COLUMBIA — Kudzu Bakery & Market, which opened in Forest Acres in February, is spreading.
The store currently is jammed into about 1,700 feet at 4600 Forest Drive. Adjacent space is under renovation to take the shop to about 4,300 feet, co-owner Kim McMurry said.
The store features baked goods, pre-prepared meals, kitchen gadgets and gifts.
The original plan was to occupy the larger space but starting with the smaller shop probably has been a blessing because it kept the launch manageable, McMurry said.
The downside, however, has meant that the overflow of inventory has swamped all available storage, including the garages of McMurray and co-owner Kristi Gibbs.
Kudzu is an offshoot of a longtime popular bakery in the Lowcountry, and that has helped the Columbia location build momentum. About half of their customers, however, come in to check it out without having been to another shop, she said.
The added space will allow much more display shelving for grocery items and also will include a small wine section of 100 to 150 labels, McMurry said.
The goal is for the store to be a friendly spot to stop and get all you need for dinner with excellent customer service, she said.
“We have a lot of sweet mommas working for us,” McMurry said.
Growing gardens
Gardeners Outpost, the locally owned source for plants and gardening accessories just off Devine Street in Shandon, is opening a second location.
The new location is in the Cottontown neighborhood at 1211 Franklin St.
The store focuses on sustainable practice and organic products. It also offers lawn and garden services, according to its website.
The Cottontown location had appeal because the store likes for customers to be able to bike or walk to its neighborhood location, co-owner Carol Isherwood said.
The many other businesses making a go of the North Main area made the location an obvious one, she said.
“The area was just screaming for a garden center,” Isherwood said.
If all goes well, Gardeners Outpost’s second location should be open for holiday shopping, she said.
Furniture store closing
Atlantic Bedding & Furniture is holding a closing sale at its only Columbia location, 7515 Two Notch Road, according to the store website.
Atlantic is a North Charleston-based home furnishing retailer. It will continue to operate its main warehouse showroom there at 7400 Rivers Ave.
Sweet Shop in Rosewood
A new bakery, The Sweet Shop, held its grand opening Oct. 16 at 141 Shandon St. in Rosewood.
While the bakery itself is new, owner Kia Brown has been working as a home-based baker for years, providing decorated sweets for parties and other special events.
The bakery is open on Fridays and Saturdays plus other times by appointment.
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Have any Midlands business news to share in the column? Reach Mike Fitts at [email protected]