POST FALLS — There is a lot of laughter when sisters Kristina Wayne and Jennifer Bonner look back on 19 years as owners and managers of My Favorite Things.

“I think part of our success is that neither of us wanted to do the other’s job,” Wayne said.

Bonner started My Favorite Things in Kellogg before seeking a booth in the 16,000-square-foot antique and vendor mall, known then as The Bargain Barn. In turn, the owner offered that Bonner take over the mall completely.

“I thought, ‘If my sister would do it with me, I’ll do it,’” Bonner recalled.

From then on, Bonner curated the antique and second-hand inventory of My Favorite Things, with Wayne taking care of the entrepreneurial side of things.

Over the years, the sisters created a space that attracted many regulars and those looking to browse.

“This is where some people come to decompress, enjoy a cup of coffee while they’re strolling down memory lane,” Wayne said.

But after nearly two decades, the sisters are preparing to close the mall for good Sept. 27.

The property owners of the commercial center at 503 E. Seltice Way decided not to renew the lease of My Favorite Things or any other retailers, citing a desire to “revamp” the space, Bonner said.

“This kind of business is just hard to have now,” Wayne said, adding that factors such as rental prices “are kind of pushing the family businesses out.” 

“I feel a sense of loss on behalf of our community,” she said. 

It’s the everyday moments of watching the children of vendors grow up or learning the stories of their regular customers that they’ll miss the most. 

“It’s been a slow burn ... realizing how connected you are to the people you do business with, and also the regulars that come into shop,” Wayne said. 

Wayne will continue to operate her small toffee business, called Baba’s Candies, and Bonner also works in real estate — but a few of the over 40 vendors that called My Favorite Things home now face uncertain futures.  

“A couple are really scrambling,” Wayne said.  

Much of the mall’s inventory is already on sale, and they’ll hold their popular anniversary sale Sept. 6, in addition to an online auction for some larger items.  

As the chapter of all things "interesting and unusual" comes to a close, both sisters look back on what they created at My Favorite Things with pride.  

“Places like this breathe life into yesteryear things,” Bonner said.  

“We’ve welcomed all walks of life,” Wayne said. “I’m proud to say we made a place that everyone feels welcome.”