Aug 9, 2009

Flower shop thrives in smaller potBy Christina CeperoNews-Press.com

Business is blooming at a Bonita Springs flower shop after it moved into a cozier spot.

Bonita Blooms opened in a 1,000-square-foot spot at Sunshine Plaza on the north side of Bonita Beach Road just east of U.S. 41 in October, leaving behind a 2,000-square-space across the street at Springs Plaza.

“Downsizing the business and downsizing the employees made it so we could still serve the community until things turn around,” said owner Barbie Johnson. “I was thinking about selling this business before those folks contacted me. … The economy is so rough right now.”

Johnson, 53, became the 28-year-old business’s fourth owner after buying it in the fall of 1999.

She used to have up to 48 workers, including part-time and seasonal designers and delivery drivers.

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