BELLINGHAM, Wash. – CHS Northwest, which has operated 7 “farm and home” retail locations and 8 “fuel and express” locations, notified the Washington State Employment Security Department that 38 employees are expected to be laid off due to the pending sale of 4 locations, including 1 in Bellingham.
CHS is selling the stores located at the following locations:
- Bellingham Farm and Home: 3500 Meridian Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
- Black Diamond Fuel and Express: 32632 3rd Avenue, Black Diamond, WA 98010
- Chimacum Farm and Home: 9315 Rhody Drive, Chimacum, WA 98325
- Poulsbo Farm and Home: 20370 Viking Avenue NW, Poulsbo, WA 98370
We currently expect the sale will impact 38 employees in the State of Washington. These layoffs are permanent and are expected to occur on 04/19/2026. This change will not result in the relocation or contracting out of any impacted employee’s position.
We have already provided all affected employees with written notices about the sale of these above-referenced stores.
– Letter from CHS Inc. to the Washington State Employment Security Department (January 28, 2026)
Eric Ellis, senior director of operations, CHS Northwest told Whatcom Business Journal via email, “CHS has signed an agreement to sell its farm and home stores located in Bellingham, Black Diamond, Chimacum and Poulsbo, Wash. Completion of the sale is subject to a variety of activities related to the transaction, including due diligence by the purchaser.”
CHS Northwest announced January 28, 2026, they were closing a Lynden location and laying off 11 employees.
CHS Northwest retail locations are located in Bellingham, Chimacum, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack and Poulsbo. Their fuel service locations are located in Auburn, Black Diamond, Chehalis, Chimacum, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack and Poulsbo.
According to online commercial real estate listings, the following CHS properties have been or are currently for sale.
- 300 Main Street, Lynden
- 102 Nooksack Avenue, Nooksack
- 32632 3rd Avenue, Black Diamond
- 1720 LaBounty Drive, Ferndale
- 9315 Rhody Drive, Chimacum
- 415 Depot Road, Lynden
- 3500 Meridian Street, Bellingham
- 20370 Viking Avenue NW, Poulsbo
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Why? Are they giving an explanation? The stores are busy….
As for the employees, they are responsible, well educated and most of all more than friendly and helpful people. I sure hope they find new employers that pay even more than what they are currently being paid. Remember, you will survive and in a better place , very quickly things will get better and you will be stronger for it. GOOD LUCK! Best wishes and Remember you guys are great.
I remember this store as a child. My grandfather bought all his farm goods from these stores. Very fond memories.
Purchased my first saddle as a young girl in the Bellingham store.
The employees are amazing, knowledge and respectful.
I will miss this store tremendously!!!
Wishing all the best in the new life ahead.
Hope are paths will cross in the future.
It leaves with a daunting question ? Where will I shop for my farm goods???
Of course…sadness…I hope the new owners look to the current staff as potential employees.