Larson's receives chamber business honors

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has named Larson’s Department Store as its September “Business of the Month.”

As one of the oldest businesses in Sandpoint, Larson’s has anchored the downtown at its First Avenue location for 72 years.

Chamber spokesman Mack Deibel said Larson’s has been a chamber member for longer than the organization has records, adding it is likely the business has been a member for significantly longer than 35 years.

The owner, Dick Larson is a third-generation clothier whose grandfather, Chris Larson, began working for Jennestad’s store in the early 1900s. Chris Larson later went into partnership and formed the Jennestad and Larson’s store, which opened in 1908. Dick Larson’s father, Lloyd Larson, and Dick’s uncle, Thor Larson, bought all the shares of the J.A. Foster & Co. store in 1940.

In 2000, Larson’s purchased the old J.C. Penny building in Bonners Ferry and expanded north. In 2010 Larson’s purchased the Old Miller Hardware store in Grangeville and expanded once again heading south this time, Their impact in small Idaho communities is widely acknowledged.

Larson’s donates to many charitable organizations throughout the year. They have always been a big supporter of the Elks Club and to the many of the local school, athletics and nonprofit organizations that ask for assistance.

“We have people that come in weekly asking for assistance and we try to donate to as many as possible and it is a wide variety,” said Lindsey Larson.

Information: Larson’s, 327 N First Ave., 263-2414 or online at www.larsonsdeptstore.com