Route 26 in Colfax set to close

COLFAX - Route 26, a vintage market open since August 1, 2019, is closing their doors this weekend.

The three owners Nancy Thorson, Debi Anderson, and Tami Schwartz are closing due to Anderson and Thorson moving and changes in life.

"It's too much for one person to do," said Thorson, "it's a team."

With the lease expiring and changes happening, the team agreed that it coincided with their next steps.

"It's bittersweet," said Thorson, with Schwartz agreeing that "bittersweet" was the perfect way to describe the new chapter they are embarking on.

The three partners reminisced on working in antiques together at the former Whitman Mall that closed in 2005, located next to the store at 119 South Main Street.

"The three of us stayed close after that," Schwartz said. "We said let's all get together and do vintage shows."

So the partners did going onto putting on their own vintage market at the Palouse Empire Fairground twice a year.

Thorson said the building on South Main had just opened up when they were getting serious in 2019.

Over the years, the group reminisced on all the interesting people that they met and the community support that they have received. "The day we opened, four people came in to thank us just for opening," said Thorson, "We've had fun, met cool people."

The women worked well together, they all agreed. "We never brought our personal opinions or ego," said Anderson.

They laughed about all the weird things they had sold during their time selling. "That old rusty outdoor swing," Anderson laughed, adding that it wasn't out on the sidewalk displayed for long.

"Old cigarette machines, a gambling machine," Thorson added to the list, "we learned a ton. We're anxious for the next chapter."

Scwartz said that they will miss their regulars. "We appreciate them keeping us afloat."

"We've enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of a vibrant retail marketplace," Thorson said, which Schwartz agreed that Colfax has some great shops.

"People come down now just to spend the day," Schwartz said.

All three agreed that they are grateful to the community for the time they've had using the space. "It will be interesting to see who takes it over," Schwartz said.

The last day of vintage sales in Colfax is on Saturday, July 20, with everything marked off 50 percent.