A Vibrant, Dynamic, Exciting Place to Visit By Jillian Chandler
Lifelong residents of the Inland Northwest, the Knoll family, who have operated retail stores throughout the Northwest for many years, purchased Silver Lake Mall in early 2021. They are best known as the owners of Black Sheep Sporting Goods, which was founded by Dave Knoll.
Dave got his start in the sporting goods business stocking shelves for his uncle at the White Elephant in Spokane, Washington, as a teenager. Looking to venture out on his own, he founded the successful Black Sheep in Coeur d’Alene in 1975, which is now in its 48th year of operation—and can be found in Silver Lake Mall.
Over the past two-and-a-half years, since taking ownership of Silver Lake Mall, the space has undergone an incredible revival. It is now a vibrant, dynamic, exciting place to visit. “The mall’s transformation is truly remarkable, shifting from a near-empty shopping mall to a bustling and lively destination with every storefront now fully occupied,” shares Brian Knoll, general manager, and son of Dave and Barb Knoll.
Existing retail storefronts in the mall include JoAnn Fabric and Craft, Macy’s, Macy’s for Men, Merle Norman, Nail Trix, The Nail Lounge, Planet Fitness, and Strategy and Games. Longer standing tenants include Claire’s, Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers, and Bath and Body Works, who have been in the shopping mall since it opened in 1989.
New storefront additions include Belle Niche, Memory Lane Gems, Black Sheep Sporting Goods, and additional satellite stores by Black Sheep including, Life Is Good, Columbia, Browning, 5.11, Grunt Style, Old Guy’s Rule, Wrangler, Lazy One, Drinkware featuring Yeti and Hydro Flask, Under Armour, Camo Land, Carhartt, Carhartt for Women and Children, Ariat, Spin Em’, Kimes Ranch, Winter World / Water World (Seasonal Sports), Macadamia Coffee, and an expanded selection of Knives and Optics occupying their own storefront.
Food options in the food court have been added as well, including PJ’s Corner Grill, Good n’ Baked, and coming soon Sierra Ranch Chili. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, along with food trucks including Oh BabyTex Mex BBQ and Pow’Waw, can be found in the Silver Lake Mall parking lot.
“We believe the future of retail is about experiences," Brian says. “One thing that the pandemic taught us is that people are social beings, and as social beings, they crave tangible experiences, preferring to engage with life in a physical, sensory manner rather than through the confines of a computer screen. We have been working hard to create a shopping experience worth putting down the laptop and getting off the couch.”
The Knolls have always tried to provide their customers with the best selection, the best price, and the best advice. “Our relocation to the mall has opened up a world of possibilities. We now offer our customers an expanded extensive range of their favorite brands, rivaling what they might discover online, all at remarkably competitive prices,” Brian notes. “What truly sets us apart, aside from selection and price, is the level of personalized service and expert advice you'll receive from our knowledgeable team.”
Brian adds, “Being a part of the mall’s revival has been incredibly rewarding. Our local community has shown unwavering support and a genuine desire to see Silver Lake thrive. This shopping center holds a cherished spot in their hearts, filled with fond memories. Helping people create new memories has been the most rewarding part of this endeavor.”
This holiday season—or any season for that matter—make a trip to Silver Lake Mall to see the transformation it's undergone thanks to the Knolls and their award-winning team. And with the holiday season upon us, Santa will be making his way to the mall, as well as two more seasonal storefronts with See’s Candies and Hickory Farms. Silver Lake Mall
200 West Hanley Avenue
Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho
208.762.2113
Black Sheep Sporting Goods
200 West Hanley Avenue #200-2
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
208.667.7831 BlackSheepSportingGoods.com