New Moon Cafe, located on Fourth Avenue in downtown Olympia, is set to close after December 16, 2024, due to ongoing financial struggles worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The cafe's management emphasized their challenges in meeting operational costs and the need to raise around $20,000 for a safe closure. In a contrasting development, Ulta Beauty will open a new location at 1200 Cooper Point Road SW, alongside Daiso, a Japanese retailer known for home goods. This raises questions about the status of the existing Ulta store on Harrison Avenue near Target, which may be relocating. The article highlights the community's emotional response to the cafe's closure, showcasing its significance as a local gathering place.

The opening of these new retailers indicates a dynamic shift in Olympia's commercial landscape, presenting both challenges and opportunities for local businesses. As the community navigates these changes, the article underscores the interconnectedness of local businesses and the impact of broader economic trends.