Building permit applied for new Trader Joe's in Spokane Valley

 

We've heard rumors for some time, but today's commercial building permit filing basically confirms that the grocery store chain Trader Joe's is coming to Spokane Valley. The company has filed for a commercial tenant improvement permit to build out a new store at 13414 E. Sprague Ave, Suite 101.

This is the building that was formerly a Shopko department store. A Tractor Supply retail store opened a portion of the building earlier this year. According the permit filings the Spokane Valley Trader Joe's will be store number 296 and it will occupy a little more than 21,500 square feet of space with the general contractor still listed as TBD.

No opening date or construction timeline is available as of my writing this as it is a developing story.

How to Spot a Scam—And What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

 

Guest column by Kinsey Hiett, Branch Manager, Spokane WaFd Bank

When people think of scams, they picture elderly relatives getting a suspicious phone call. But

the truth is, fraud can happen to everyone. Younger adults have reported falling for scams more

frequently than older generations. Whether you're 18 or 80, it pays to stay informed and know

there are resources in your community to help.

Here in Spokane, we have seen a few ‘sweetheart scams’. In most cases, the client truly

believes they are in a real relationship. The scammer slowly gains their trust before asking for

money or personal information. Our team has been able to stop large wire transfers before they

happen but each time we are surprised by how patience and convincing these scammers can

be. It’s really reinforced how important it is for us to have open, judgment-free conversations

with clients and keep spreading awareness about how these scams work.

Not only are they patient, scammers also create urgency, confusion, or fear—conditions that

make it easier for them to manipulate people into taking actions they normally wouldn’t. The

best defense is knowing the red flags.

Here are seven of the most common warning signs of a scam:

1. They pressure you to act immediately.

Fraudsters don’t want you to think. They’ll insist the matter is urgent—whether it’s your account

being locked, a missed jury duty notice, or a “limited-time offer.” Hang up, take a breath, and

contact the company directly using information from their official website.

2. The sender’s email address doesn’t look quite right.

Scammers often imitate legitimate companies. Look closely at email addresses, if something

seems off it’s probably a scam.

3. They ask for private financial information.

No bank will call or email you asking for your username, password, or verification codes. If

someone does, it’s time to walk away—or better yet, report it.

4. You weren’t expecting the contact.

Did you suddenly “win” a contest you never entered? Get an urgent warning about an account

you didn’t know had issues? If something feels out of the blue, it probably is.

5. They want unusual forms of payment.

Gift cards, cryptocurrency, and wire transfers are all red flags. Government agencies and

reputable companies will never ask for payment this way.

6. They “accidentally” overpay and want a refund.

This is a classic scam. A fake check gets deposited, looks real at first, and then bounces—after

you’ve sent money back. Don’t fall for it.

7. It seems too good to be true.

Job offers that require you to pay upfront, lottery winnings with strings attached, and

unbelievable investment returns all fall into this category.

If you ever find yourself unsure, don’t go it alone. Talk it through with a trusted friend, family

member, or someone at your local bank branch. A second set of eyes can help you spot

something suspicious before it’s too late.

And if you do fall victim to a scam, take action. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission

at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and visit their site for next steps and tools to protect yourself from future

harm.

A Few Simple Ways to Stay Ahead of Scammers:

- Block unknown callers and texts.

- Use separate email addresses for personal and promotional use.

- Create strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager.

- Verify websites before entering personal info.

- Keep your devices and software up to date.

At community banks like WaFd, as well as many other trusted financial institutions, resources

are available to help you stay informed and protect your finances. Whether it’s learning how to

spot a scam, strengthening your passwords, or simply having someone to talk to when

something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to reach out. Staying safe starts with staying

informed—and there are people and tools ready to help.

Kinsey Hiett has been the branch manager at the WaFd bank branch on Division Street in

Spokane since May of this year.

Construction starts for new warehouse and hotel in Liberty Lake

 

Courtesy rendering provided by Daines Capital

Construction work has commenced for a new development adjacent to the Liberty Lake Business Park complex nearby the corner of E. Appleway and Liberty Lake Rd in Liberty Lake. Once complete the project with be home to over 50,000 square feet of new warehouse space and a new hotel on a three-acre site.

