RETAIL: Popular store sees changing of the guard

A popular home, garden and gift store in downtown Coeur d’Alene is “mixing it up” in more ways than one.

After a decade, Mix It Up has a new owner, Beth Rich Brown.

When Jan Carr founded Mix It Up in 2009, she already had years of retail experience under her belt, first as a buyer for Nordstrom and Nike, and then as the owner of women’s apparel store One More Thing. Moving into home, garden and gift was something of an experiment, but one she felt Coeur d’Alene needed.

Though it was a risky time to open a new store, Carr said Mix It Up “took off from day one” and has been growing ever since. In fact, she’s leaving on a high note: Carr said this year has been the best ever for Mix It Up.

“It’s bittersweet. I was surprised by how emotional it was for me,” she said.

Carr’s plan was always to sell the store after 10 years. Though she executed the plan without a hitch, her feelings were stronger than she expected.

“It’s like a baby. You start it and give it your everything for so many years,” she said. “But I could not have handpicked a better person to hand that torch to.”

The new owner, Beth Rich Brown, first walked into Mix It Up while visiting Coeur d’Alene on vacation. She knew immediately that she loved the store. She didn’t know, however, that she would own the business five years later.

After moving to Coeur d’Alene, Brown decided to pursue her longtime passion for photography. Before long, Mix It Up was selling postcards that featured her photography.

“I asked Jan if I could take her to lunch. I just wanted to pick her brain,” Brown said. “She was gracious. She really mentored me.”

The two women developed a strong friendship.

Brown’s background is in sales and marketing. She managed and curated the Blackwell Gallery for two years, but while she loved working with customers and local artists, she said that she longed for something more. Buying Mix It Up turned out to be the perfect opportunity.

“If it succeeds, it’s my success. If it fails, it’s my failure. Either way, it’s mine,” Brown said. “I’m sharing something I’m passionate about with this community that I care so much about.”

While Brown wants to preserve Mix It Up’s distinctive charm, she also wants to innovate and give the store her personal touch. Customers will soon be able to shop online, for instance. She also plans to showcase more local art. By spring 2019, Brown said, Mix It Up will be on the Artwalk map.

“She’ll take it to the next level,” Carr said.

As for Carr, she said she’s in no rush to jump into another project. Owning a store that’s opens seven days a week can get in the way of personal time with family and friends, but now that she’s retired, she can seize those opportunities.

“It’s been such a joy to own Mix It Up in this community,” Carr said. “I’ll miss the camaraderie of my staff and customers.”

Mix It Up is located at 513 E. Sherman Ave. in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Info: Mixituphome.com