White Elephant in Spokane Valley closes

After 40 years, the White Elephant in Spokane Valley opened its doors for the final time today.

Section:Gallery

Sat., July 11, 2020

White Elephant employee Steve Deibert stands at the door during the Spokane Valley White Elephant's last day of retail sales on Saturday, July 11, 2020, in Spokane Valley, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Paige Kavanaugh, right, shows her long

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
The White Elephant's John Kallas, a retired Seattle policeman who spent the last 18 years of his retirement telling White Elephant customers the best fishing spots and tackle, touches a display of remaining fishing hooks during the Spokane Valley White Elephant's last day of retail sales on Saturday, July 11, 2020, in Spokane Valley, Wash. "The goal wasn't to sell gear, it was to help customers catch a fish," he said. "I'm going to miss the people here the most."

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Empty shelves are seen during the Spokane Valley White Elephant's last day of retail sales on Saturday, July 11, 2020, in Spokane Valley, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Re
The White Elephant's John Kallas, right, a retired Seattle policeman who spent the last 18 years of his retirement telling White Elephant customers the best fishing spots and tackle, chats with customer Ron Anderson, left, during the Spokane Valley White Elephant's last day of retail sales on Saturday, July 11, 2020, in Spokane Valley, Wash. "The goal wasn't to sell gear, it was to help customers catch a fish," he said. "I'm going to miss the people here the most."

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
The White Elephant's John Kallas, a retired Seattle policeman who spent the last 18 years of his retirement telling White Elephant customers the best fishing spots and tackle, walks through the store during the Spokane Valley White Elephant's last day of retail sales on Saturday, July 11, 2020, in Spokane Valley, Wash. "The goal wasn't to sell gear, it was to help customers catch a fish," he said. "I'm going to miss the people here the most."

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Farewell notes from customers are seen during the Spokane Valley White Elephant's last day of retail sales on Saturday, July 11, 2020, in Spokane Valley, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
White Elephant employee Steve Hughett, left, and customer Ron Anderson work on paperwork during the Spokane Valley White Elephant's last day of retail sales on Saturday, July 11, 2020, in Spokane Valley, Wash. "I think the Bible says 'you'll know Armageddon is near, when the White Elephant is closing,'" said Anderson with a laugh.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
The iconic white elephant on East Sprague Avenue is seen during the Spokane Valley White Elephant’s last day of retail sales on Saturday, July 11, 2020, in Spokane Valley, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Customers check out the buys during the Spokane Valley White Elephant's last day of retail sales on Saturday, July 11, 2020, in Spokane Valley, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo