COEUR d'ALENE - After several years of operation in the Silver Lake Mall, Tom Goodman decided it was time to take Graffiti Skate Shop in a different direction.

He recently relocated the store to a stand-alone building at 6288 Government Way, one block south of the mall.

"It is a better space," Goodman said. "It has more of a local shop feel, rather than being in a mall."

Though slightly smaller at 2,500 square feet, the new store has a more open feel, along with ample parking right off the street.

"It better suits us," he said.

It also comes with a lower rent, meaning Goodman is dropping prices and adding merchandise. He recently closed two Graffiti stores in Spokane.

"My focus is on Coeur d'Alene customers, and providing the best products and service," he said.

A few brands have been dropped, others added, and an extensive summer inventory of sandals, shorts and women's swim suits is in stock, along with a collection of skateboards, parts and accessories.

"We have a lot of longboards," Goodman said. "They are huge with the college crowd."

With it comes the opportunity to create an enhanced hangout for skateboarders and BMX riders. On one side of the store is about 2,000 feet of open space he plans to put to good use.

"I'm working on the side yard, clearing it for a skate and BMX park," he said. "I'll put in a halfpipe both can use."

Work will proceed as funds allow, he said, with a car wash or other fundraising events a possibility.

The side yard is already being used on weekends, when Goodman fires up the grill for a barbecue for anyone who cares to stop by.

"I provide the hot dogs," he said. "If they want something else, they can bring it."

The yard and proposed skate park will be a handy spot for shoppers at the store to try out their new toys, or just hang around with fellow board and bike enthusiasts, he said.

But, for the time being at least, walk softly and stay clear of the Frame It and Par-Time Golf store next door. A mother skunk and her litter of kittens has taken up residence below a slab of concrete behind that building, and mom has already let it be known she does not care to be disturbed.

"We'll have to get them out," Goodman said.

Graffiti is easy to spot, with its logo sign displayed on the fence near the entrance, and a bright blue paint job on the outside of the building.

Inside, a fitting room is equipped with rough wood "cool barn doors" that Goodman is particularly fond of. A shop allows for quick repairs and customizing of products sold there.

"Pick a deck, trucks and wheels, and leave the rest to us," he said. "In 15 minutes I can throw together a whole skateboard.

Graffiti got its start with help from cousins who have since gone on to do their own thing. Out front of the new store is a coffee stand that Goodman's mother will operate in the near future.

"It definitely is a family business," he said.

The store opens at 11 a.m. every day and is open until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m. Sunday.

Information: 762-3264