Screengrab of ABANDONED | BURLINGTON, WASHINGTONPhoto byYouTube

BURLINGTON, WA - a small town in Skagit County, has become a focal point for urban decay enthusiasts, with a notable number of abandoned retail stores dotting its landscape. A fairly recent video titled "Abandoned | Burlington, Washington" uploaded by the YouTube user bratzdollspeakz, which has amassed 30,000 views, provides a comprehensive tour of these deserted locations, shedding light on their histories and the reasons behind their closures.

Cascade Mall: A Once Thriving Shopping Hub

The video begins with Cascade Mall, which opened its doors in 1989. Once a bustling shopping center, it experienced a tragic event in 2016 that marked the beginning of its decline. Despite this, the mall continued operating until the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a final blow, leading to its permanent closure on June 30, 2020. Today, only a few stores like TJ Maxx, Spirit Halloween, Chuck E. Cheese, and AMC Theater remain open, accessible only through their individual entrances as the main mall area is sealed off.

Pier One Imports: Victim of the Pandemic and Online Competition

Next on the tour is Pier One Imports, a home decor and furnishing store known for its upscale offerings. The store shut its doors around 2020, primarily due to the pandemic and fierce competition from online giants like Amazon and Wayfair. The closure of Pier One Imports reflects a broader trend affecting many brick-and-mortar retailers during this period.

Kmart: The Rise and Fall of a Retail Giant

The video then moves to a former Kmart location, which closed in April 2020 due to bankruptcy. Once a prominent department store, Kmart's downfall was a result of prolonged financial struggles, exacerbated by competition from Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Interestingly, the video highlights the abandoned K Cafe inside the Kmart, a remnant of the store's past that adds to the eerie atmosphere.

Payless ShoeSource: An Affordable Retailer That Couldn't Keep Up

The final stop in the video is Payless ShoeSource, which closed in 2019. Known for its affordable footwear, Payless struggled to compete with online retailers and major competitors like Target and Walmart. The video showcases graffiti and vandalism on the site, a common sight in many of Burlington's abandoned retail locations.

Part 2 Video Uploaded by the Same Person Months Later

The YouTube channel has documented these economic challenges in a series highlighting business closures in Burlington. The second part of this series provides a detailed look at the town's current state:

• Burlington Cafe: Closed about four years ago, likely due to the pandemic.
• Outback Steakhouse: Closed about a year ago after 23 years of service.
• Franchise Inside Target: The Pizza Hut inside Target closed less than a year ago.
• Bed Bath & Beyond: The store closed as part of the franchise's bankruptcy.
• Shari's Restaurant: Recently closed permanently, part of a trend of multiple closures in the area.
• Kmart and Adjacent Shops: Kmart's lights were unexpectedly on, revealing an empty interior. Several small shops in the same complex were also found abandoned.
• Soccer City: Closed about two years ago and replaced by a new business.

The video revisits the Burlington Plaza, also known as the outlet Shops At Burlington, which once featured a Nike Outlet, where most stores have closed, leaving the complex largely abandoned. These closures underscore the economic difficulties faced by Burlington and the broader region.

Burlington’s Shift Towards Bellingham

It’s not that Burlington has anything inherently wrong with it. Burlington and its neighboring city, Mount Vernon, are part of the Seattle Metropolitan Area. However, in recent years, it feels as if Burlington is aligning itself more with the Bellingham Metropolitan Area, which is much closer—about 28 miles away compared to 65 miles to Seattle.

Bellingham has emerged as a powerhouse metro area in the northern region of Washington State, with a muncipal population nearing 100,000, and a Metro Population of 231,919. This growth is reflected in the Bellingham Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which had a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $19.6 billion in 2022. Many residents from Burlington and Mount Vernon have been moving to Bellingham, drawn by its superior economic opportunities and vibrant community life. Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people have relocated from Burlington and Mount Vernon to Bellingham over the past decade.

The population of Burlington has seen a noticeable decrease over the past ten years, as has Mount Vernon. This decline can be attributed to several factors, including economic challenges, the closure of key retail stores which led to Job less, and the draw of Bellingham's more robust economy and amenities. Bellingham's growing appeal as a regional hub has made it an attractive destination for those seeking better employment prospects and a higher quality of life.

Economic Overview of the Mount Vernon-Anacortes Metropolitan Statistical Area

Though the Bellingham Econemy is in the direct vacinity of Burlington and Mount Vernon--The Burlington, WA metro area is part of the Mount Vernon-Anacortes Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). This MSA covers all of Skagit County, including the cities of Mount Vernon, Anacortes, and Burlington.

The Mount Vernon-Anacortes Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is a notable regional player in northwest Washington, distinguished by its diverse economy and steady growth. While it may not rival the economic powerhouses of larger cities like Seattle or Spokane, this MSA contributes significantly to the regional economy and serves as a crucial hub for surrounding smaller towns and rural areas.

Economic Contribution

The MSA is characterized by a balanced economic landscape. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the local economy, with Skagit County renowned for its production of berries, vegetables, and flowers. The area also boasts a robust manufacturing sector and a growing retail industry, reflecting its role as a key commercial center.

Population and Growth

With a population of approximately 150,000, the Mount Vernon-Anacortes MSA has seen consistent growth in recent years. This expansion is supported by ongoing housing developments and improvements in infrastructure, which cater to the increasing demand for residential and commercial spaces.

Economic Diversification

Beyond agriculture, the MSA is experiencing growth in various sectors. Healthcare, education, and tourism are emerging as significant contributors to the local economy. The region’s natural attractions, including the San Juan Islands and North Cascades National Park, bolster the tourism industry, drawing visitors and supporting local businesses.

Regional Influence

Although smaller in scale compared to major urban centers, the Mount Vernon-Anacortes MSA plays a pivotal role in the broader northwest Washington region. It serves as a vital economic and service hub, offering essential amenities and opportunities for surrounding areas.

In summary, the Mount Vernon-Anacortes MSA, with its diverse economy and ongoing growth, remains a key player in northwest Washington, providing a strong foundation for regional development and economic activity.

The Impact of Abandoned Retail Spaces

The video by bratzdollspeakz paints a vivid picture of Burlington's abandoned retail landscape. These deserted spaces, with their vast, empty parking lots and boarded-up storefronts, serve as stark reminders of the economic challenges faced by traditional retail in the age of online shopping and the effects of the pandemic. As these once-bustling hubs of activity stand empty, they contribute to the town's eerie, desolate atmosphere, raising questions about the future of retail and the redevelopment of such spaces in small towns across America.