Sports consignment store opens in Sandpoint

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

Don’t you wish the Ski Swap lasted year round? Well, there’s a new sporting goods consignment shop opening in downtown Sandpoint that might make that wish a reality.

Storm Sports is set to open Thursday, Nov. 12 at 100 Cedar Street, suite B (right next to the Cedar Street Bridge).

Owner Laurie Miller hopes to cater to those hardy Sandpointers who love gear and outdoor sports, but may not be financially able to purchase new items off the shelf. Storm Sports will feature a mix of new and used gear sold on consignment. The stock will rotate with the seasons, focusing on snow sports like skiing and snowboarding for their opening.

Laurie Miller stands before the beginning of something great. Photo by Ben Olson.

“The ski industry is so fun,” said Miller. “I like getting people set up and into skiing at a reasonable price.”

Miller recently sold a similar sporting goods consignment shop in Jackson, Wyoming and made the move to Sandpoint because she found herself captivated by the town.

“I’ve been coming here off and on for years,” she said. “It’s the perfect combination of lake and mountains here. I was looking for somewhere smaller than Jackson. You really have to be quite wealthy to live there now.”

She found more of a sense of community here in Sandpoint, Miller said, and that helped her make the decision to open up Storm Sports.

“The people are really friendly here,” she said. “After operating my shop in Jackson, I wasn’t quite ready to retire.”

Miller’s history with skiing goes almost back to birth. Her father was a ski instructor, so he started her down the mountain when she was just two years old.

“You don’t know any different when you’re raised on skis,” she said. “I loved it.”

Before operating her Jackson consignment store, Miller worked as a sales representative and distributor for several different ski companies. Using her extensive knowledge of skis and fitting guidelines, Miller will be able to offer customized help to customers so that they find the gear that fits them the best.

For those interested in selling their gear through Storm Sports, Miller is always interested in taking a look at what you’ve got. She’s eager to take in any and all types of gear, and will assess them on a per-item basis. To start with, Miller will accept consignment items Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

“What’s I’m really needing the most of now is kids’ ski gear,” she said.

Items that have been for sale over 30 days in the store will be discounted 10%, while items still remaining after 60 days will be reduced 20% from the marked price. Miller said it’s a fun way to rotate stock, while passing on the savings to the customers.

Customers are given an option between accepting a check for sold goods, store credit, or a combination of the two. Those who choose store credit will be given a slight bonus to encourage further spending in the store.

Miller plans a soft opening of Storm Sports on Thursday, Nov. 12. Her normal business hours are listed as Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with expanded hours scheduled for when ski season really picks up. For any questions or for more information, call Laurie Miller at 208-263-4827. Here’s to a busy season!