Spokandy closes two mall stores
Spokandy Chocolatier, the 96-year-old Spokane candy maker, has closed two of its four retail locations.
The NorthTown mall and Spokane Valley Mall stores closed Monday. Sales will be handled at Spokandy’s factory headquarters, 1412 W. Third Ave. in Spokane, and the retail store in Ironwood Center in Coeur d’Alene, the company said.
“The decision not to renew the mall leases is a business move that will help capitalize on the extensive Spokane wholesale market,” company President Todd Davis said in a news release.
“And it turns the focus to the full Spokandy experience at our downtown factory.”
The factory, Davis said, is the nucleus of the company and a place where customers can enjoy the sights and smells of candy-making.
Agora Awards honor businesses
A Spokane accounting company, a catering outfit and a distillery are among the winners of Greater Spokane Inc.’s annual awards for business leadership, the organization announced Tuesday.
A panel of volunteer judges grants the Agora Awards based on criteria such as company growth, marketing strategy and customer service, according to Greater Spokane Inc.
The winners were:
• Large Business : Accounting company LeMaster Daniels PLLC
•Medium Business: Spokane Valley catering and events company Beacon Hill
•Small Business: Just American Desserts
•Entrepreneurial Spirit: Dry Fly Distilling Inc.
•Nonprofit 501(c)3: Women’s and Children’s Free Restaurant
•Nonprofit 501(c)6: Downtown Spokane Partnership/Business Improvement District
•C. Michael Archer Community Service: Visual communication company Klündt Hosmer.
REI recalls bikes after injuries
Kent, Wash. – After two reports of bicycle breakdowns causing a fractured collarbone, broken teeth, facial damage and head injuries, retailer Recreational Equipment Inc. and the Consumer Products Safety Commission recalled the 2005 model Novara Trionfo bike Tuesday.
The Aprebic carbon fiber forks on the Novara Trionfo can separate from the bike’s steerer tube while riding, which can cause the rider to lose control and fall, the commission said in a statement.
About 260 bikes are involved in the recall, the statement said, and riders should take the Novara Trionfo to a REI retail store for a free repair.
The 2005 model Novara Trionfo bikes are blue and white with black forks and have the name “Novara” printed on the bars, the commission said.
The bikes sold for $720 to $1,900 in REI stores from January 2005 to August 2006.
For more information, consumers can contact REI, based in Kent, at (800) 426-4840 or on the Internet at www.rei.com.