Downtown gift shop turns 50, burger business to add location and party supply store to close
Archibald Sisters, a gift shop in downtown Olympia known for its unique and funny gifts, turns 50 this year. Archibald Sisters opened in 1975 and has been at 406 Capitol Way S. for decades.
“Downtown Olympia is more than just a place to do business — it’s the heart of our community,” said longtime owner Phil Rollins in a statement distributed by Experience Olympia & Beyond. “The friendships we’ve built, the stories we’ve shared, and the joy we see on our customers’ faces every day are what make this journey so meaningful. We’re so thankful for the love and support we’ve received over the last 50 years, and we look forward to continuing to be a part of this wonderful community.”
Not only is the business known for unique and sassy gifts, but also handcrafted bath products and fragrances.
“Visitors can explore everything from best-selling scented lotions and perfumes, such as Oly Girl, a rain and coconut mix, to humorous novelties and Olympia-themed apparel,” the news release reads.
Smashed Halal Burger to expand
Smashed Halal Burger, which operates a location at Capital Mall in Olympia, is expanding to Hawks Prairie, The Olympian learned through a check of the new location and the business’ website.
More specifically, they are opening a site at the Hogum Bay Town Center, which is a growing commercial development north of I-5 at Marvin Road Northeast and Willamette Drive.
What is Halal? Meat prepared to Islamic dietary restrictions.
“We believe in providing the best quality food inclusive of the dietary needs of all customers looking for the best beef burger in town. Locally sourced, grade A, Organic goodness, griddled to perfection,” the website reads.
What’s on the menu? Burgers, of course, such as the single smash burger with a single patty, grilled onions, American cheese and Smash‘n Sauce.
“Our Smash’n Sauce is the key ingredient that sets us apart from the rest!” the website reads. “It’s not just for burgers though. Our delicious crispy hot fries and tots taste even better with our special secret Smash’n Sauce. Ask for some sauce on your next order of Garlic Parm Fries and you’ll thank us later.”
West side business to close
Party City is closing its west Olympia store as part of a nationwide shutdown, CNN reported last month. The Olympia location is near Capital Mall.
The business sought bankruptcy protection two years ago, according to the CNN report.
“The company had struggled to pay off its $1.7 billion debt load, and it was able to cancel nearly $1 billion in debt by going bankrupt,” the report reads. “It also managed to keep most of its more than 800 stores open, although it closed more than 80 locations between the end of 2022 to August 2024, according to its most recent financial documents.
“But it still had more than $800 million in debt to overcome, which strained earnings this year.”
Stores are expected to close in February, according to CNN.
Speaking of stores near Capital Mall...
The former Bed Bath & Beyond location near the mall has been filled by a liquidation retailer called Discount Collection, the owner of the business said Thursday.
The business buys items from major retailers who no longer want the product because the packaging has been torn or perhaps it is slightly damaged or dented, said owner Abed Rahmani.
Shoppers can find appliances, furniture, shoes, bedding, home improvement products and kitchen wares, he said.
Discount Collection is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Paint business opens distribution center
Benjamin Moore has opened a distribution center in Tumwater and held a grand opening celebration for the site last month, the business announced.
“This center aims to enhance supply chain capabilities and benefit the local community,” a news release reads.
The distribution center is at 2422 93rd Ave. SW.
City of Tumwater Community Development Director Mike Matlock said the business occupies 50,000 square feet in a 200,000-square-foot warehouse.
Olympia to hear 2 development pitches
The city of Olympia’s site plan review committee is set to hear two proposals at its Jan. 8 meeting, according to city information.
One of those is the second phase of development of the former Bailey Motor Inn site on Martin Way. The first phase resulted in the affordable housing project known as Merritt Manor.
The next phase will look like this, according to a narrative description for the meeting:
“The project is a four‐story building with 82‐residential units and structured parking,” the narrative reads. “There is a daylight basement along Martin Way that will be the primary entrance to the facility and will be a prominent entry feature of the building. There will also be tenant amenities on this level, such as a lounge and fitness center. There will also be a courtyard on the second floor that will provide open space for the tenants. It will be south facing and should receive plenty of sun. There will be a total of 100 parking stalls located on the site, 85 of which will be structured.”
Olympia Architect Glen Wells’ Fourth Street Housing LLC, which was involved in developing Merritt Manor, is also behind the second phase proposal.
The site plan review committee also will hear a pitch for an 8,000-square-foot urgent care veterinary at 4110 Mud Bay Road and 4950 Harrison Ave. NW, according to city information.
Quality Burrito building for sale
Downtown’s Quality Burrito has closed and now the building is for sale, according to a real estate listing on Zillow.
And it can be yours for $1.15 million, according to the listing. The building is more than just a restaurant.
“First time on the market in nearly half a century!” the listing reads. “This downtown Olympia mixed-use building features a fully equipped 3,000+/- sq ft restaurant space with a bar on the lower level, and a separate entrance to the seven studio apartments upstairs.
“The kitchen is stocked with fryers, stoves, spacious walk-in refrigerator, a type-1 hood, and more! Apartments are easily leased and below market, with coin-operated washer and dryer. Nine separate meters on the premises and a newly installed heat pump for the bottom floor. Don’t miss your opportunity to own this gem on 4th!”
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
This story was originally published January 3, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Downtown gift shop turns 50, burger business to add location and party supply store to close."
