Al’S Auto On E. Sprague Closes

Customers of the Spokane Valley’s Al’s Auto Supply store will now have to turn to the company’s competitor.

Phoenix-based CSK Auto has bought out the automotive parts subsidiary of Al’s parent company, PACCAR Inc.

Many of the Al’s stores, including the one at 14214 E. Sprague, are being shut down. Customers of the shuttered Valley store are being redirected with signs painted on the Al’s building to the Schuck’s Auto Supply store at 14617 E. Sprague.

The East Sprague Al’s closed its doors about two weeks ago. Most of its employees were relocated to Schuck’s stores across the area.

There are no current plans for the space vacated by the old Al’s store. CSK employs 14,000 people with more than 1,100 stores under the Schuck’s, Checker, Big Wheel/Rossi and Kragen names, along with regional distribution centers across the United States.

The acquisition of Al’s and Grand Auto Supply stores owned by PACCAR makes CSK one of the largest automotive parts retailers in the country.

Tea shop taking holiday reservations

A Valley tea and antique store is now taking reservations for several Christmas teas.

Brambleberry Cottage and Tea Shoppe, 122 N. Argonne, will host three holiday teas in December. Afternoons on Dec. 4, 11 and 18 can be spent sipping Earl Grey and munching on scones.

The shop, in the Francisco Building, also hosts tea Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Reservations are needed. Call 926-3293 for information.

Book company opens distribution center

A national children’s book company is setting up shop in the Spokane Valley.

Lake Mary, Fla.-based Scholastic Book Fairs has leased 13,866 square feet at the Spokane Business and Industrial Park.

The company will primarily use the location as a distribution center for children’s books, classroom materials and educational tools.