Steve & Barry’s to open NorthTown store

A store specializing in value-priced college apparel and clothing with a pop-culture edge is opening in the former Emporium location at NorthTown Mall.

Steve & Barry’s University Sportswear will fill the first and second floor of the 69,000-square-foot space and is expected to open in November. The prominent spot has been empty since Emporium’s parent company, Troutman Investment Co., filed for bankruptcy more than three years ago.

“Finally, we have someone taking over this space. It’s very, very exciting,” said Leslea Warnick, marketing manager for NorthTown Mall.

Steve & Barry’s is part of a 150-store chain that is privately owned by Steve Shore and Barry Prevor.

The opening of the Spokane store, and two stores in Western Washington, marks the retailer’s entry into the Evergreen state, said Rachel Brenner, spokeswoman for the Port Washington, N.Y.-based company.

“It’s one piece in our national expansion plan,” Brenner said.

Most of the store’s merchandise costs less than $10, she said, adding that Steve & Barry’s price point appeals to people of diverse incomes.

“We’re really a one-stop shop for the whole family. It doesn’t matter what kind of budget you have, everyone loves a bargain,” Brenner said.

Merchandise includes footwear, jackets, jerseys and more. T-shirt themes feature logos from Ford and Chevrolet. Shoppers can also find Spider-Man and other Marvel comic book characters or wear a T-shirt touting a Hershey’s chocolate bar or some Cheerios.

The store will also carry an extensive selection of licensed and non-licensed college apparel, including Eastern Washington University clothing.

While the store emphasizes bargain pricing, Brenner said, its interior will feature hardwood floors and trendy displays.

“The cool part is you don’t feel like you’re shopping in a discount store.”