Person Behind The Place: Debra Barer
March 8, 2022 - by Sandy Vo
Person Behind The Place:
Debra Barer
Owner | The UPS Store in Downtown Bellevue
Debra Barer's family has proudly served the Bellevue community for over 20 years, handling packages at The UPS Store in Downtown. It all started when Barer's dad became an independent UPS store owner in 1999. After graduating from college, she joined the team along with her husband and co-owner Mike Barer, and quickly discovered it was the perfect job for her. Barer said she enjoys interacting with the community and learning about others' lives.
Barer's family currently owns two UPS stores, one in Downtown Bellevue and one in Crossroads. She runs a dedicated team of six who are just as hardworking as her. Learn more about why she loves working in Downtown and her favorite places around the city.
Other than shipping packages, what else does the UPS store in Downtown Bellevue offer?
The biggest thing we offer besides shipping is renting out mailboxes. We have 900 mailboxes rented by private owners and businesses. We're proud to support small businesses around the area. Our other services include copying, shredding, notarizing, faxing and printing.
Why do you love working at the Downtown Bellevue store?
Bellevue
The people are the best. I've gotten to know everyone that walks through the doors and have watched families grow and kids go off to college. I also enjoy the people I work with. I couldn't do what I do without my manager Deb Roberts and associates Caleb and Isaac Olson. They have my back when I need it.
How were you affected by the pandemic?
We were busier than ever. The pandemic resorted to more online shopping meaning we saw more packages than we’ve ever seen, especially from Amazon. Our busiest time of the year is around the holiday season.
What do you love about working in Downtown?
We never thought Bellevue could grow this quickly in the 20+ years we've been here. I love working Downtown because I get inspired by the surrounding growth.
Favorite places to dine?
Maggiano's Little Italy is so delicious, we go there all the time. Since we work right next door to Panera Bread, that's our go-to for lunchtime. I also really enjoy going to Pumphouse Grill.
Favorite places to shop?
We work close to the mall, so I find myself at Macy's more often than I should. I also enjoy going to Target located inside Wilburton Village.
Any hidden gems in Downtown you'd like to share?
I think d'Original Jewelers is a great little hidden gem. They've been in Bellevue for a long time and it's great to see another business have the same family-oriented mentality as us. I recently bought a ring from them, they sell such beautiful jewelry.
Follow The UPS store for more information on the types of services offered.
Person Behind The Place is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.
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The UPS Store
1100 Bellevue Way NE Ste 8A
Bellevue, WA 98004
