Businesses open Main Street doors

Suffolk officials wielded a giant pair of scissors on ribbons in front of two Main Street businesses Saturday.

Lenette’s Floral Designs, open since 2009, celebrated a relocation to a larger facility in a more prominent location on North Main Street.

Just across the street, gift shop and tea party venue OutRAGEous also held its grand opening.

Mayor Linda T. Johnson heralded both events as a sign that Suffolk still is open for business, even in the midst of a lagging economy.

“This is what Suffolk’s all about,” Johnson said at Lenette’s Floral Designs.

She continued at OutRAGEous: “In this economy, I think that says a lot for you to speak out and do this for us.”

Lenette’s Floral Designs relocated from a building on East Washington Street to the historic Prentis House, 321 N. Main St. The florist carries both fresh and silk flower arrangements for a variety of events, and also offers cards, teddy bears and delivery.

“This is an awesome, awesome day for me,” owner Lenette Britt said. “I thank God for all of His blessings. I’m just overwhelmed today.”

Half an hour later, the city officials headed across the railroad tracks and Prentis Street to cut the ribbon at OutRAGEous.

The gift shop is located in the old Gardner Store. It carries Scout tote bags, Beanpod candles, Miche bags (its biggest seller so far), handmade jewelry, teapots and teacups and scarves.

It also is starting a book club and hosts a variety of themed tea parties for children and adults.

“I just want to thank everybody for the support,” owner Susan Wilkins-Piland said.

“I can’t think of anything better for Suffolk,” Johnson said, referencing the Lipton Tea facility located west of the core downtown.