Biz Bits: Business stays put for now, and then could move later

Charter school won't displace used furniture, antique store yet
By Murf Raquet
July 12, 2008

Larry Woodbury has owned the building that houses Now & Then, a used furniture and antique store, for years. H took over the business in December. He recently reached a deal to lease part of the building to Palouse Prairie Charter School.

"It looks like they'll take over the upstairs in June 2009," Woodbury said. "Until then it's business as usual."

That message was lost after it was announced that Palouse Prairie would receive a charter and had a site for the school.

"I don't want people to think we're closed," he said.

In October 2009, the school will take over the basement. At that point Woodbury will move to a new location or continue the business from his barn in rural Moscow.

He also could look at selling the business or taking some inventory to antique shows.

The building has 4,000 square feet of space on each floor and formerly housed the Moscow High School wood shop.

Remodeling for classrooms and offices is planned before the school becomes operational.

Woodbury has done extensive cleaning at the business and upgraded the inventory, including European antiques such as hutches and washstands. He's also adjusted prices to make items more affordable.

Woodbury purchases a portion of the store's inventory locally, including clean mattresses, he said.

In addition to Now and Then, Woodbury owns and operates Four Seasons Lawn Care and rental apartments.

"There's plenty to do to keep busy," he said.

The school's lease is for three years with an option to renew for another three years.

Now and Then is located at 310 E. Palouse River Drive. Business hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call (208) 882-7886.