THE SOUTHERN

MARION - After 70 years in the same spot, Fox Flowers in Marion has moved. Owners Jeff and Jennifer Chamness celebrated their grand opening this weekend at 2801 Civic Circle Blvd., just west of Wal-Mart.

"We've been looking forward to this for a while now," Jennifer said. "At the new location, our show room is bigger and there's a more open, completely different look."

The shop was a fixture at 419 S. Court St. for the better part of 100 years, known by Fox the last 70.

The Chamnesses purchased the business from Gary and Judy Nolen four years ago. Jennifer had worked for the Nolens 18 years before the change of ownership.

"This move to the west end all came about when our next-door neighbor, Fowler Heating and Air Conditioning, told us they wanted to purchase our building for the purpose of expanding," Jeff said. "So, we did some checking and found this place out by the mall. We've felt for some time now that this is where we needed to be. There's more traffic on the west end."

Although not knowledgeable about flowers, Jeff said he enjoys lending a helping hand with balloon bouquets and also handles the bookkeeping for the business.

Jennifer said the balloon selection is one of the largest selections in the region and she also takes pride in the quality of floral arrangements and collectibles available for purchase.

"We guarantee our work and we deliver," Jennifer said. "What keeps our customers coming back to us, I believe, is the quality of work that we do. And I've heard only positive remarks about our move here. We're hoping we can grow our business here."