Although retail sales growth here has been stronger than expected in recent years due to low interest rates and increased job growth, some observers of the retail industry are predicting a slowdown in the coming year.

Some Washington crop producers are feeling negative impacts of ongoing trade disputes, industry experts say. Apples remain Washington's top commodity with a value of $2.43 billion, up 3 percent from the previous year, according to the U.S. Department o

Mining companies here are optimistic they'll see improved returns in 2019, based on forward-looking statements in recent earnings reports. 'Our strategy is working. The (earning potential) we generated despite low metals prices is a result

Steve Wilson, president and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce, says the business community anticipates that Kootenai County will see another year of economic growth in 2019. 'Regionally and in Kootenai County and Coeur d'Alene

Financial experts here say 2018 has been a good year for the Spokane area, but 2019 is unlikely to bring the same rate of growth. Steve Scranton, chief investment officer and economist for Spokane-based Washington Trust Bank, characterizes 2018

A new tavern called Happy Trails to Brews is coming to 9025 N. Indian Trail Road in northwest Spokane. William Reeve, who co-owns the business with his wife, Danielle, says Happy Trails plans to open later this month in a 1,400-square-foot space

Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolates & Ice Cream, a Utah-based candy company, has opened its first store outside of the Beehive State in a new Wandermere strip mall at 513 E. Hastings. The company was started by Marie Cavanaugh more than 50 years ago and remain

A new English-style pub called The Crown & Thistle soon will occupy a previously vacant space at 107 N. Fourth, in what is known as the Sherman building in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Owner Jennifer Drake says she hopes to have the 1,600-square-foot space

Colbert-based 3 Ninjas Mobile Food & Catering LLC recently opened its first restaurant in Kendall Yards. Steve Kitchens, who co-owns the business along with his friends Tymen Hofman and Michael Anderson

CHS Inc. plans to demolish the long-standing grain elevators at 310 N. Madelia, in the East Central neighborhood, says Brad Smith, senior partner with Smith Construction Services, the Kansas-based contractor hired to raze the structures.