About Us & Store Locations
  

Louis Kaufer and store clerk outside original Seattle store on Third Ave. near James St., circa 1910

Spokane store on "Riverside", circa 1954


Since 1904

Philip A. Kaufer, our founder, was the editor of a newspaper in Minnesota when he decided to move West in the Fall of 1903. In February 1904, he opened our first store in Tacoma, Washington. The Northwest cities of Tacoma and Seattle were booming because of the Alaska Gold Rush. Although the area was still not heavily populated, Mr. Kaufer built up a fine clientele throughout the West, personally calling on churches in several states. He published our first catalog in 1905, the same year he opened our second store in Seattle. Mr. Kaufer was also a musician and wrote the music to four complete Masses in addition to several hymns. He retired from the business in 1952 at the age of 84.


Still a leader today...

Today with longstanding locations in Spokane and Seattle, and a growing presence on the internet, Kaufer's maintains its family roots with a fourth generation of owners and managers. Though originally a supplier of solely Catholic books and supplies, Kaufer's has expanded to include a wide variety gifts, religious art, and music among their products, and various Christian denominations among their customers. 



Future of Growth

We have some exciting news to share! Over the past 118 years, The Kaufer and Sinclair families have developed a reputation for providing the best service and the highest quality products to the churches of the Pacific Northwest. We are excited to continue that legacy and grow our footprint.

We have been blessed beyond measure over the last 118 years, enduring the uncertainties of two World Wars, The Great Depression, Vatican II, Covid-19 and all the other challenges small family businesses are confronted with on a daily basis. By the grace of God, and thanks to generations of loyal Kaufer’s customers, we are still here to serve you today, and we are taking steps to ensure that we will be here for many more years to come.

Our goal is and has always been to supply you with the finest selection of religious goods and church supplies while providing you excellent service and pricing. In order to continue and grow we have chosen to partner with one of the largest church goods companies in the country, Catholic Supply of St. Louis, Inc.®. Catholic Supply® is a 62 year old second generation family business, with core values much like our own. Catholic Supply is a leader in our industry and Kaufer’s has been collaborating with them since we joined their NCGA church catalog group in 2014.

Together, we have a clear vision of continuing the Kaufer’s ministry of service to the Church, through our stores in Seattle, Spokane and now St. Louis.

In August of 2022 Kaufers became a Division of Catholic Supply of St. Louis, Inc.®

Jim and Ed Sinclair will continue to be part of the team. Mostly as remote sales force, but also instore when needed. Both are looking forward to taking a step back and enjoying life with their families. 

We’re excited for this new chapter in our company’s long, rich history. We appreciate your loyalty and hope you too will see the benefits this merger provides:

  • the same friendly staff you already know will continue to serve you
  • a more robust website
  • expanded inventories in our stores
  • faster delivery times
  • a gradual return of Kaufer’s delivery service to our church accounts
  • additional support staff in St Louis
  • special sales throughout the year if you’re on our email list
  • with Catholic Supply’s® better buying power comes more unique product offerings and at times better prices
  • new- distinguished selection of ecclesiastical goods from around the world


Please visit us! We have two locations in Washington State:


SEATTLE STORE
5201 4th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98108
(206) 622-3100
STORE HOURS
Monday 9:00am - 3:00pm Office & Will Call Only
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am - 4:30pm
Sundays and Most Major Holidays CLOSED

   

SPOKANE STORE
907 West Boone Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 326-7070
STORE HOURS
Monday - Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sundays and Most Major Holidays CLOSED

THIS LOCATION WILL BE CLOSED ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st and SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th for remodeling.


Fun Fact

Not many businesses can boast a clientele that once included the first American saint, Mother Maria Francesca Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917). Not many businesses go back 100 years, as does The Kaufer Company, whose regular customers included Mother Cabrini during her years of ministry in Seattle.