GLOBAL NEIGHBORHOOD THRIFT & VINTAGE

At Global Neighborhood’s sprawling warehouse and storefront on the eastern edge of Spokane’s University District, a dedicated team turns chaos and clutter into clarity and purpose.

Thousands of pounds of textiles, books, home goods and more pass through this 50,000-square-foot facility each week. Every donated item goes through a quick but discerning inspection by one of Global Neighborhood’s attentive staff members before being sorted, priced and placed onto the sales floor or set aside for recycling.

The reasons Inlander readers love Global Neighborhood Thrift & Vintage are almost as myriad as the stuff people give to the nonprofit — from wedding dresses to wheelchairs — which employs newly arrived refugees, who in turn gain job skills and work experience as they get settled in the community.

Among the praise for Global Neighborhood shared by readers on this year’s Best Of ballot, people mentioned the shop’s cleanliness and quality item selection, affordable prices, highly organized book department, friendly and helpful employees, and much more. Most of all, people love Global Neighborhod’s mission.

Founded in 2007 by Brent and Amy Hendricks, Global Neighborhood began to help refugees navigate life in America with things like English language classes.

“Over the course of the first three or four years, and building relationships with hundreds of people in the city, it became very apparent that jobs were the most needed thing,” Brent Hendricks says.

That need resulted in the opening of the nonprofit’s thrift store in 2010. Global Neighborhood gradually outgrew that space and moved to its current home at Trent Avenue and Hamilton Street in late 2019.

“That was a big jump,” Hendricks says. “We more than doubled our retail space and added our warehouse operation, which has allowed us to focus much more on the environmental sustainability side. It allows us to divert as much as we can out of a landfill, but also to create different kinds of jobs and more jobs.”

Those jobs range from operating a forklift and a textile baler to cashiering and picking out vintage clothing and housewares that will be part of the store’s recently added vintage department. During the pandemic, staff took to selling such sought-after pieces online to reach more buyers, a move that proved incredibly popular.

Since opening Global Neighborhood Thrift more than a decade ago, Hendricks estimates the nonprofit has seen more than 200 refugees — from 33 countries around the world — “graduate” from its job-training program, which lasts from two to three months.

“We want to give them a realistic setting for job training and give them actual certifications for things so they can move on and get a higher wage,” says Emily Ramirez, Global Neighborhood’s job readiness program manager. “We want to set people up for success. Not just to get here and get employment, but to start building their life again.”

— CHEY SCOTT

2nd PLACE: Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store

3rd PLACE: Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Idaho Youth Ranch

Thrift Store, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls

Best Boat Dealer Hagadone Marine Group

What do we know about what makes a good boat dealer? Sure, we’ve been on a boat or two in our time, but what are we? Like, Boating Industry: The Magazine? But here’s the thing: The editors at the literal Boating Industry magazine gave Hagadone Marine Group in Coeur d’Alene their “Editor’s Choice” award, pointing to the customer service that helped give them a 34 percent increase in revenue from 2020 to 2021. That award is basically like winning the Inlander’s Best Of, but for being a boat dealer. (DW)

2nd PLACE: Trudeau’s Marina; 3rd Place; Elephant Boys

BEST GIFTS ATTICUS COFFEE & GIFTS

Where’s the one place you can buy a handmade fish-shaped gurgle pot, delicious loose-leaf tea and Chris Bovey prints all in one go? Atticus, of course! The combo gift/coffee shop has a unique array of gifts spanning from books, journals, candles, PNW-themed clothing, mugs and much, much more. So, order a coffee and peruse the cozy store that our readers dub the best gift shop in the city. (MP)

2nd PLACE: Boo Radley’s

3rd PLACE: Simply Northwest

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Lucky Monkey, Coeur d’Alene

Best Toy Store Whiz Kids

“They have a large variety of toys and games.” (Holli B.); “Great selection and staff is so sweet and friendly! A great experience.” (Rebecca G.)

2nd PLACE: Boo Radley’s

3rd PLACE: Figpickels Toy Emporium, CDA

BEST BRIDAL SHOP MARCELLA’S BRIDAL

“Amazing, kind, helpful, accommodating and encouraging staff. Beautiful designs!” (Bethany P.); “Always willing to go the extra mile.” (Christiane P.); “The consultants are the BEST.” (Melissa C.)

2nd PLACE: Honest in Ivory

3rd PLACE: Believe Bride

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Affordable Elegance, Coeur d’Alene

BEST BUDTENDER MERVIN SIMMONS, CINDER

“I have always had anxiety going into [cannabis] stores due to being overwhelmed, but since going to Mervin I have enjoyed it every time!” (Shelby D.); “This guy is incredible. Always in a great mood… I’m always delighted to see his face.” (Paige D.); “Merv is the coolest… he is the wizard of weed!” (Jude C.)

2nd PLACE: Alexander Mahin, Lucky Leaf Co.

3rd PLACE: Serg DeLeon, The Green Nugget

BEST CANNABIS SHOP

BEST CBD SELECTION CINDER

Convenience, selection and value are the names of the game at each of Cinder’s three locations around Spokane — downtown, North Side and Spokane Valley. With knowledgeable staff and a wide variety of products, it’s no wonder Cinder has won this honor for five years running. While grocery stores and gas stations now carry CBD products, those are all sourced from industrial hemp. Consumers can shop without worry at Cinder, knowing that their large selection of CBD products come from Washington-grown cannabis. (WM)

BEST CANNABIS SHOP

2nd PLACE: The Green Nugget; 3rd PLACE: Apex Cannabis

BEST CBD SELECTION

2nd PLACE: Bath by Bex; 3rd PLACE: Locals Canna House