Young Entrepreneurs Take Over Downtown
February 9, 2010 
8 Comments
Recession be damned. Young entrepreneurs in Spokane are taking the opportunity to switch gears, plan smart, and open up the small businesses they’ve always dreamed of running. And why not? Retail space is plentiful and relatively affordable in downtown Spokane, offering a variety of price points that make starting a new business a bit less risky of an adventure.
You’ve probably heard that Spokane has weathered the economic downturn relatively well. Partly because we never had that much hot air to loose in the first place, and partly because of our relatively diversified economic base.
We’ve noticed more and more twenty-somethings returning home after getting priced out of the larger cities they stayed in after college. This is a great opportunity for our community to “capture” these people for good so Spokane can come out swinging as the economy eventually recovers.
Increasingly, people will be moving to Spokane because it is the ideal place to live the kind of lifestyle they want to live, as opposed to just a cheap place to tide over the economic storm. Spokane will offer an atmosphere where people can launch new careers instead of just taking the first “easy” bread and butter gig that comes their way. Just. You. Wait.
The first of two new stores I’ve been thrilled to discover over the past few weeks is Fringe and Fray. It is like Spokane’s very own mini upscale Buffalo Exchange, without the grunginess and holier-than-thou hipster attitudes. This elegant little store features men’s clothing as well as women’s, which is unique among independent boutiques in our town. Aside from the great mix of vintage and modern styles, accessories, footwear, denim, jewelry, jackets and more, the prices are unbeatable. I expect that they may eventually go up a bit as the store tests what our market will bear, so go in now (1325 W 1st Ave, Suite 102) for affordable duds you won’t believe.
Second hand is not only the economical thing to do, it is environmentally friendly as well. While much of what is in the store currently comes from the owners’ personal collections, they offer in store credit for high quality items that fit their aesthetic. Seller be aware, they do not offer a donation service for items they decide not to take, so be prepared to pack/bike out some of what you bring in.
If buying second hand clothing could be likened to preserving foods so you can enjoy them longer, then buying fabric to make something yourself is like buying in bulk. Don’t know how to make dresses and hand bags and don’t want to take the time to learn? No problem, owner Ari has dozens of handmade options for your purchasing pleasure, and will do custom orders as well.
Buttercuppity was online well before they opened their storefront in Steamplant Square (159 S. Lincoln, Suite 165), and appear to have a strong local following. Going into the store to gaze at all the beautiful bright patterns is enough to cure anyone’s seasonal affective disorder. I’m impressed by the personable outreach efforts of this small business, and am looking forward to sewing projects yet to come!
- Fringe and Fray on Facebook – They actually post special deals here!
- Buttercuppity on Facebook – Great sense of humor.
About the Author
“Partly because we never had that much hot air to loose in the first place . . .”
Great line.
“Spokane will offer an atmosphere where people can launch new careers instead of just taking the first ‘easy’ bread and butter gig that comes their way.”
Perhaps. If we can keep the planners and NIMBYs at bay.
it’s nice to see new business that aren’t bars or tattoo parlors.
of course, I love bars, and you meet some weird people at Tattoo shops….
I love that you mentioned Ari at Buttercuppity; she is talented and funny and her store is wonderful. And now I can’t wait to check out Fringe and Fray.
I’m so glad to see these innovative businesses springing up in Spokane. There’s no where to go but up!
I stopped into Fringe and Fray with my daughter yesterday and was amazed. Great stuff and great prices.
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