The project will be built out in two phases with the first phase being the warehouse building. The new warehouse can be demised into as many as 10 units or could be leased in its entirety depending on what the business needs. Although no tenants can be announced for the new warehouse there is already interest. The new development benefits from easy access to major roads including I-90 via the Liberty Lake Rd. exit, overhead doors and dock access, 30' clear height and each unit has to potential for a second floor or a mezzanine. Delivery on the new warehouse space is planned for some time in 2026.

While a construction start date isn't available just yet, this new development site will be filled in with a second phase in the near future. That phase will be a brand new 100 +/- room Home2 Suites hotel and affiliated surface parking area. This will be built directly to the west of the new warehouse and all accessed via the existing private street around the Liberty Lake Business Park. We'll keep an eye on the project for more in the future on this planned new Liberty Lake Home2 Suite Hotel.

Pre-leasing of the new warehouse spaces is already underway also with it listed via Daines Capital. For more information contact Steven Daines of Daines Capital at steven@dainescapital.com or 509-590-9114 or https://www.dainescapital.com/

Nordstrom Rack to open in North Spokane

 

Seattle based fashion retailer Nordstrom announced this week that they intend to open a new Nordstrom Rack store in Spokane, sometime during the fall of 2026. Nordstrom also operates a full Nordstrom branded store in the anchor position of Downtown Spokane's River Park Square mall and another Nordstrom Rack in the shopping center adjacent to Spokane Valley Mall. The Spokane Nordstrom Rack appears to be a new location based off of information in a recent press release from Nordstrom corporate.

The new 31,000 square foot store will be located at Northpointe Plaza along N. Newport Hwy in North Spokane, the exact space there is not shown in the press release, however. The store will join that shopping center's already strong roster of tenants with big names like Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, Safeway and Total Wine and More. The plaza itself is owned by Kite Realty Group (NYSE:KRG). "We're thrilled to welcome Nordstrom Rack to Northpointe Plaza" said Karly Kilroy, Vice President and Senior Leasing Director at Kite Realty Group. "As one of the most recognizable and trusted names in retail, Nordstrom Rack will enhance the visitor experience and strengthen Northpointe Plaza's position as a go-to shopping destination."

Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom,Inc. Nordstrom Rack offers customers up to 70 percent off of on-trend apparel, accessories, beauty products, home decor and shoes from many of the top brands sold at Nordstrom stores as well as core services like online order pickup for https://nordstrom.com and https://nordstromrack.com , easy returns and alterations at select stores. Nordstrom Rack is the largest source of new customers to Nordstrom. The new location also expands the company's physical and economic impact in Washington, it currently operates six Nordstrom stores and twelve Nordstrom Rack locations, generating more than 3,100 jobs statewide.

Tagliare Delicatessen coming soon to Airway Heights

 

An exciting new quick service restaurant is coming soon to the West Plains. Tagliare Delicatessen, is a unique business with two locations in the Missoula,MT area that has its sights set on the Spokane market with a new location planned to open soon in Airway Heights. The new location is planned to open in the Hazelwood Square shopping center at 10219 W. Sunset Hwy Suite B. There is no set opening date for the shop just yet as construction will have to take place on the suite first to prep the space for the new eatery.

Those familiar with the business's locations in Missoula will already recognize it as the new Airway Heights locations will be the same as their locations there. Tagliare Delicatessen says they will serve award winning sandwiches named after mostly classic rock bands, Wine, Charcuterie boards and more. They offer some delicious sounding options for sides items also including Tim's Chips, whole pickles and even cannoli.

For more information on Tagliare Delicatessen and to watch for their upcoming opening date announcement give the local location a follow on Facebook, a website is also coming soon at http://tagliarespokane.com or to get an idea of the brand visit their original site in Montana at https://www.tagliaredelicatessen.com/

Large new assisted living facility under construction off of Division

 

People have been noticing and asking about the construction site that's been underway for a few weeks now just off of N. Division at Cozza Dr. near the AT Home store in North Spokane. I've heard a few speculate it to be a new restaurant, however that's not accurate as developers are actually planning a large new senior housing complex with assisted and independent living and memory care units there.

