The Business, a retail experiment (whose past employees include Karl Blau and Phil Elverum), was founded in 1978 by Anacortes legend Glen DesJardins. In its humble beginnings, The Business carried everything from stained glass and books to bird seed and photography equipment. Bret Lunsford (Beat Happening, D+) owned The Business from 1995-2004, when it was home to KNW-YR-OWN. Liz and Jensen Lovelett owned the store from 2005-2010 and moved it to the historical downtown district. In 2016, the shop was moved once more to the Olson Building. In 2023, it was moved once more to the Wilson Hotel. Currently owned by Nick Rennis, The Business continues to culture Anacortes via its selection of fiercely independent new music. In 2012 Nick and Evie Opp began The Business Distro-, which continues to grow and expand the role of The Business on a global scale. They also offer label operations and mailorder fulfillment for many self-releasing artists and labels. The Business curates local shows – please check the events page for more information and the current schedule.
