Griffin bidding farewell to Scandinavian Affar

SANDPOINT — In September 1983, Harold (Hal) and Marilyn Griffin, along with Marilyn’s sister, Arlene Swanson opened the unique boutique shop Scandinavian Affar on the Cedar Street Bridge in downtown Sandpoint.

It wasn’t long as the shop gained in popularity, that an expansion prompted a move across the street and down the way to its current location at 319 N. First Ave.

However, Marilyn Griffin is moving on to new adventures and a storewide retirement liquidation sale is in progress.

“Since Marilyn and Arlene are of Scandinavian heritage, their father was Swedish and their mother was Finnish, the shop was reminiscent of their childhood,” family members said in a press release.

“When Marilyn was around 12 years old, her father packed up Marilyn, one of her brothers and her mother along with the family car, and boarded a large ship and headed off to Scandinavia. They spent an entire year there taking in the culture and spending time with extended family. This experience left a lasting impression on Marilyn and was the inspiration for opening the Scandinavian Affar in Sandpoint.”

Griffin has run the shope on her own for the past several years, with the help of long-term employees, Anita and Margie.

“Open 7 days a week regardless of weather or season, these three women greet each customer with a smile and the heartfelt warmth of a friend,” said family member Kapri Griffin.

While having a brick-and-mortar store in the age of online shopping has been a challenge, Griffin said Marilyn Griffin has enjoyed connecting with the community and the many travelers that pass through year after year.

“After 35 years, it is time for her to retire and enjoy new adventures,” Kapri Griffin added. “The shop has been a gathering place in the community, a nod to tradition and a most of all a labor of love.”

While the liquidation sale is in progress, the family will entertain offers to purchase the business. For information, email info@scandinavianaffar.store.