Retail stores in Ballard are dwindling along with the economy and a few are scheduled to close. Say goodbye to Bella's Best, Annabelle's Consignment & Antiques, and All the Kings Flags.

"The economy has been awful," said Karin Wagner, the owner of the men and women's clothing store Bella's Best, 2318 N.W. Market St. "We just can't make it anymore. I'm just sinking."

Wagner hopes to close in three weeks but will remain open until the store is empty.

If you've never been to Bella's, now is the time to go. Sales of 30 percent off or more begin this Thursday, but the fun continues beyond good deals. Patrons will receive prizes just for visiting the store.

"We're going to make this as fun as we can. I'm not going to go out grumpy," said Wagner.

Bella's closing will affect the entire Wagner family. Wagner's daughters are both actively employed at the store.

Wagner will focus on her other store in Olympia, which has more of an established clientele as well as consignment options.

All the Kings Flags, a retail flag store at 2000 N.W. Market St, will also be closing by the end of the month.

"It's hit an all time low for this store," said assistant manager James Sawyer.

The closing is largely due to the economy. The owners decided not to commit to another two-year lease for fear of being stuck in a down market.

Annabelle's Consignment & Antique will be closing at the end of February, when the lease expires at 2240 N.W. Market St.

"I'm going to be very sad to leave Ballard. Ballard has been good to me," said the owner, who hopes to find a government job.

It's not all doom and gloom in Ballard, however. Jason Huges, owner of Sonic Boom Records, has been working on a "Shop Local, Think Local" campaign to promote Ballard business.

The idea is to get people to think about the local economy and to "put your money where your house is," according to Huges.

About 40 businesses in Ballard are already involved and have begun to discuss strategies that could help. One idea is to create a walking guide or map of local businesses.

"We [Ballard businesses] are down but we're not so far down that we're not going to make it," said Huges. "We're going to get through this. We'll just have to tighten our belts."

Residents are encouraged to support their local stores because small businesses help to make Ballard unique.

"It's the little businesses in this community that make it what it is," said Sue Allegra, administrative manager at the Ballard Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the "Shop Local" campaign.

Contact Liz Sternberg at liz.sternberg@yahoo.com.