What’s new at Kennewick’s mall? Vintage clothes and handmade ice cream treats

Columbia Center shoppers can now take a break from holiday shopping to get a tasty treat at Monarca Ice Cream’s second location.

The ice cream shop joins the exclusive apparel store Get In Where You Fit In as the newest retailers in the Kennewick mall, both near JCPenney at the east entrance.

In addition to the new stores, See’s Candies and Hickory Farms have opened for the holiday season.

“This is an exciting time for us at Columbia Center with so many new stores opening for our guests to experience,” said Nikki Ostergaard, director of marketing and business development for Columbia Center.

Pasco-based Monarca Ice Cream makes handmade ice cream and other desserts using local vendors for ingredients.

The Columbia Center location offers a paired down menu from its Pasco store but kept two customer favorites — pecan and bubble gum.

Owner Asael Rivas wanted to take advantage of foot traffic at the mall to maintain revenue during winter months.

“It gives me the opportunity to take care of our employees throughout the year because we don’t have to shut down when it is no longer warm outside,” Rivas said in a news release.

“We are a local, family owned ice cream parlor that specializes in making our very own homemade ice cream, popsicles and fruit infused waters,” says their website.

The Pasco shop is at 1830 W Court St.

Vintage apparel

Get In Where You Fit In was founded in 2013 in the Richland and the mall is its fourth location, according to a news release.

It specializes in buying, selling and trading rare and vintage shoes, apparel and accessories.

“Our store carries very popular niche products that a lot of demographics are looking for. It is a great location for us with the diverse crowds that enjoy coming to the mall,” said Travis Higbee, CEO and buyer.

Included in the store’s offerings are exclusive finds from Adidas, Nike, Air Jordan, Friends U Can’t Trust, Louis Vuitton and Gucci and other brands.

Customers may bring in their products for a quote for in-store credit or quick cash.

For more information, go to Monarca Ice Cream at monarcaicecream.net or Get In Where You Fit I at getinwhereyoufitinwa.com.