Sep 26, 2010

Flower store ‘Blossoms’ on MainBy John R. PulliamGalesburg.com

Galesburg, IL — It’s safe to say that business will soon be blooming at Blossoms, 138 E. Main St., the new flower shop opening in the former World Wide Travel building. Jennifer Briggs, manager/designer, and David Graf-lund, another designer, bring more than 70 years of combined experience to the business.

The hope is that the store, owned by Chad Goff, will open early this week.

“Right now we’re shooting for Monday, but we’re probably not going to know that until Saturday night,” Goff said.

The building, inside and out, fits in with the current rebirth of downtown. The facade was redone when John and Judy Schlaf owned World Wide Travel. The interior features exposed brick walls, a black tin ceiling and a number of other touches, such as an amazing credenza in the front of the store, as well as a unique counter made by Craig Hilman.

The counter was constructed with barn boards and plywood, which has been treated to look like something much more elegant. The “primitive” design of the lower portion, including cornices, fits well with an interior that, in turn, is appropriate with the growth of small, independent businesses downtown.

Briggs said they were shooting for a “homespun, comfortable atmosphere,” including the couch in the middle of the store.

“You’re not going to find that in many flower shops,” she said. “We just want people to be comfortable.”

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