Selling what you need for rapid ride
Products for whitewater sports are the specialty of Rapid Sports at 6288 Government Way. The 2,400-square-foot store next to Par-Time Golf has kayaks, rafts and accessories for beginners up to Class V enthusiasts. The crafts also can be adapted for fishing.
Other products include dry boxes, eco-toilets, dry- and wetsuits and rescue equipment. The store also will post water and fishing conditions.
Originally from Santa Ana, Calif., owner C.W. Turner came to North Idaho in 1995. He also owns Turner Drywall. His partner is Aaron Anderson. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Phone: (208) 772-9162. The planned Web site: www.rapidsports.net.
Mini-mall up across from Costco
A business writer can get weary of commercial Realtors’ favorite word – location. But where a business is sited can be the difference between life and death. And sometimes location is the key to great success.
Being across the street from Costco sure won’t hurt a business. That was the idea for developer Jim Houser of Medical Lake and his Neider Plaza mini-mall on Neider Avenue in Coeur d’Alene. He built an attractive, glass-front, 16,800-square-foot building. A second, 2,880-square-foot building is planned for the east side of the 2.36-acre parcel along with 110 parking spaces.
Timing was the key for the first tenant, H & R Block, which wanted to be very visible for this tax season. The second tenant will be A La Carte Floral in early April, and the third will be Momma G’s Pizza & Sandwiches in May. Houser said other strong possibilities are a beauty shop and a health care-related business. About 2,800 square feet remain available. Contact Shawn McMahon of Century 21 Beutler & Associates Realty at (208) 676-2022.
Florist plans ‘bucket store’
Owners Bill and Kerri Wilfong of A La Carte Floral plan to use the European concept of a “bucket store” to make their business unique. Their customers will be able to walk into an 8-by-20-foot cooler and hand-select the flowers and plants they want, like picking their own, Bill said.
The store will offer a complete line of indoor plants, both green and blooming. They’ll also have many pots and vases in the 1,400-square-foot business. Bill and Kerri each have several years of florist experience in other locations. She was raised in Coeur d’Alene, and he came from Olympia.
The shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. They’ll have family employees.
Takeout at Momma G’s
Although the facility will have seating for about 20 customers, take-and-bake pizza will be the main focus of Momma G’s Pizza and Subs store. Originally planned for twice as much room in the old Rosauers building, owners Harold and Susan Smith have scaled down to 1,400 square feet for the new location.
The Smiths plan to have eight to 10 employees here and to add a second store in Ponderay in the fall. They previously owned Slate’s restaurant and two Christmas stores in the Sandpoint area. They came to North Idaho from Michigan in 1988. Momma G’s will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Tidbits
“”These fleas need walls,” said the city of Coeur d’Alene. So the 20-vendor flea market planned by Herman Lackyard in the former Herman’s Automotive at 107 E. Spruce (near Government Way) is closed for now. It may happen later.
“The Hollister teen apparel store rumored for Riverstone is just that for now – a rumor. A spokeswoman said it is possible. Hollister’s Web site, www.hollisterco.com, describes the clothing as “energetic, outgoing, hip, casual, upscale, authentic but affordable.”
“Watch for major news about two downtown Coeur d’Alene restaurants. The new owners aren’t ready to squeal, but they will.