Sumas, Washington – Border Towns
Sumas, Washington is a sleepy little border town nestled close to Abbotsford, British Columbia. Home to just a few hundred people, many properties in Sumas are Canadian owned. Travelers heading North into the Fraser Valley and East into the interior of BC find Sumas to be a handy crossing point.
Gambling, drinking, smokes and gas used to fuel the Sumas economy. The casinos are closed now due to increased gambling opportunities in British Columbia. Most of the bars closed along with the casinos. Smokes still sell, but the changes in gas tax rates and increased lines at the borders have made gas runs not as good a deal, eliminating a lot of the convenience store sales.
Cherry Street in Sumas has a half closed look to it. Driving down the street you see a string of closed gas stations, other empty commercial buildings, closed bars and eating establishments, and vacant lots.
There are a few businesses that do well in Sumas, WA.
1. The hub of activity (after customs) is the Sumas, Washington post office. Postal station 98295 has about 3 PO Boxes for every man, woman and child in Sumas. Maybe enough for all the dogs too! Most of the boxes actually serve Canadian clients looking for a small presence in the USA.
2. There are 3 private shipping services serving the cross border trade. UPS, FEDEX and other private freight carriers service these store front locations.
3. El Nopal Mexican Restaurant serves many Canadians hungry for Mexican food not found North of the Border. El Nopal is really just South of the Border for Canadians.
4. Bob’s Burgers and a Chinese Cafe provide alternate eating opportunities.
5. There is also a small IGA Market and a small town drug store.
6. Various Gas Stations serve the constant flow of North/South traffic.
Sumas has a library, small park, tiny police force (they love to catch speeders so be careful), City Hall, and industrial park. Sumas residents look to larger Bellingham for larger shopping trips.
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