The new project will be using the Vineyard Park name and will be owned by Mercer Island based Care Partners Senior Living who also already has presence in Spokane with Vineyard Park at South Hill, Maplewood Garden and Cottages of Spokane all in their local portfolio of open properties. Construction is already underway with Baker Construction acting as the general contractor for the new building and architectural work being done by Blue Architecture and Interiors of Bremerton. 

The new Vineyard Park north development is currently estimated to open in 2027 with a total construction cost of just under $22 million. The new building will have five floors with a combination of 108 assisted and independent living apartments on the first four floors in studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans. The top floor of the building will consist of 20 memory care units. Exact design details are being finalized as construction happens so the representative was unable to provide an exact rendering of the project, however those looking for more information can view / reach out via the Care Partners Senior Living website at https://www.carepartnersliving.com/

New dough shop opens in Coeur d' Alene

 

Courtesy photos- Blackbird Digital

Quirky Dough is now open and isn't just a new business in Coeur d' Alene, it's a whole new type of business for the area and certainly something those with a sweet tooth will likely want to check out. Quirky Dough is Coeur d' Alene's first dough shop making creations with cookie dough. The shop is located at 2946 N. Government Way, just north of the UPS Store.

The business is locally owned and operated and allows customers to create a custom creation of their pleasing. One starts with choosing from numerous flavors of cookie dough, the cookie doughs are all egg free making them edible and safe. Then you can add scoops of ice cream and/or toppings. The owner tells me they plan to have 6 staple dough flavors, 6 rotating/seasonal flavors and 3 vegan flavors that will eventually be vegan / gluten friendly (they are currently still perfecting the recipe for this blend).

Because the cookie doughs at Quirky Dough do not contain eggs they cannot be cooked into cookies but are instead enjoyed out of a bowl, with waffle/bubble cones also coming soon. It's all like licking the dough off the mixer when you we're little only safe and with more dough and customization. The perfect way to "treat yo' self". For more information on Quirky Dough give them a follow-on social media via Instagram or Facebook

New paint your own pottery studio opens in Hayden

 

Art & Fire is a new paint your own pottery studio that's now open at 8160 N. Cornerstone Dr. Suite D in Hayden, next to Jimmy John's and a bit south of the Hayden Wal Mart. The new locally owned and operated business is great for all occasions and ages and offers hundreds of pre-made pieces of pottery ready to be painted in your own style. Also, just in time for the Holiday season they have some ornaments and seasonal items ready to be painted. Gift certificates are also available, making a great gift.

At the time of writing this, the business is open Wed - Sat. 10-6, and Sundays 11-5, but consult the business directly as hours are always subject to change. Art & Fire can also accommodate larger groups as long as prior notice is given to the studio. They are also able to make to-go bags for customers who would rather paint in the comfort of their own home.

They also plan to incorporate classes and events in the future. For more information on Art & Fire visit their website at https://artandfirepotterystudio.com/ , links to their social media sites are at the bottom of their website.

PNW Espressgo to open new cafe along Mirabeau Pkwy in Spokane Valley

 

PNW Espressgo has been a locally owned and operated food truck serving delicious espresso beverages at many events throughout the Inland Northwest. But the business is growing and will soon open their first brick and mortar location at 12709 E. Mirabeau Pkwy, Building B Suite 50 in Spokane Valley. The space is within the Pinecroft Business Park, nearby Mirabeau Park and was previously a location of Graze Craze.

The owners and their staff are currently hard at work getting the new space ready for their new coffee shop and indicated recently they will announce and official grand opening on their social media pages soon. In addition to the menu of coffee, espresso and energy drinks the new PNW Espressgo will also have some food items such as breakfast burritos, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and pretzel and bagel dogs from Seattle's Favorite.

