Union Gospel Mission Association of Spokane plans to expand its thrift store operations by adding two new outlets in the next few years.

Dean Bitz, director of operations for the nonprofit, says the projects are still in the early planning stages, but Union Gospel Mission has bought property in north Coeur d’Alene. Also, it’s negotiating for property for another thrift store in north Spokane.

The Coeur d’Alene store will be near the intersection of Government Way and Prairie Avenue, between Pawn1 and the north Coeur d’Alene branch of First Interstate Bank, Bitz says. 

“We have a board committee in Coeur d’Alene that’s working on meeting with the architects and different people,” Bitz says. “Coeur d’Alene is our priority for the stores, then we’ll work on Spokane after that.”

He adds, “It’s an opportunity for us to create jobs in the community, provide jobs and training for people coming out of our programs, give people another option to shop for affordable, slightly used clothing and other household items, and contribute to the local economy.”

According to documents filed with the city of Spokane, Union Gospel Mission is tentatively planning to erect a thrift store at 9320 N. Colton, just east of the north Division “Y.” The north Spokane store would cost about $2 million to build and would have about 17,000 square feet. 

Construction timelines for the thrift stores have not yet been set, Bitz says. Neither architects nor contractors have been selected for either project.

Union Gospel Mission currently operates one store in Spokane, at 301 W. Boone, and one in Spokane Valley, at 11921 E. Sprague.