Washington County business briefs

LifeWay Christian Stores announced its acquisition of five Northwestern Book Stores locations, including the Woodbury branch at Valley Creek Mall, 1750 Weir Dr.

The stores re-opened under LifeWay's brand on Aug. 4, but grand opening celebration events will take place between now and Oct. 9 at the Woodbury store, as well as the Coon Rapids, Burnsville, Maple Grove and Edina locations.

The Twin Cities market is the first in the Upper Midwest for Nashville-based Lifeway, which operates 162 stores in 27 states.

Spokeswoman Brooklyn Lowery declined to give financial details about the deal.

CorePower Yoga files for building permitThe popular CorePower Yoga may be adding a Woodbury location.

A building permit was filed with the city for $277,000 in lease improvements at the site previously held by the Amish Furniture Gallery in the Lightfaire Business Center on Coller Way.

CorePower Yoga currently operates nine other Minnesota locations.

Melissa Douglas, senior planner, said the city's standard setback from the road is 50 feet, but when Seasons was built they were set at 40 feet. Because the gas station is at the edge of the property, the proposed car wash would put that gap down to 31 feet.

Car dealer victorious, selling new cars againAfter losing its Chrysler franchise as part of the automaker's bankruptcy reorganization last year, Fury Chrysler Dodge Lake Elmo is back on track, selling new cars from its location on Lake Elmo Avenue and Hwy. 5.

Co-owner Jim Leonard said he and his brother won their arbitration in June, and went through a 60-day process to re-establish the franchise.

Leonard said they continued to sell used vehicles during the 15-month dark period, but could not sell new cars or complete warranty services.

Sales dropped off by as much as 60 percent some months, he estimated, and service declined by about 40 percent.

Buy an outfit and adopt a new petFashionistas looking for a furrier fall accessory -- an actual live pet -- can head to Maplewood next Sunday.

maurices at Maplewood is hosting a fashion show in the Macy's Court at 2 p.m., featuring their fall line as well as adoptable pets from area shelters.

Donations and pet supplies raised throughout the month will benefit the Maplewood and Woodbury Humane Society.