At first glance, this week’s Beachcomber almost seems like one big business section. Front-page headlines tell that a new credit union is coming to the island and some new gallery spaces are opening in town. Read more to find that a property dispute at Ignition Gallery left its owner on the street and a new artists co-op is forming. And another dispute at the Vashon Family Practice office that both parties are tight-lipped about has attorneys involved after plans for an adult care home fell through.

And don’t forget the new shop at the Old Fuller Store, where an ambitious designer is selling what she calls apparel with a message. And finally, after years of enjoying the fame of the Rent-a-Ruminant goats but being unable to use their services, islanders can rent Vashon goats and sheep owned by YamLamb Sheep Co. to do eco-friendly brush clearing that also supports Wolftown.

All the activity is no surprise. We have noticed that Vashon’s business scene sometimes shifts at an alarming rate for such a small town. While many mainstay stores and restaurants have become anchors, we’ve also watched many open and close in the last year alone, and some have apparently discovered how tough it is to make a go of it on Vashon. We find ourselves wondering if the island can truly support three pizza restaurants, so many art galleries or two credit unions for that matter.

But, as Vashon chamber director Jim Marsh has said, some healthy competition can also good for Vashon merchants. For instance, the new credit union promises services for businesses, which PSCCU doesn’t currently offer. We hope merchants facing a changing business landscape are compelled to offer the best prices and services they can and that islanders in turn will look to Vashon first, whether they wish to apply for a loan or have acres of blackberries removed.

One businessman who seems to be embracing friendly competition is Sean Hoffman, who recently took over the Vashon Market IGA. He recently made a quiet business change that may please even more people than a new art gallery will. How many times have you meant to make an evening run to the grocery store for that gallon of milk, some nighttime snacks or a missing ingredient, only to realize the clock just passed 9 p.m.? Have you cursed living on an island as you considered whether a gas station would have what you’re looking for? In an unprecedented move, the IGA is now open until 10 p.m. every night. Kudos to Hoffman. We hope the decision proves to be a boon to business.