SWEETHEART FLORIST: NEW ITEMS ARE CONSTANTLY ADDED AT SWEETHEART FLORIST

Although Sweetheart Florist is not a new business, owner Renee Barks tires to make sure something new is always on hand for customers to peruse.

"I try to keep new things coming in frequently," she said.

Among new items now on stock is a selection of Briarpatch cards, designed by former Jackson resident Bronwyn Ross.

Barks, a California native, came to Jackson 13 years ago, marrying Jackson native Robert Barks. She bought Sweetheart Florist some five years ago. She recently opened a second location in Marble Hill. She manages both stores herself.

The shop, which had been further down High Street at one time, features silk and fresh flowers, stuffed animals, angels, candles, plants and miscellaneous gift items. Some furniture is also carried.

"We do a lot of customer arrangements," Barks said. "A lot of people bringing arm covers from their chairs or sofas, or pillows to match the arrangements, too."

Both Jackson and Marble Hill locations are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The Jackson number is 243-7724 and the Marble Hill number is 238-2044.

"I invite people to come in, look around and see the varieties of things we've added," Barks said.