In a deal that would link two of downtown Spokanes business landmarks, Aunties Bookstore is negotiating to open a satellite location in the lobby of the Davenport Hotel.


The bookstore would occupy an about 200-square-foot shop on the south side of the hotels lobby, facing First Avenue, which was occupied until recently by the Candy Shoppe, says Davenport spokesman Tom McArthur.


The Candy Shoppe moved to the north side of the lobby so that it could expand its merchandise selection.


Weve been talking with (Aunties). Theyre very interested, McArthur says.


Chris OHarra, owner of Aunties, which is located at 402 W. Main, confirms that discussions are under way.


We all love the Davenport, and it would be a nice little connection for us to meet some out-of-town customers who might not find us over here on Main and Washington, she says.


The shop would carry a small selection of books and magazines, possibly highlighting local authors, McArthur says.


The selection wouldnt be large, because the space is tiny, OHarra adds.


Our fiction section is bigger than the size of that store, she says.


OHarra says shed likely hire a few employees to run the Davenport store. She currently employs more than 30 people, she says.


McArthur says that lease payments for businesses located in the hotel typically are calculated as a percentage of their sales rather than a fixed monthly amount because, We do get that intangible value of having their service and product in the building.


The Candy Shoppe moved to the larger retail space when the Davenports owners, Walt and Karen Worthy, decided that theyd like to sell gift items emblazoned with the hotels logo. Carol Measel, who owns the Candy Shoppe, agreed to take on that merchandise line as well, but needed a larger space. That operation now is called the Davenport Hotel Company Store & Candy Shoppe.