Bayview Corner will become a little less bustling in September.

The Star Store location at the Bayview Cash Store will close Monday, Sept. 2, owners Gene and Tamar Felton announced this week.

The news dimmed the twinkle of previously happy employees and customers alike. Their mood was somber Wednesday, with employees reluctant to say anything.

“Our little outlet here at Bayview just couldn’t withstand the weakening economy and shifting food shopping patterns. We tried to hang in here for as long we could,” Gene Felton said in a press release.

Felton also cited declining store sales and the resulting difficulty in providing living wages and benefits for employees as reasons for the Bayview location’s closure.

“I’m bummed, seriously bummed,” said Peggy Juve, a customer at the Bayview location. “I just love shopping here, it’s so convenient and never crowded.”

Juve said she goes out of her way bypassing the popular Langley Star Store main location to shop at the little Bayview store because it is less crowded.

Scott Alexander, a customer at the Bayview location, had just learned of its impending closure.

“I don’t know what to say, so many of my dinners come from here,” he said. Alexander said he shops at the Bayview location for the ambiance, which he will miss.

The owners will focus their efforts on the main location in downtown Langley, which they have owned for over a quarter century.

“The Star Store family really hopes to see our Bayview regulars in Langley,” Felton said.

The Star Store has operated in Bayview since May 2004. A major tenant of the historic Bayview Cash Store building, the Star Store became popular with its organic and natural products along with a deli.

“We are going to miss the Star Store, the food, people,” said Debbie Torget, executive director of Goosefoot, a non-profit organization and landlord of the location. “The Star Store is beloved, it is a truly special operation.”

She said it’s too early to tell what will fill the 1,500-square-foot space after the Star Store’s days end. Torget said whatever the space is used for will be compatible and appeal to residents and visitors.

At least the Star Store has a few more months to contribute its atmosphere to the eclectic Bayview Corner, which includes everything from a weekly Farmers Market to psychotherapy, chiropractic, art shops, a picture framery, salon, exotic exercises and wine.

“I’m still absorbing the news,” Torget said. “I feel very blessed that we have the summer to continue to enjoy the store.”

Anyone interested in leasing space at Bayview Corner should contact Torget at debbie@goosefoot.org or 360-321-4145 for information.