Stockon’s Paint, a cornerstone of the Bellingham business community with a legacy spanning over nine decades, has announced a significant operational pivot. Effective January 1, the locally owned retailer will close its historic downtown storefront on Railroad Avenue to consolidate all Bellingham operations into a single, high-capacity hub located in Barkley Village.
The move marks the latest evolution for the company, which aims to modernize its logistics and inventory management to better serve both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts in the region.
## Streamlining Operations for Future Growth
The decision to centralize follows a strategic evaluation of the company’s infrastructure. By merging its two Bellingham locations, Stockon’s aims to integrate its full inventory, delivery fleet, and expert staff under one roof at 1255 Barkley Blvd, Suite 109.
General Manager Chris Gordziel emphasized that while the downtown location holds deep sentimental value, the shift is necessary to ensure the business remains competitive for the next 90 years. The Barkley Village facility provides the modern footprint required to support advanced inventory systems and more efficient logistics.
“We are not leaving our history behind; we are bringing our entire team and decades of expertise into a space that can finally deliver a faster, stress-free customer experience,” Gordziel noted in the official announcement. To honor the brand’s roots, the new hub will feature a “Legacy Wall” displaying archival photographs of the original downtown store and the company’s lengthy history.
## Ensuring Continuity and Digital Integration
In an era where local businesses are increasingly leaning on digital tools and automated systems to maintain an edge, Stockon’s has taken steps to ensure the transition is seamless. All existing customer accounts, personal records, and custom color formulas are being fully migrated to the Barkley Village database to ensure there is no interruption for active contractors.
Furthermore, the company has confirmed that it will retain every employee currently working at both Bellingham locations. The consolidation of personnel is expected to improve internal efficiency, allowing staff to leverage collective expertise in a more collaborative environment.
From a technological standpoint, this consolidation reflects a broader trend among regional retailers to adopt “hub-and-spoke” models that prioritize centralized inventory management. By pooling resources, the business can now utilize modernized supply chain software and automated tracking systems, which are increasingly critical for inventory accuracy and rapid order fulfillment in the retail sector.
## Regional Impact and Market Presence
While the downtown storefront at 1413 Railroad Ave will shut its doors, Stockon’s Paint remains committed to the broader Whatcom County area. In addition to the new consolidated Barkley Village location, the company continues to operate a branch in Mount Vernon at 1515 Freeway Dr.
The move comes at a time when businesses are under pressure to optimize physical footprints to balance the needs of in-person service and growing delivery demands. By focusing on a single, high-capacity location in Bellingham, Stockon’s positions itself to better manage overhead while maintaining the high level of service that has defined the brand since its founding.
Starting January 1, the Barkley Village location will maintain standard operating hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. As Stockon’s enters this new chapter, the consolidation signals a firm commitment to long-term sustainability in a changing local economy.
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