New Hive Jive shop offers year round market for island makers

Hive Jive, a new retail collective in downtown Oak Harbor, has been operating for several months and held a formal grand opening on October 1. The shop, opened by beekeeper and honey seller Casey Burr, is located on Fidalgo Avenue next to the Whidbey Island Bagel Factory and stocks Burr's honey alongside products from about 30 island vendors. Offerings include handmade soaps, lip balm and a range of other artisan goods.

Burr designed Hive Jive to be exclusively island focused. He asks prospective sellers whether they live on the island before accepting them, creating a curated space dedicated to locally produced items. The store is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving makers a year round storefront during a period when farmers markets in the region typically wrap up for the season.

The grand opening drew city officials and much of the vendor community. Mayor and members of the city council attended the October event, as did most of the shop's participating sellers. The civic presence underscored local interest in downtown revitalization and support for small scale manufacturing and retail on Whidbey Island.

For Island County residents the shop represents both an economic outlet and a community hub. Artisans who rely on summer markets for sales face a predictable dip in income when outdoor markets close. By providing a permanent, downtown location, Hive Jive helps smooth seasonality for about 30 local producers and offers residents a consistent place to purchase locally made goods through winter months and beyond.

Beyond direct sales, Burr plans to collaborate with other downtown businesses on coordinated events intended to draw more foot traffic to Oak Harbor's historic waterfront. Such partnerships could amplify spillover benefits for neighboring restaurants and retailers, increasing downtown spending and potentially extending the tourist season during shoulder months. The shop's daily hours also create a steady presence that can reinforce downtown as a shopping destination for both residents and visitors.

Hive Jive's arrival is a small scale example of how locally rooted retail can shore up maker incomes and support city center vitality. If sustained, the model offers a measurable boost to island producers and a tangible point of access for consumers seeking products made on Whidbey Island.