FERNDALE, Wash. — In 2017, Borthwick Jewelry Owner Tom Borthwick was celebrating his 20th year in business and noted he would be doubling his inventory in response to the closures of 2 other Whatcom County jewelers. Fast-forward to 2020 and Borthwick is again talking about doubling his inventory.
Borthwick recently completed an expansion of his storefront space into an adjacent space at the Ferndale Market Center.
Borthwick told My Ferndale News that with the expanded showroom he will be able to go from 45 feet of inventory displays to over 100 feet.
Borthwick said his sales are 10% higher this year in spite of having been forced to close for more than 2 months due to COVID-19 pandemic mandates. This, according to a press release, contributed to the decision to expand.
Click for more information
Click for more informationWork is underway to complete building the new display cases but the new showroom space is now open to customers.
The expanded space also includes a new staff breakroom, complete with a pinball machine and massage chair.
Borthwick also reported recent key staff changes in a press release. Kristi Sophusson has been promoted to store manager. Sophusson, hired in 2013, is a Ferndale High graduate. In addition, jeweler Ernesto Garcia was recently hired. Garcia has more than 30 years of jewelry experience in Bellingham.
Borthwick opened his store in downtown Ferndale in 1997, then moved it to the current location at 1730 LaBounty Drive, Suite 5, in the Ferndale Market Center in 2004.