by Bailey White
Staff Writer
Connie Howell will bring casual wear to San Marco with Pick of the Crop, a new boutique featuring Fresh Produce, a line of sportswear for women and children.
“It’s a fun line with very bright and colorful prints,” said Howell. “I think it will be a nice complement to the other stores in the area.”
Pick of the Crop will also carry jewelry, handbags, beach bags and other accessories.
Howell plans to open the store June 9 at 1992 San Marco Blvd., a space formerly occupied by a portion of White’s Bookstore.
“We’ll be doing decorative work, but we don’t have to do any major renovations,” she said. “There will be a garden theme, with lots of flowers and picket fences.”
The location opened at just the right time.
“I’d been looking all around town. After looking at demographics, I figured that this was the ideal location for my product,” said Howell, adding that she’s considering extended hours for her shop.
“It’s set for normal hours hours [10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday] right now, but I might try to stay open a little bit longer to see how that works out, particularly in the summer,” she said.
Howell, a native of Jacksonville, said opening her own business has always been a dream.
“I’m very excited,” she said. “I’m coming from early retirement from an insurance job and looking forward to this new experience.”