'The soul of the American dream'

COEUR d'ALENE - When sales began to slow on the east end of Sherman Avenue, John and Freya Coutts didn't want to close the doors of Coeur d'Alene Computer Clinic.

So instead, they looked around at their options and decided what they could do to keep the three-year-old shop going.

They found what they were looking for at 319 E. Harrison.

"This is better exposure to more of Coeur d'Alene," John Coutts said Monday.

The small business, which offers Boost mobile, new and refurbished computers, repair, sales and service, as well as accessories, opened at its new location on Saturday.

"When things change, you've got to expand your thinking or you're going to go under," Freya said.

Both had high hopes for their Sherman Avenue location because they had read about development and expansion plans on the east end of Coeur d'Alene, and expected increased foot traffic, as well.

"Then the recession struck and it never happened," John said.

The slowdown hit the service industry especially hard, he said, as well as making it challenging for small, "ma and pa" businesses to survive because in this economic climate bank loans are difficult to get, so expansion efforts are limited.

"This is the soul of the American dream and it's not happening," John Coutts said.

So they focused on creating another opportunity for their business to survive: A new home.

John and Freya believe the increased traffic flow will bring in more customers, and while they have a little less space, there's still plenty of room for products and John's repair area in the back.

Customers are still greeted with the same friendly hello and conversation from John and Freya, along with a glance and tail-wag from Holly, John and Freya's miniature Welsh Corgi.

"Instead of quitting, we're adjusting to get through the times," Freya said.

Hours of Coeur d'Alene Computer Clinic are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Information: 665-0080