As a convenience store, this place is quite awesome.

The Maverik's nickname is "Adventure's First Stop," and it's spelled without the dictionary's "ick" ending to the free-range word. It's also celebrating its "open house" at 3 p.m. Wednesday on the northwest corner of Ramsey Road and Hanley Avenue (just north of Lake City High School).

Because of its 4,600-square-foot, high-ceiling size, it has much more than normal convenience store items. It also has its BonFire food with Bundle sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, burritos, hoagies, salads, yogurts. snacks and beverages. Extra features are western-theme wallpaper made for the store and two outside tables.

The business began in 1928 when 20-year-old Reuel Call started a two-pump gas station in Afton, Wyo. Maverik now has 250 locations in 10 states. It's open 24 hours with about 10 employees here. Check www.maverik.com.

Painted Pony, Gentlemen's Corner closing

The going-out-of-business sales start this week for the Painted Pony and Gentlemen's Corner stores in Lake City Plaza in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

Owners Genny and Dave Scheel have decided to retire with their last day as Dec. 14. Their Painted Pony and Gentlemen's Corner stores have been in business since 2004 and 2011 respectively. They'll continue to work with gemstones and jewelry on their own.

The stores feature men's and women's western fashions, hats, boots, jewelry, art, metal work and riding apparel. Several lines of jewelry and artwork are specially made with a western theme.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 to 5 Sundays. Prizes will be given. You gotta see Zeus the giant horse. Maybe Maverik oughta get him.

The 1,077 and 2,603-square-foot shops are available through Coldwell Banker Commercial at 704-3832.

Auto Credit Sales to Hayden; Car Lot to Post Falls

Auto Credit Sales has opened what it calls its "superstore" because of the size at 15047 Government Way (almost at Highway 95) in the north end of Hayden.

The huge inventory includes commercial vehicles. A spokesman said sales last month hit 146 vehicles. The business helps credit-challenged buyers find reliable vehicles.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 to 5 Sundays. Phone 772-7000. Check autocreditsales.com.

The Car Lot has moved from that Hayden location to Post Falls. Details later.

Now for our Tidbits

- St. Vinnie's (St. Vincent de Paul) opened a thrift store in Osburn (Exit 57) in the Silver Valley last week. Details later.

- The Idaho Iron Gym has closed in Post Falls.

- American Burgers on East Sherman Ave. has added breakfast at 7 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. It opens 11 a.m. Wednesday through Friday and closes at 7 p.m.

- Temptations Gourmet Cupcakes closed its small shop on Harrison Avenue between Third and Fourth Streets. Its Prairie Shopping Center main store is open.

- Money style: Use the $ sign for a specific amount and the word "dollars" for a casual amount. The amount takes a singular verb such as "$5,000 is OK." Note how to spell OK. Don't add 0's (such as $5.00) if there's no cents.

- Contact Nils Rosdahl at nrosdahl@cdapress.com.