The holidays are approaching, and we will soon be on the hunt for “the perfect” gift to hand to a loved one or colleague. Though the convenience of knocking it all out in a few clicks is tempting, the benefits of shopping local are hard to ignore for long. Supporting local shops keeps money in our community, creates work and supports families who have given their lives to what they create and sell. But shopping local also adds distinction to the place we call home, and connects us all a little more.
I’m sure you, like me, have your favorite nationally-recognized brands, and some are even on this list, but there are thoughtful touches to be added to these purchases that we can find while browsing the local shops in our city. More exist in River Park Square, Spokane’s largest mall, than what you may realize.
Here they are, for your information and future support.
Anderson & Co.
For the past 30 years, Anderson & Co. has been on a mission to “provide customers with the finest men’s fashion, quality products and service.” Located street level near Williams-Sonoma at the mall, it can easily be accessed. Anderson & Co. is locally owned and focused on building personal relationships with its customers. “We value you not only for your support, but for your friendship,” is a long-standing motto of the menswear company so dear to the Inland Northwest.
Ben Bridge Jeweler
“Five generations of forever moments.”
Ben Bridge Jeweler has been serving Spokane since 1912. Founded my Samuel Silverman, a watchmaker in downtown Seattle, it was taken over by Ben Bridge, who married into the family, grew the business for his father-in-law, ultimately purchasing his interest and renaming the store. Ben Bridge Jeweler is centered around excellence and service. “To us, it was all about the people,” Herb Bridge, Ben’s son, has shared. You can find this exceptional jeweler on the street level of the River Park Square mall next to the concierge desk. You can access it easily via the white zone of the mall’s parking garage.
From Here
“Spokane-sourced and Spokane-made,” From Here is a retail program of Terrain, “a groundbreaking nonprofit that believes everyone needs art,” that highlights over 120 artists and makers in its brick and mortar store located on the second floor of River Park Square mall. You can easily access this must-stop shop by parking in the red zone of the mall’s garage.
Good ‘Dilla
On the third level of River Park Square you will find Spokane’s specialty quesadillas, tacos and fish tacos. You may have seen Good ‘Dilla’s big yellow truck around town, serving up the goods. You can find this locally-owned food heaven next to Panda Express in the mall. They deliver and cater!
Indigenous Eats
Also on the third level of the mall near Miso Fresh, is Indigenous Eats, Spokane’s place to go for contemporary Native American comfort food, its top dish being Grandma Vi’s frybread. Park in the green zone in the garage for easier access and check out their location on the corner of Hamilton and Boone, as well.
Leland’s Barbershop
Leland’s Barbershop at River Park Square is a “classic barbershop keeping up with modern style,” according to its website, that offers beard grooming services as well as shaving and styling products. It’s been locally owned and operated for 61 years and is located on the second floor of the mall near From Here. Parking in the red zone of the garage will give you easier access.
Mac Daddy’s Gourmet Grub
Mac Daddy’s Gourmet Grub specializes in Mac and Cheese (obviously), burgers and wings. The family owned and operated small business makes its own cheese sauce that holds 14 different kids of cheese. Mac Daddy’s caters for large events like fairs and festivals, but offers smaller offsite vending, as well. You will find this incredible restaurant street level at River Park Square near J. Jill with easy access from the white zone of the mall’s parking garage. You can check out Mac Daddy’s Gourmet Grub menu here.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom, a Northwest company based out of Seattle, continues to be a rockstar in the retail industry. Trending Northwest’s owner, Erin Peterson, a proud Nordstrom Ambassador, recently interviewed Pete Nordstrom, the Fortune 500 company’s CEO, on the company’s philosophy, legacy and impact. Nordstrom remains at the forefront of fashion trends and a bedrock here in Spokane. You can listen to our episode with Pete here. You can find Nordys at the main level of the mall, easily accessible via street parking or parking garage.
Paper Nerd
Paper Nerd is famous at River Park Square, though it got its start on the East Coast. Founded by Sarah Schwartz, Editor-in-Chief of Stationary Trends, a quarterly magazine she founded covering paper trends, The Paper Nerd is a stationary nerd’s heaven and a planner’s dream. Alongside paper you’ll find party decor, card and more. Check it out today on the third level of the mall, easily accessed by the green zone in the parking garage. And check out Sarah’s podcast, The Paper Fold, now a part of the Evergreen Podcast Network.
Pete & Belle’s
If you’ve visited River Park Square, you’ve probably seen Pete & Belle’s set up near the escalators. Its famous old fashioned caramel apples are a hit with my family each time we go to the mall. Each treat starts with a crisp, green Granny Smith apple as its base, is then dipped in caramel and rolled into a variety of treats. Located near Pottery Barn and easily reached from the white zone of the parking garage, Pete & Belle’s has famous truffles, as well, both their and inside of the Spokane Valley Mall. Not a mall person? Visit their storefront at 1330 N Argonne Rd.
Polka Dot Pottery
Polka Dot Pottery is celebrating 21 years in business this year. The small biz, an adorable stop where you can paint your own pottery, is a great place to slow down the nervous system with repetitive tasks and just, create alongside those you love. Polka Dot Pottery “offers an environment that takes you out of your daily grind and inspires you,” its website reads. Located on the second level of the mall near Urban Outfitters, Polka Dot Pottery has a massive selection of shapes and colors and can be accessed easily through the red zone of the parking garage.
Shiki Sushi
Leon Chi opened the first Shiki Sushi in Walla Walla, Washington in 2015 after spending years in Manhattan, New York working in the restaurant industry. Leon brought his own recipes to the West Coast and saw great success, eventually opening four more restaurants, including the one in River Park Square. Dine in or order to go. Access Shiki Sushi street level at the mall.
Rocket Bakery
Rocket Bakery, a locally owner coffeehouse know for its drinks and baked goods, is located near the STCU on the street level of the mall. Rocket supplies many businesses around town with wholesale items as well as serves the public at seven other locations around town. Pop in and grab a coffee and a goodie before browsing through your favorite stores at River Park Square.
Tea’s Company
Tea’s Company was founded by two local sisters who stared serving loose leaf brewed teas and fresh boba drinks at farmers’ markets around town and quickly gained a following.The sisters recently expanded by adding a mobile boba café to their storefront at River Park Square. Pop in to taste a traditional milk tea, milk drink or tea lemonade with boba, jellies and more. Tea’s Company is located on the second level near Francesca’s. You can view the menu ahead of time here.
The Small Biz Shoppe
The Small Biz Shoppe is a large collection of local vendors displaying a wide variety of goods. Located near Banana Republic on the street level, this cool shop can be easily accessed form the white zone of the parking garage and is the perfect place to snag a gift for a loved one this holiday. The Small Biz Shoppe is looking for new businesses to rent space. Email [email protected] if interested.
Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar
Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar first opened in 2001, then expanded to River Park Square in 2015, a space they call the “Landing.” The Landing, located on the third floor of the mall, overlooks Post Street and the atrium adjacent to the AMC movie theaters. Twigs is known for is wildly different dishes, “food that will tantalize a variety of palates,” it advertises. Easily access Twigs by parking in the green zone of the parking garage.
Whiz Kids
Whiz Kids is one of my favorite places to stop when visiting River Park Square. This incredible toy story is independently, locally-owned with unique toys that can’t be found anywhere else. The toy store focuses intensely on maintaining good relationships with its customers and cultivating a community feel. Located on the third level of the mall and easily reached by parking in the green zone at the mall, this classic spot is a great place to knock things of your Christmas list.