Sharon's Country Store

Food, furniture, gifts and more. By Patty Hutchens.

As 20-year residents of Bonners Ferry, Norv and Sharon Skirvseth grew up in the Midwest. Sharon, raised by parents with an Amish background, learned early on the value of hard work, and it certainly has paid off. “I’ve always liked home business,” said Sharon referring to a tradition of the Amish culture.

In 2006, Sharon decided to put her talent to work and began a business in the basement of the Bonners Ferry home she shares with her husband Norv. Today that business, Sharon’s Country Store, is a favorite of many from Creston to Coeur d’Alene. In June 2008 they moved the business from their home and into a storefront, and then to its current location at 510752 Highway 95 in January 2009.

Sharon’s Country Store offers bulk foods, cooking and baking supplies, snacks and more. Whether it is beans, rice, popcorn or flour, one can find 25 to 50 pound bags at Sharon’s. If you are one who enjoys canning, the store offers a vast array of canning supplies as well.

Whatever your dietary needs or desires, Sharon’s Country Store is a perfect place to shop. They carry natural and organic foods and offer a gluten free section. “Most of our baking ingredients are non GMO,” said Sharon referring to foods that do not contain genetically modified organisms. “We also can do a lot of special orders if we don’t have an item in stock.”

In addition to bulk foods, Sharon’s Country Store also offers a full deli with meats and delicious cheese as well as an assortment of jams, jellies, honey and butter.

But the store is not limited to carrying just food items. They have fabric, sewing supplies and the very popular Amish made furniture. “We have glider rockers and old fashioned hickory rockers,” said Sharon who adds that she also carries benches, bookcases and other items made by local craftsmen. “Our wooden drying racks are very popular.”

Knowing their vendors and having first hand knowledge of the items and their origin is important to Sharon and Norv. “I love carrying good quality items and knowing exactly where they come from,” said Sharon.

She and Norv and their three employees take pride in providing friendly customer service, and based on the amount of repeat customers from Bonners Ferry and beyond, they have been successful at fulfilling that mission.

They enjoy meeting people from all over the country as the International Selkirk Loop, a 280 mile scenic drive that takes visitors through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, travels right past their store.

With six children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years of age, Sharon and Norv lead busy lives. But it does not appear they will slow down anytime soon. They recently purchased a neighboring business, The Bread Basket, and are excited about being able to carry on the tradition of the previous owners, Darrel and Dorothy Chupp. “They built the business, and we want to keep the wonderful atmosphere they have created,” said Sharon.

Stop in today and see all that Sharon’s Country Store has to offer. They are open Monday through Friday 8am-5:30pm and Saturday 8am-2pm. You can also find them online at www.sharonscountrystore.com.

#business #dining #shopping