3 Olympia-area businesses are closing or closed, plus library approves furloughs
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Goodwill's downtown Blue Boutique in Olympia closed after lease nonrenewal.
- The Wiggle Room vintage shop will close on July 26.
- Timberland Regional Library approved furloughs for 14 non‑represented staff.
The downtown boutique operated by Goodwill known as Blue has closed, according to a check of the property in the 500 block of Capitol Way South.
The Olympian reached out to the nonprofit by email and received this reply.
“To position our organization for ongoing success and to better support free job training and career support services for our community, we have decided to not renew the lease on our Blue Boutique in Olympia,” said retail marketing manager London Wambeam.
“We have offered all affected employees other employment opportunities within our Goodwill. We have three other stores in Olympia and Lacey which will continue to offer thrifted clothing and goods to the community, including the items which would have previously been sent to the Olympia Boutique.”
The Wiggle Room will close
The downtown Olympia retailer of vintage goods known as the Wiggle Room will close this month, the business announced on Facebook.
“The Wiggle Room is closing its doors July 26th, and we are going out loud.
“Prices are at their lowest EVER – like ‘grab it before someone else does’ kind of low. Shelves are getting picked over fast and the good stuff is disappearing by the minute.
“If you’ve been meaning to stop in… this is your last chance. No restocks, no holds, no ‘I’ll come back later.’”
Seamstress and alterations biz will close
Bella Jean Boutique, a seamstress and alterations business, will close later this year, according to an email sent to customers that was shared with The Olympian.
“After nearly 17 wonderful years of serving our clients, we are writing to let you know that, as the owners with a large growing family, we have made the decision to close Bella Jean for the time being to focus on building our home and investing in this season of family life.
“Bella Jean will officially close its doors on October 1, 2026. We look forward to serving our scheduled brides through the end of the summer, and we are honored to finish this season doing what we have loved for so many years.
“While saying goodbye is bittersweet, we are deeply grateful for the trust and support our clients have shown us over the years. It has been a true privilege to be part of so many special moments – from wedding days to everyday life.”
The decision to close also was announced on Facebook.
Timberland board approves furloughs, seeks RFP
In another cost-cutting move, the Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees approved furloughs at its June 24 meeting, a spokesman said.
The furloughs affect 14 non-represented positions, including interim executive director Andrea Heisel, spokesman Chris Chrzan said.
The furloughs take place twice a month through October, he said.
The furloughs, combined with position changes and leaving some positions unfilled, will save the library district about $220,000 for the remainder of the year, he said.
Heisel currently earns $169,855 in salary, but there will be some adjustment to her pay because of the furloughs, Chrzan said.
Heisel was named interim executive director after former longtime director Cheryl Heywood resigned in the wake of a budget shortfall and outrage over planned layoffs, many of which were later rescinded.
The board also recently approved a plan to seek bids for an executive search firm to manage the library district’s search for a new executive director.
“The selection of our next executive director is one of the most important decisions the board will make,” said TRL Board President Brian Mittge in a statement. “We are committed to a thoughtful and transparent process that includes opportunities for staff, patrons, community partners, and residents throughout our five-county service area to help inform the qualities and leadership attributes we seek in our next Executive Director.”
Timberland serves Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties.
Proposals from qualified firms are due by 6 p.m. July 10. The board anticipates selecting a search firm in July and beginning the executive recruitment process shortly thereafter, according to a news release.
For more information, go to TRL.org/RFP.
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.
