It’S A Bigger, Brighter ‘K’
The large red “K” will stay. The “mart” will be quite small. And corporate brass hope adding “Big” at the beginning of the new name will lead customers to call the venerable variety store “Big K” rather than “Kmart.”
The plan is for the 2,000-plus Big K’s to be known as the country’s biggest “Konvenience” stores.
“It’s to be a one-stop shop,” explained Dan Hammon, manager of the Coeur d’Alene Kmart (soon to be a Big K) on Neider Avenue. “The interior will appear bigger and brighter. We’re readjusting the spaces to make it more shoppable.”
The North Idaho Kmarts are among the final stores in the country to add “consumables” (food, including nearly everything but produce and fresh meat) as the company change proceeds from east to west.
Staffing also will increase. The Coeur d’Alene store will expand from 105 to about 120. Many are helping with the merchandise adjustments, which will include having the new Martha Stewart line, jewelry and the “pantry” near the front of the store.
The 87,000-square-foot Coeur d’Alene store was built in 1978. The Troy, Mich.-based company began in 1962. The grand opening of Coeur d’Alene’s Big K will be April 11. The change has no impact on the construction of the Office Depot building between Kmart and Safeway.
Continued success has led to the expansion of Advanced Relational Technology. Creating architectural software, A.R.T. is adding 1,800 square feet to its 5,000 at the former U.S. Bank building at 301 Third St. in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
“We’re continuing to grow because of our Internet commerce and international expansion,” said company President Nancy Lynne. A significant part of the growth is with the products at about 500 educational facilities, including high schools, colleges and correctional institutions. Included are most North Idaho high schools and North Idaho College, where Lynne is a member of the technology advisory panel.
A.R.T. moved from California to Coeur d’Alene with four employees in 1994. The company now has a staff of 25, Lynne said. Phone 664-4204.
Opening Monday in its new location at 3024 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene Marine & Car Audio has moved from 602 Sherman Ave. The company offers sales, installation and service of stereo, security systems and citizens band radios.
The move to the 4,000-square-foot building north of Best Tire nearly doubles the space, said owner Dave Clauson. Originally from Three Lakes, Wis., Clauson has 14 years’ experience in the business.
Clauson is conducting a contest to rename the business, which includes service to all vehicles and boats, plus pick-up and delivery service. He has two employees. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 to 5 Saturdays. Phone 765-0318.
Quality handcrafted gifts from throughout the Northwest are featured at Serendipity, a new store at 412 Sherman Ave. in Coeur d’Alene.
The inventory includes calligraphy products produced by owners Paula and Bob Moore, pottery, stained glass, photography, illustrations and handmade soaps. The store opened last week in 700 square feet at the Sherman Mall.
Originally from St. Charles, Ill., and Concord, Calif., respectively, Paula and Bob have been in the region about 20 years. Their hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Phone 666-0899.
Nearly everything associated with weddings will be available at D’Cars, The Bridal Store & More when it opens later this month at 1107 Fourth St. in Coeur d’Alene. The building formerly was the location of New Beginnings Bridal Salon.
Included will be formal and informal bridal gowns and services including makeup, hair coloring, photography and limousine rental. Phone 676-0881.
Maxine’s Evergreen Floral, at 509 Sherman Ave. in Coeur d’Alene, now includes the business of Louis Flower Shop. The Third Street store closed this winter when the Jim Leinbaugh family moved to the Midwest. Owner Maxine Peterson moved her shop from 213 Sherman three years ago. She has 30 years in the business and worked for Leinbaugh for 10 years. Phone 664-1806.