Daisy Chain Book Co. will open later this summer in a 3,200-square-foot space at 12644 San Jose Blvd. in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Business Journal reported that owner Suzanne Shelton "aims to bring a store to the Mandarin/Fruit Cove area that offers a cozy setting with local coffee drinks and wine." She intends for Daisy Chain to drive business through offerings that create "a community-focused gathering place for wine lovers." The business is expected to open in late August or September.
"I love Mandarin, but you have to drive to go do anything other than eat out at a restaurant," Shelton said. "People here are looking for something to do and something fun to be excited about."
Shelton cited a love for books, professional business experience, and encouragement from her daughter as inspirations for making the leap, adding: "I kept seeing all these new bookstores emerging. Where it seemed like e-readers were super popular there for a while, and it seemed like the love of books was coming back.... One day it just hit me that I could also have that dream. When my daughter told me I should do that, it was just that little push that I knew someone was behind me saying, 'Yeah, you can do that.' "
She eventually found a space for Daisy Chain that will allow a variety of offerings and extended room for relaxation. "I had to come up with some more ideas to warrant 3,200 square feet," Shelton noted. "Luckily, I had a whole list of ideas that were being limited by a smaller space, so it just kind of took off," Shelton said.
Her goal is to have the vibe of a smaller store with room to lounge and attend events. It will also offer merchandise from other local small businesses, and toward the back a small cafe will serve coffee and an international wine selection. Daisy Chain's children's space will complement a children's hospital donation program she plans to create.
"There's a little bit of everything," Shelton said. "I want people to be excited about coming to and doing things at the store. Plus, I've never walked into a bookstore and not walked out having purchased something."