Shopping in Spokane

When customers walk into Sole Solutions, the staff doesn't ask them what size they wear. Instead, a foot doctor-trained shoe expert digitally scans their feet to gather precise sizing data. They might even set up the treadmill to perform a comprehensive gait analysis, which is ideal for runners and anyone who prefers silly-walking to regular walking. Once he's assessed walking styles, foot quirks such as high arches, or reported aches and pains, the staff member can crunch the data to produce a particular brand or model of comfortable, foot-friendly shoes.

In order to grace the shelves of the store, every pair of shoes must earn the approval of a foot doctor, who judges them based on fit, durability, support, and a 1,200-word personal essay before giving them the nod. Consistent winners include pairs by Sole, Brooks, Dansko, Naot, KEEN, and more. The shoes toe the line between trendy and classic designs, with popular styles including sandals, flip-flops, clogs, and running shoes.

Oftentimes, hobbies are neglected when more serious work comes calling—like a career in clinical psychology. But for Alan Tower, it was the contrary, as he quit his practice to dedicate himself to a lifelong hobby that germinated as a mail-order nursery. Eight years later, he established Tower Perennial Gardens, and went on to serve as chair for the American Hosta Society convention and founder of the Spokane Hosta Society.

Today, Tower Perennial Gardens is home to thousands of varieties of plants, trees, and flowers, which spread across 8 scenic acres and originate from every continent except Antarctica—by decree of Santa Claus. Myriad display gardens showcase cacti, shade plants, and flowering trees to provide inspiration for green-thumbed visitors. But for non-DIY customers, Tower’s team of professionals enthusiastically offers its services to forge a lush landscape from scratch or restore a rundown garden to its former glory.

In the same building where Spokane Furniture Company first opened in 1906, its staff continues to help people furnish every room in their home. The independently owned shop brings in furniture by brands such as Ashley or Home Elegance directly from the factory, eliminating middlemen and the nap imprints they leave on sofas.

Each day, the technicians at Cutting Edge Sharpening Service sharpen and restore knives with the help of precision equipment. In addition to knives, they sharpen items such as garden tools, hair clippers, and scissors, and their CNC sharpening machinery restores the razor-like edges of carbide-tipped saw blades. Patrons can bring their blades into the shop for service, or mail them in to be returned by shipping.

Jodee Fyfe opened Westwood Gardens Nursery and Garden Art in the spring of 2001, and every spring since then, it has blossomed with a vibrant selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and outdoor decor. Jodee’s loyal green-thumbed staff help customers design gardens and navigate the never-ending rows of plants, steering them towards the best perennials for sun or shade, and pointing out the subtle differences between organic vegetables and those carved from hard salami. Predesigned and custom-made planters overflow with flowers, herbs, and leafy greens in the facility’s gravel yards and airy greenhouses, while staff can also make gardening house calls to jump-start fledgling flower beds.

An FTD florist, Chet's Flowers delivers a wide selection of bouquets, floral arrangements, and FTD branded products backed by a 100% guarantee. Customers can make fancy dress fancier with the shop's elegant collection of corsages and boutonnieres or commemorate a friend's second-annual 39th birthday with a celebratory bundle of blooms. Those feeling unsure about their selection's appropriateness can also find help with the shop's online flower guide, which divulges the origins, histories, and symbolism of various flora and highlights the sentiments associated with certain colors.