Knolls buy Silver Lake Mall

COEUR d'ALENE — The Silver Lake Mall has been purchased by Silver Lake Center, LLC, which is managed by David and Barbara Knoll of Coeur d’Alene.

The Knolls are longtime local residents that have operated retail stores throughout the Northwest for many years. They are perhaps best known as the owners of Black Sheep Sporting Goods, which was founded in 1975 in Coeur d’Alene.

In addition to owning and operating the Black Sheep stores, the Knolls have operated retail stores in Lewiston, Boise, Missoula, Spokane and Seattle.

“We are excited to be a part of the next big chapter of the storied history of the Silver Lake Mall” David Knoll said. “We have big plans for the shopping center and we are excited about the opportunity to help bring a fresh perspective to operations at Silver Lake.”

Over the years, the inventory levels at the Black Sheep, and the other retail operations within the organization, have continued to grow as the Knolls have re-invested most of their earnings back into their own operations. As a result, they found themselves looking for larger locations to accommodate their ever-expanding inventory.

“As our businesses have grown, so have our space requirements,” said Brian Knoll, son of Dave and Barb, who also works in the family business. “We are really looking forward to the ability to expand our current selection of products even further with the abundance of space available at Silver Lake.”

The Knolls opened three new stores at Silver Lake during this past holiday season.

Black Sheep Knives and Optics, featuring a larger selection of knives, optics, and related accessories than can be found at the main Black Sheep store. Black Sheep Drinkware (The Hydration Station), specializing in all things drinkware related, including a large selection of Yeti, HydroFlask, Nalgene, Camelbak, Stanley and more.

Timberline Trading Company, carrying Northwest T-shirts, hats, stickers, sweatshirts, plus cute and fun pajamas for the whole family. From infant onesies to Flapjacks for adults, they have it all including Lazy One Brand pajamas socks, fleece jackets, bathrobes, hats, slippers, and blankets, plus kids toys, puzzles and gifts.

“Our goal is to help support and compliment all of the existing tenants at the Silver Lake Mall by reopening as many of the vacant storefronts as possible over the course of the next year or so,” said Brian Knoll, “This center is important to our community and I know that we are not alone in the desire to see it succeed.”

The Knolls are still developing many of the new concepts that will eventually occupy space in the mall but were able to share a few of the concepts that are currently in the planning phase.

• American Heritage specializing in patriotic apparel and accessories, plus many of the top outdoor lifestyle brands including Browning, Under Armour Freedom, Grunt Style, Nine Line, Vortex, Leupold, HUK, Oakley, and more. There’s something here for everyone who loves our great country and the great outdoors.

• Macadamia Coffee Co. Carrying a selection of coffee, tea, specialty drinks, and baked goods.

• Life Is Good Coeur d’Alene will be moving from its current location across the street (formerly Jake’s Dry Dock), specializing in Life Is Good brand apparel and accessories from the lifestyle brand founded in 1994 and best known for its optimistic T-shirts and hats.

• Silver Lake Community Farmers Market will feature crafters and vintage merchants, ranchers, dairy and produce farmers, cheese-makers, bakers, food artisans, as well as farm-direct products like jams, honey, jellies (some items are seasonal and may not be at every market). As North Idaho weather is unpredictable, during the spring, fall, and winter months, the market will be located inside the Silver Lake Mall. During the summer months, the market will move outside. The market will operate on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Saturday, April 3.

• Camo Land will specialize in all things camo. With an expanded selection of most of today's top brands in the camo apparel space. Sitka, Rivers West, Gamehide, Under Armour, Huntsworth, Girls with Guns, Badlands, Browning, Scentlok, Kryptex, and more.

•Work Wear by Black Sheep will carry an expanded selection of top quality workwear and accessories by brands such as Carhartt, Key, Dickies, and More.

“Eventually, we would like to bring all of our retail operations in Coeur d’Alene under one roof here at Silver Lake,” said Dave Knoll. “Doing this will help in the efficiency of operation and will provide the best experience for our customers.”

For now, Black Sheep Sporting Goods’ retail store will continue to operate at its current location at 3534 N. Government Way, next to Costco. It will also continue to operate the Black Sheep Bargain Barn at its current location at 308 Seale Ave.

“As members of this community, we are really excited about the next chapter at Silver Lake," Knoll said. "We would not be here without our dedicated staff and incredible loyal family of customers that have supported our retail operations over the last 45 years, and we sincerely hope that everyone will rally around this effort to bring new life to Silver Lake.”

The entire Silver Lake Mall on-site local staff has remained in place during the transition of ownership, led by Associate General Manager Melissa Schock, who has been with the Silver Lake Mall for over 10 years.

Silver Lake Mall is the largest enclosed mall (330,000 square feet) in North Idaho. It offers a strong mix of anchors like JoAnn Fabric and Craft, Macy’s, and other strong retail stores including Claire’s, Harry Ritchie Jewelers, and Bath and Body Works, who have been in the shopping mall since it opened.