are here because of their commitment to community,” the owners wrote.
The businesses said they will donate 20% of the day’s sales to IRIS, a local immigrant support nonprofit. The Readings Gallery will remain open as a free community space, regardless of purchase.
The League of Women Voters will be on site from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to register voters and offer civic education. Volunteers with the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center will also be present to help facilitate conversation.
“If you decide to join us on January 30th, we’re glad to see you, whether you buy anything or not,” the statement said.
Open businesses hosting advocacy actions
Saltadena Bakery said it will remain open Friday while donating a portion of sales to a fundraiser organized by Tending the Soil. The fundraiser supports frontline organizers in Minnesota.
The bakery said its space will also be open for phone zaps and letter writing to elected representatives.
Partial operational changes announced
Some businesses said they will participate without closing entirely.
Dough’s Bakery said it will not restock products Friday at Elizabeth Station or the Downtown Co-op. The bakery described the pause in distribution as a form of protest. It did not announce a full closure.
Participation continues to evolve
Business participation has largely developed through direct statements and community coordination. No centralized list exists, and announcements have continued throughout the week.
PNW Daily compiled this list via social media reports from business pages, business windows, employees and subreddits and will update this report as more businesses release formal statements or clarify their plans.
If you would like to add your business or organization to this list, just let us know.
Businesses Closed Friday, Jan. 30
| Bantam | Bloomhaven | Brazen |
| Cafe Blue | Champlin Guitars | Comics Place |
| Fringe Boutique | Good Earth Pottery | Hammerhead Coffee |
| Intent Hot Yoga | Mallards | MW Soapworks |
| Nelson’s Market | Old World Deli | Otherlands |
| Ragfinery | Red Star | Ritual Records |
| Roe | Spincycle Yarns | Sweet As Waffles |
| The Cabin | The Foxhole | The Little Cheerful |
| Third Planet | Worn Again | REstore |
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