Retail

North Spokane shopping center sells for $32M

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A Spokane Valley-based real estate development company has purchased 5 Mile Shopping Center, at 1812 W. Francis, and several neighboring commercial buildings for $32 million.

Crave NW sets the table in downtown Spokane

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Crave NW is moving to downtown Spokane this summer with a larger footprint, new programming, and an expanded focus on helping independent restaurants, wineries, breweries, and artisan food producers grow.

EWU alumni launch lifestyle apparel company

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In a crowded apparel industry where countless brands compete for attention, the four founding partners behind Spokane-based Cooked as a Goat LLC believe their biggest advantage isn't flashy advertising or viral social media campaigns.

Catching up with: Joel Barbour, owner of The Great PNW

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The Great PNW Inc. is on track to have its best year yet, as the Spokane-based apparel company continues to focus on improving company culture, expanding proven product lines, and increasing marketing reach, says owner Joel Barbour.

Sleepless nights inspire Spokane invention

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

SleepVibe Inc. has increased sales of its sleep aid device by more than 300% over the past year through podcast advertisements and support from sleep apnea doctors and first responders across the Inland Northwest who are discovering the benefits of the company’s namesake invention, says CEO and founder James Marsh.

Work ongoing at Liberty Lake multitenant project

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Construction is underway on the Ridgeline Center, a multitenant commercial development located at 19601 E. Appleway, in Liberty Lake.

Korean street food eatery opens in Spokane

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Izzie Wayuono has transformed a viral food trend into a growing Spokane business with the opening of Izzie's K-Dogs in April.

Auto loan volumes increase despite price hikes

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Even as higher vehicle prices, insurance premiums, and borrowing costs continue to squeeze household budgets, Spokane-area lenders say auto loan activity is picking up this year as customers refinance existing loans, stretch payment terms, and hunt for more affordable vehicles.

Pride celebration boosts downtown economy

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The 2026 Spokane Pride Parade & Festival drew tens of thousands of visitors to downtown Spokane and Riverfront Park this past weekend, creating a significant economic impact as attendees supported local hotels, restaurants, retailers and other businesses throughout the weekend.

BLVD Coffee, Soulful Soups open at Wonder Market

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Soulful Soups & Sandwiches and Boulevard Coffee Co. LLC are now operating new locations at the Wonder Building, the historic bakery-turned-office building at 835 N. Post, on Spokane’s North Bank.

Catching up with: Denielle Waltermire-Stuhlmiller, owner of Simply Northwest

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Eight years ago, when the Journal last caught up with Denielle Waltermire-Stuhlmiller, owner of Simply Northwest gift shop, sloths, unicorns, mermaids, and llamas reigned in popularity. While current tastes have shifted to cherries, chickens, book-lover merchandise, and bees, the Spokane Valley-based retailer maintains a proactive approach to stay ahead of the curve.

Real Meals adds staff, partnerships to meet demand

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane-based meal preparation company Real Meals, a scratch made meal delivery and pickup service, has doubled its workforce and expanded partnerships with gyms and senior living facilities as demand for convenient, prepared meals continues to grow.

Native arts market opens in Airway Heights

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

After years of organizing events, supporting Native artists, and operating a nonprofit focused on Indigenous communities, Spokane Tribe member Jeff Ferguson has opened a new brick-and-mortar business designed to give Native artists a permanent place to showcase and sell their work.

Valley biotech launches probiotic odor spray

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Integrated Lipid Biofuels LLC, a biotech and sustainability company based in Spokane Valley, has developed and launched its first consumer product and is preparing a Kickstarter campaign to support its initial market rollout.

Chinook boosts beef with dry-aging program

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A new dry-aged beef program at the Chinook Steak, Seafood & Pasta restaurant in the Couer d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel is driving both flavor innovation and increased sales, according to executive chef Alex Santos-Cucalon.

Good Medicine Apothecary blends coffee, culture

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A new gathering place in downtown Spokane aims to offer more than just an average cup of coffee. Instead, Good Medicine Apothecary & Culture Lounge is meant for cultural exchange, conversation, and a curated listening experience.

2026 Icons: Jeff Philipps

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

From a service clerk in Montana to the leader of a regional grocery chain in Spokane, Jeff Philipps says his legacy was built by consistently restocking a few simple ideas: "Businesses succeed when they invest in people, and communities grow stronger when leaders choose to give back."

Garland Resale Boutique moves next door

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Garland Resale Boutique has moved just a few doors down from where it first opened its doors in the summer of 2019.

Safariland LLC buys Alien Gear for $10.3M

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Post Falls-based firearm holster manufacturer Alien Gear Holsters, a trade name and brand of Tedder Industries LLC, has been purchased by Safariland LLC, of Delaware, for $10.3 million following a court-approved bankruptcy auction, according to filings with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.

Catching up with: Patrick Donovan, president of Dry Fly Distilling Inc.

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Patrick Donovan, president of Spokane-based Dry Fly Distilling Inc., says the company received no advance notice that the spirit maker’s canned Bloody Mary would be featured on HBO’s new television series DTF St. Louis, much less that the canned cocktail would play such a prominent role in the show’s storyline.

Two new dining options underway in Post Falls

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The Millworx urban living development in Post Falls has two new businesses that are expected to bring food and gathering experiences to the growing district.

AutoZone mega hub planned in Spokane Valley

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A new AutoZone mega hub store and warehouse is planned to be built directly west of Spokane Valley City Hall.

2026 Large Business of the Year Finalist: Selkirk Sport LLC

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Selkirk Sport LLC has been named a finalist for the Large Business of the Year category in the Journal's 2025 Inland Northwest Business of the Year Awards.

2026 Medium Business of the Year Finalist: Coeur d’Alene Tractor Co., dba Adams Tractor of Spokane

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Adams Tractor of Spokane is a 2026 Medium Business of the Year Finalist.

Catching up with: Brynn MacLennan, CEO of Slate Dental Inc.

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Slate Dental Inc. has grown its operations from a South Hill garage just two years ago to launching its mini dental flosser product in 844 Target Corp. stores nationwide, marking a significant retail milestone for the Spokane-based dental-technology company.

Five Below plans new store in North Spokane

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Five Below Inc., a discount retailer known for pricing most of its items at $5 or less, is planning a new store in North Spokane, according to permit applications on file with the city of Spokane.

Elixir Sauce Co. opens facility in Spokane Valley

virginiat@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Hot sauce maker Elixir Sauce Co. has established a production facility in Spokane Valley and plans to ramp up production with the increase in space.

Screen printing company changes hands

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Spokane-based Viella LLC, which does business as Viella Brand Communications, has acquired Spokane Valley Screen Printing Inc., located at 12005 E. Trent, where the Spokane Valley-based commercial printing business will continue operations as usual, the new owners say.

Two new restaurants planned in Garland area

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500

The Temple Tavern, a casual Italian restaurant, and Red Rose Social, a neighborhood cocktail bar, are both expected to open soon in Spokane's Garland District, bringing additional food and beverage options to the neighborhood.

Selkirk Sport receives $30M equity investment

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Selkirk Sport LLC, a North Idaho manufacturer of pickleball paddles and accessories, has received a $30 million investment from Bluestone Equity Partners, intended to transform Selkirk from a domestic pickleball leader into a global sports brand, says co-founder and co-CEO Mike Barnes.