Big plans are underway this fall for a beloved Bellingham comic book shop. Since the 1980s, The Comics Place has been a staple for comic book lovers and pop culture enthusiasts. Later this month (November, 2024), it will relocate from its current location at 105 East Holly Street to 107-109 West Holly Street, remaining in the downtown area.
“It felt like a grown-up space that we could see ourselves in,” co-owner Jeff Figley says of the new location. “We outgrew our last space.”
Figley, a lifelong comic book fan from Eastern Washington, began as a customer while attending Western Washington University. Drawn to the Comics Place by its staff, he later worked there and eventually became a partner. He cherishes the shop’s impact on his life and aims to provide that same experience for others in the community.
Exciting New Features
Figley and business partner Django Bohren were impressed by the features of the new space. It features an open floor plan, high ceilings, second-floor mezzanine, and a stage, off of which will lend to creating a vibrant community hub.
“We’d been looking at some other spaces and had a growing collection [of inventory], and we walked by our future space and loved it,” Figley added. “We foster and empower nerd commons and that community fosters and supports us.”
Another feature in the “back of the house” that employees are excited about is a conveyor belt that will help staff efficiently move thousands of comic and graphic novel titles during the transition and when circulating inventory.
The Comics Place has ambitious plans for its new location, including music shows, role-playing game events, and trading card game nights that will feature popular titles like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering. The staff also hopes to introduce pinball machines and establish a graphic novel library for readers to enjoy a variety of titles in a welcoming, comfortable setting.
Positive Comic Book Industry Climate
Figley says the move comes at a promising time for the comic book industry. He notes that the sector is recovering from the challenges of the pandemic and oversaturation, experiencing a resurgence in quality and variety. The Comics Place aims to capitalize on this growth by expanding its inventory and serving dedicated collectors and newcomers.
Currently, the shop attracts a diverse customer base, primarily within the 27–37 age demographic, students, international shoppers from Canada, and families visiting Bellingham or travelers up and down the I-5 corridor.
Welcoming New Customers
Understanding that every seasoned comic book fan started as a rookie, Comics Place staff prioritizes creating an exceptional first-time shopping experience. Figley emphasizes its community-first approach to ensure newcomers feel welcomed and not judged.
“We [staff] treat everyone excitedly, and we like to share what we enjoy,” Figley says. The staff actively helps customers select comic books based on their interests in shows, movies, music, and pop culture.
Continuing to Create Community in a New Location
The Comics Place has been a cornerstone of downtown Bellingham for decades. The staff hopes the move will further enhance their commitment to building a community around the love of comics, graphic novels, and pop culture.
