by Bradley Parsons
Staff Writer
As San Marco Square expands, one of its cornerstone tenants is moving closer to the retail district’s center.
Miriam’s Estate and Fine Jewelry is moving into roomier environs just two doors down from its current location at 1966 San Marco Blvd. The space vacated by the Custom Rug Gallery is twice as large as the jeweler’s current home.
With more than 2,000 square feet now available to her, owner Miriam Bell said she will offer twice as much display space and more inventory. But for now the store will still exclusively sell jewelry.
Bell said the expansion is a reflection of the humming business in San Marco’s retail corridor. Bell expects business to get even better as road improvements wrap up on nearby Hendricks Avenue.
San Marco Square’s reach seems to be expanding as businesses fill in storefronts along Hendricks and Atlantic Boulevard. Even more promising: new ventures like Layla’s restaurant on Atlantic are joining businesses that so far have had staying power. The nearby Vienna Grill and Uncommon Grounds coffee shop have lasted more than three years between them at the Square’s outer boundary.
While business has been good at the Square’s perimeter, Bell expects it to be better at the center. This is Miriam’s third San Marco location in three decades. Each move has brought Bell closer to the center.
“That’s the idea is to keep getting closer to the Square,” where more foot traffic means more sales, said Bell.
The move also puts Bell next door to Duck Duck Goose children’s store. The retailers, along with Rosie True boutique, form kind of a commercial clique. Miriam’s clusters with the same businesses at its Jacksonville Beach location, 2400 South 3rd St.
Bell opened the beach location in 2004.
“We serve a similar clientele,” said Bell. “Usually my customers are going to like what they offer and vice versa.”