Columbia Welcomes Two Beloved Businesses to Gervais Street
Columbia is buzzing with excitement as not one, but two favorite local businesses have officially reopened in a brand new location on Gervais Street! The Blossom Shop, a cherished floral haven that has brightened up Columbia since the late 1940s, and EQ Fitness & Physical Therapy, a growing fitness studio, celebrated their grand openings on Tuesday at 1815 Gervais St., just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the SC State House.
A New Era for Blossom Shop
After a long stint at 2001 Devine St. in the downtown Five Points area, the colorful Blossom Shop has made a bold move to Gervais Street. Co-owner Cubby Culbertson shares that the shop was facing some hurdles in its previous location. “The parking situation was a bit of a nightmare, and honestly, the space was starting to feel a little dated and tired,” he said. However, they’ve found a much brighter future in their new digs!
Walking into the new Blossom Shop is like stepping into a breath of fresh air. With high ceilings, abundant natural light, and stunning floors, it has the “wow” factor that Culbertson was hoping for. “We’ve been getting amazing feedback from customers who love the new vibe,” he added enthusiastically.
A Perfect Fit for EQ Fitness
Right alongside the Blossom Shop, EQ Fitness & Physical Therapy has also made a fresh start at their new location. Co-owner Wesley Newsom is thrilled with the move. “This new spot is a game-changer for us!” Newsom exclaimed. Easy accessibility is a significant perk, with the building just a direct route away for clients traveling from Forest Acres and West Columbia.
Newsom noted that the upgraded facilities offer more amenities, including showers and ample space for workouts. “We loved Devine Street, but to be honest, we simply outgrew our old space,” he admitted, speaking to the growth potential that comes with the move.
Community Support and Excitement
Tuesday’s grand opening festivities weren’t just low-key celebrations. They drew attention from local economic development officials, and even the Mayor of Columbia, Daniel Rickenmann, dropped by to offer his congratulations. The mayor emphasized the fantastic mix of businesses in Columbia, remarking, “We’re fortunate to have places that have been here for 100 years, alongside businesses that are just getting started.”
With about 30,000 cars traveling down this section of Gervais every day, as per state Department of Transportation data, both Blossom Shop and EQ Fitness are looking forward to welcoming plenty of new faces through their doors! The historic building, originally constructed in 1954, has undergone a complete renovation to provide a fresh start for these businesses.
“It’s all about the community,” Rickenmann noted, underscoring how towns thrive when they support their local businesses—whether they’re long-standing institutions like Blossom Shop or fresh new ventures like EQ Fitness.
What’s Next?
As these two businesses embark on this exciting new chapter in their lives, Columbia residents can look forward to more beautiful blooms and enhanced fitness opportunities right within their reach. So next time you’re in the area, swing by to check out these revamped spots and show them some local love. It’s clear: Columbia is all about supporting its community. Cheers to new beginnings!