PNW Espressgo says they also plan to keep their food truck visiting many area events and will likely add some of the food items to the truck's menu in the future as well. For more information on PNW Espressgo, including to watch for their new cafe's opening date follow them on social media via Facebook or Instagram

New bookstore to open in Liberty Lake

 

People say all Liberty Lake ever gets are new banks, dentist offices and other less exciting new businesses. While the argument can be made that it's still good growth, I think one new business coming soon to Liberty Lake will excite the many of the area's residents. That's because work is underway to open Paragraphs & Pages a brand new locally owned and operated bookstore.

Paragraphs & Pages is planned to join the NoLL development and will be located in the currently under construction mixed use building there. The new businesses address will be 21801 E. Indiana Ave. Suite C . The owners say it will be a traditional bookstore but will have a cozy seating area in the back surrounded by books and a faux fireplace. In addition to books Paragraphs & Pages will also carry some sideline items like candles, stickers, bookmarks, bags and the like. 

Currently there isn't an opening date for Paragraphs & Pages but they do hope to open sometime in early 2026. Once open they also plan to host author events, book clubs and other events. To keep track of their opening progress be sure to give them a follow-on social media via Facebook or Instagram and website is also currently a work in progress at https://paragraphsandpages.com/

Cup of Chaos opening soon on the South Hill

Courtesy photo of 2910 E. 29th Ave., the new home of Cup of Chaos.

 Not very long ago the coffee shop, Dane Joe Espresso on E. 27th in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood came under new ownership. And, after a bit of operating the business largely as is they have decided to make a big but exciting change, while still continuing to offer the South Hill neighborhood a delicious locally owned coffee and espresso offering.

Dane Joe is now officially closed but they will move to a stand-alone building at 2910 E. 29th, that was previously the South Hill location of the Bijou bar. They will be opening there under a new name, now being called Cup of Chaos. The new location will serve much of the same beverage offerings and some limited food offerings. However, Cup of Chaos will also allow the business to serve through the buildings existing drive thru.

But, if you're looking to take a moment to enjoy your coffee, Cup of Chaos will also offer some indoor seating as well. Work is already underway to prepare Cup of Chaos for opening day, which they will likely announce soon on their new social media pages. Give them a follow-on Instagram via https://www.instagram.com/cupofchaos_spokane/

Opening date set for new North 40 Outfitters in Mead

 North 40 Outfitters is now just days away from opening their newest store in Mead. The new 113,000 square foot store located at 14411 N. Newport Hwy. is scheduled to open on Wednesday, October 22nd, at 7:00am and replaces the smaller older North 40 Outfitters store nearby at 15228 N. Newport Hwy.

The company indicates in a press release that the new location is a significant milestone in North 40's commitment to serving farm, ranch, and outdoor communities of the Inland Northwest. The new location is also strategically located by the terminus of the new US 395/ North-South Freeway which is scheduled for completion in 2030. The new North 40 Outfitters store will serve as an anchor for a regional destination shopping center with a new 7/11 store also under construction on a pad site at the center and more to be announced in the coming months.

The new North 40 Outfitters store will feature:

-A spacious garden center with plants from local and regional nursery's

-A dedicated fly shop and an indoor archery lane, designed to serve outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

-West Slope Coffee, a coffee bar location inside the fly shop, serving up craft coffee from Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters from Ponderay,ID.

-A broader selection of outdoor power equipment and power tools from leading brands like Milwaukee, Dewalt, Stihl, Husqvarna, and Black Diamond. 

-Expanded apparel and footwear department with new brands and expanded seasonal selections for men, women and kids.

“This new location is more than just a larger store. It represents our ongoing commitment to the communities of Eastern Washington and North Idaho,” said Denise Schnider, Marketing Director for North 40 Outfitters. 

“We’ve designed this space to elevate the customer experience while honoring the lifestyle and values of the people who live here. With expanded product lines and a spacious, welcoming environment, the new store reflects our deep connection to the land, to craftsmanship, and to the outdoors — all while creating new opportunities for growth and community in Mead.” For more information on North 40 Outfitters, visit their website at https://north40.com