Downtown Coeur d'Alene: A Hot Spot for Businesses

Coeur d'Alene’s downtown area is buzzing with activity. It’s not just the lake or the resort drawing people in anymore. The real attraction is the thriving businesses that have made this place their home. Kareen Link, a local entrepreneur, opened Tiffany Blue, a women's clothing boutique, way back in 2009. Seeing an opportunity to grow, she expanded into the adjoining space last summer, creating T-Blue Men’s store. This move brought more options for customers, from work attire to casual wear. T-Blue Men's is connected to Tiffany Blue, making shopping a breeze. Link’s journey is a testament to the area’s appeal. She’s lived, worked, and played in downtown Coeur d’Alene all her life. Her kids went to school nearby, and her friends live close by. It’s a place she calls home. Walk around the downtown area, and you’ll notice something unusual: almost no vacant storefronts. This isn’t just a lucky streak of good business; it’s the result of a long-term evolution. The downtown area now has something for everyone, from quaint boutiques to lively restaurants. Clara’s Jewelers, Hudson’s Hamburgers, and All Things Irish are just a few of the long-time establishments that add to the charm. The Coeur d’Alene Resort has played a huge role in this transformation. When it opened, it breathed new life into the area. The downtown district, spanning from Eighth Street to Indiana Avenue and bordered by The Resort and the lake, is a bustling hub of activity. The vacancy rate here is a mere 0. 4%, which means almost every retail and restaurant spot is filled. This trend isn’t unique to downtown Coeur d’Alene. According to Globest, the U. S. retail property market hit a 20-year low vacancy rate of 5. 3% in the second quarter of 2024. Demand for retail space is at an all-time high across the country. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, downtown Coeur d’Alene experienced a boom. People were eager to open shops and businesses in the area. In contrast, the 1980s saw a different story. Stores were boarded up, and the downtown area struggled to survive. The Coeur d’Alene Resort’s opening marked a turning point, and now, downtown Coeur d'Alene is thriving. The mix of retail, restaurants, and office spaces makes this area a desirable place to live and work. Rent can be high, but it’s stabilized in recent years. The demand for space is expected to continue growing, especially with new developments like the Sherman Tower and the Marriott hotel. Emily Boyd, executive director of the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association, credits the community for this success. The locals have been instrumental in supporting and building up the downtown area. Today, the downtown is a melting pot of wonderful experiences. Link, who also has boutiques in Hayden and Riverstone, sees a bright future for downtown Coeur d'Alene. The charm, warmth, and welcoming vibe, combined with the lake, make it a popular destination. She believes that the downtown will continue to grow and attract both new and returning clients. Coeur d'Alene’s downtown area is a unique blend of old and new, tradition, and innovation. The local community’s support plays a crucial role in this success. As the city continues to grow, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this vibrant downtown area.