After nearly 15 years in downtown Bellingham, we have decided to close our retail sock business. The last day Cute But Crazy Socks (1323 Cornwall Ave.) will be open to the public is May 17, 2026.
This hasn’t been an easy decision, but it is one made with a great deal of clarity. As many in the Bellingham community know, my partner Ben and I took over Nelson’s Market in 2023. We were able to buy this 130-year-old corner store and restaurant with the money we 'socked away' over the years — using the success of Cute But Crazy and my design company, ModSocks, to invest in this historic cornerstone of the York neighborhood.
Kitty-corner from the sock shop, at the intersection of Cornwall and Magnolia, there is a mural that says, 'It starts in the heart.' Walking past it every day, I found the message taking on a different meaning than intended. It became a daily reminder that my own heart has moved on; it belongs to the York neighborhood now.
To stay true to that feeling, I’ve decided to close the downtown shop and dedicate more of my energy to our space in York. It’s time for me to lean into the neighborhood that feels like home and focus on my role as a steward of Nelson’s Market — honoring its century-plus history as a neighborhood hub while nurturing it as the kind of 'third place' our communities deserve.
I am incredibly happy to share that this isn’t a goodbye for our sock crew. Our small team is the backbone of this business — one of whom has been here for nearly the entire 15-year journey, with our other two veteran employees marking 10 and 5 years by our side. We are united in this next step: All of our current staff will be continuing on with us in our remaining pursuits, both at Nelson’s and with ModSocks.
While our downtown doors are closing, I’m not hanging up my design hat. I plan to continue designing for ModSocks with a more selective, thoughtful approach. You can still find our unique designs at modsocks.com and through our retail partners.
Fifteen years of downtown friendships have been a gift to all of us — from our regulars who stop in just to say hi, to the families we’ve watched grow up one pair of socks at a time, to our former staff who helped us get here, to our fellow shopkeepers and business owners who have been on this journey alongside us. You have shared your stories, your celebrations and your colorful spirits with us, and for that we are profoundly grateful. Thank you.
We are closing our retail doors, but we aren't saying goodbye. We invite you to find us at Nelson’s Market, where the spirit of community — and some of the same familiar faces you’ve known at the shop for years — will be waiting. See you there!
Please come visit us at the sock store (1323 Cornwall Ave.) one last time to grab a deal, help us clear the shelves and see us off! Our store closing sale hours are:
With gratitude and excitement for what’s next,
Urania Shaklee & the sock crew — Andrea, Ben Shaklee and Ron Lewis
