Bizarre Bazaar announces new home
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months, 1 week AGO
Diane Arrants, left, and Cherie Warber are pictured in 2018 in the entrance to Community Assistance League popular upscale retail shop, Bizarre Bazaar. The store will be moving in late August from its at the corner of Fifth and Church to a new site, 114 S. Boyer Ave.
Daily Bee file photo
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | June 14, 2024 1:00 AM
Bizarre Bazaar will soon be on the move.
The upscale resale store operated by the Community Assistance League will soon be headed to its new home just a short distance away. After the move, set for late August, the store will be located at 114 S. Boyer Ave. — just two-tenths of a mile from its current location. The site is adjacent to SmokeSmith Barbecue and across U.S. 2 from Dub's Drive-In.
"After nearly 15 years at the current location, we are feeling a tad bittersweet about leaving the Church Street space; it’s been home for a long time," CAL members said in a press release. "But at the same time, change can be exciting and we look forward to creating an inviting, fresh retail space."
Bizarre Bazaar has been a fixture in the greater Sandpoint area for many years and CAL officials said they intend to continue that tradition at the new location.
However, until the move, Bizarre Bazaar store manager Cherie Warber said it will be business as usual at the 504 Church St. location.
That means, she said, the store will remain open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We are fully operational this summer and continually need new inventory to sell to generate funds for our grants and scholarship programs," Warber said.
That means community members can continue to bring donations to the Church Street location through the end of August. Donations are accepted from 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. However, CAL members are unable to help unload items.
Donations — and purchases — allow CAL to community to serve the community and help area residents.
A grand opening at the new location is planned for just after Labor Day, but a sneak peek soft opening is planned for late August.
Along with keeping the existing store open with normal operations until late August, CAL members will be working through the summer to remodel the former physical therapy studio into an attractive retail space.
"There will be improved interior display areas, better lighting, no stairs to climb to discover treasures on a second floor, and more parking spaces reserved for our customers," CAL officials said.
Nearly 50 years old, the organization is dedicated to improving the lives of Bonner County residents through philanthropy. Although personal monetary donations are always welcome, the bulk of the money CAL gives back to the community comes through items sold at Bizarre Bazaar.
Since it was launched, CAL has gifted more than $2.3 million in grants and scholarships to date.
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