The Jacksonville Florida Times-Union reports that the city has seen an increase in small business openings, adding to an already vibrant local business scene. From a vintage boutique in Springfield to new bookstores in the urban core, 2023 was a year of growth for small businesses. Major retailers are also opening at Gateway Town Center, and Jacksonville’s Regency Square Mall is set to change ownership.
As the holiday shopping season approaches, businesses are gearing up for Small Business Saturday. Some new shops to check out and support include two new independent bookstores in Jacksonville, Happy Medium Books Cafe and Literary Lounge. Femme Fire Books, a bookstore that has been open for a year, is also celebrating the milestone of having a physical location.
In addition to the bookstore, Purple Mangrove is a second-hand and vintage clothing store that also sells drinks and plants. Sunhoney, a hip, bohemian boutique, recently opened a storefront in Jacksonville Beach. Planet Circle, a store that offers plants, home decor and unique gifts, opened in Riverside while Greenhouse