COLUMBIA – After 21 years, My Secret Garden is moving from one downtown location to another.
My Secret Garden, a florist shop, is relocating to 823 E. Broadway from its current location at 16 N. Ninth St., on Oct. 1.
The store's owner cited the economy as a major reason for the move.
"Because it's a more affordable location, it might help us deal better with the economy," said Ruth LaHue, founder and current owner of My Secret Garden. "It's a more visible location, so it may increase our walk-in traffic."
LaHue said that the new location would offer lower overhead costs as well as increased accessibility to customers.
"The building is absolutely beautiful, and it was an opportunity I couldn't not take,” she said.
My Secret Garden will be taking the place of Vespa of Columbia, which moved out of its East Broadway location Aug. 1.
“It hasn’t been leased yet," LaHue said of the Ninth Street location. "I’m going to shed a few tears when I leave.”
The new location will allow for a retail area, larger design studio, conference room, private offices and a wedding consultation area, according to a statement released by the store.
In preparation for the move, My Secret Garden will have a storewide moving sale beginning Sept. 11 through Sept. 29. My Secret Garden will remain open throughout the move.