For eighty years, Spokane residents have known exactly where to go when they need expert advice and quality products for their gardens and pets: Northwest Pet And Seed. Walking into Northwest Pet and Seed on Sprague Avenue, you’re immediately met with the kind of personalized service that only comes from a deeply rooted, community-focused business. Just ask Laylah Gibford, the general manager, who recently helped a customer troubleshoot an ant problem in his home. Her detailed questions about the ant infestation and his previous attempts at control led to a tailored product recommendation and application advice, sending yet another satisfied customer to the checkout. This level of care is the hallmark of Northwest Pet and Seed, a store that has become a beloved institution in Spokane, now proudly celebrating its 80th anniversary and continuing its legacy under new local family ownership.
The story of Northwest Pet and Seed began in 1944, humbly starting as a tool store in Harry Gross’s home on a quieter Sprague Avenue. A decade later, Ken and Frieda Hester took the reins of Northwest Seed & Insecticide in 1954, expanding beyond tools and into pet supplies and even exotic animals. Imagine a pet store in Spokane housing a chimpanzee, a wallaby, and a caiman! As the Hester sons joined the family business, the name evolved to Northwest Seed and Pet, reflecting the broadening inventory and commitment to serving both gardeners and pet owners.
Recognizing the growing demand, Northwest Seed and Pet expanded with a second location on North Division in 1983, making their services more accessible to the wider Spokane community. In 2003, Bob Mauk, a long-time employee who joined in 1978, took over ownership from the Hester brothers, ensuring the continuity of the family business ethos. Now, in 2024, another local family, Aubrey, Crystal, and Darfus Moore, have embraced the legacy, acquiring Northwest Pet and Seed in July of the previous year. Mauk remains involved, assisting the Moores with the transition, further highlighting the close-knit, family-oriented nature of the store. This family spirit extends beyond ownership, with long-term employees like Gibford, whose own mother and daughter also contribute to the Northwest Pet and Seed team.
Looking ahead, the Moore family is committed to upholding and enhancing the core values of Northwest Pet and Seed. “We want to provide leadership in organic and conventional garden chemical products, soil amendments, seeds and pet supplies to the Spokane community,” Aubrey Moore states, emphasizing their dedication to serving local needs. Their primary goal is to bolster the community through exceptional customer service and a carefully curated inventory. This includes sourcing plant stocks from local growers who understand the specific climate of the region, ensuring customers receive plants that thrive in Spokane gardens.
For pet enthusiasts, Northwest Pet and Seed offers a wide array of premium pet foods, focusing on options with minimal ingredients and specialized diets for animals with unique nutritional requirements. Beyond standard pet provisions, the store excels in niche areas, boasting a diverse selection of tropical fish, reptiles, pond supplies and plants, as well as small animals and birds, making it a true haven for animal lovers.
To commemorate their 80th anniversary and engage with the community, the Moores are planning a series of exciting events. Mark your calendars for the Reptile Expo & Summer Event on August 3rd and the Northwest Seed and Pet Fall Festival on October 19th, both hosted at the Sprague store. Furthermore, the Moores envision adding community workshops, a convenient soil bar for plant repotting, and engaging activities designed for children, solidifying Northwest Pet and Seed’s role as a community hub. For more details on upcoming events and offerings, visit their website at nwseed.com. Northwest Pet and Seed is not just a store; it’s a Spokane institution, a testament to local business, family values, and a genuine passion for pets and gardens.
