As spring approaches, businesses are moving

Businesses opening, closing and changing hands

* Dalton Florist at 922 E. Jackson Blvd. is under new ownership. Sheila King bought the business from her brother and sister-in-law, James and Robin King, on Jan. 7. King said she is planning to expand the scope of the flower and plant shop to include locally handmade gifts such as accessories, jewelry and home decor.

* People calling Toni's Flower House at 41 S. Sprigg St. will find their calls routed to Dalton Florist, because Toni's closed its doors Dec. 31. Owner Sonny Bodenstein said he and his wife Sharon decided to sell the business due to health problems. Their buyer fell through, so they shuttered the shop after being in business 14 years. They plan to sell the building. "We really, honestly, loved our customers," Bodenstein said. "The hardest thing was having to shut it down and not being able to take care of our customers. We would not have shut it down if it had not been for our health." Bodenstein said they selected Dalton Florist to receive calls made to the Toni's number to make sure their customers would be in good hands.

* Bahama Tan has expanded, adding a second tanning salon at 2370 N. High St., Suite 6, in Jackson. A ribbon-cutting was held Feb. 27. In addition to traditional tanning beds, the facility has two stand-up beds, two super beds, a bronzing bed, a sauna and an aqua-massage bed. By the end of the month, a sunless tanning machine will be installed. Bahama Tan is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday The origianl Bahama Tan location is at 204 W. Washington St. in Jackson.

* Mattress Firm opened last weekend in the former Barnes & Noble location at 3047 William Street, Suite 109, in Cape Girardeau. The Houston-based company sells mattresses and sleeping accessories such as pillows and bed frames. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Everything seen online at www.mattressfirm.com is available at the store, a company representative said.

Business education

* The Business and Industry Training Center at Shawnee Community College announced two new learning opportunities. An online program through a partnership with Ed2go will offer a variety of classes, including business topics. Six-week courses start monthly, with two lessons released each week. The partnership "makes it easy for businesses to provide high-quality training for their employees, no matter how many employees they have or where they are located," said training coordinator Gabriele Farner by news release. Shawnee also isoffering a QuickBooks Pro Level 1 two-day training from 8:30 to 3:30 p.m. March 20 and 27. The fee is $75, which includes materials and lunch. Participants can receive college credit or continuing education units. Space is limited, and the registration deadline is Wednesday.For more information about either program, contact Farner at 618-634-3254 or email gabrielef@shawneecc.edu.

Rumors and previews

* A new assisted-living facility is rumored to be going up on South Broadview, near My Daddy's Cheescake. More information as I gather it.

* Signs of Success, an advertising products service, is in the process of relocating from 401 S. West End Blvd. to 510 Broadway in Cape Girardeau, the old Cape Video storefront.

* A Family Dollar store "is slated to open in the first half of 2013" at 711 E. Jackson Blvd., according to a corporate representative.

salderman@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

922 E Jackson Blvd, Jackson, MO

41 S Sprigg St, Cape Girardeau, MO

711 E. Jackson Blvd., Jackson, MO

8364 Shawnee College Rd., Ullin, IL

204 W. Washington St, Jackson, MO

2370 N. High St., Jackson, MO

3047 William Street, Suite 109, Cape Girardeau, MO

510 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO