BRIAR PATCH MOVES TO NEW LOCATION IN MALL

The Briar Patch, an arts and crafts shop, has moved to a new location in West Park Mall.

"We needed more room," said Karen Loftin, a partner in the operation. "We gained considerably more space with our move."

The shop is down the Venture corridor. "We were previously in a space down the JCPenney corridor, but it was for an interim period only," said Loftin. "We're directly across from the Pasta House now."

Loftin operated Karen's Kountry Kreations in Olive Branch, Ill., for five years before opening in West Park Mall in March 1991, with seven crafters. The business has grown from that original seven to more than 200.

"My husband, Dean, mother, Ella McClarney, and sister-in-law, Amy McClarney, all help in the operation here," said Loftin.

"We have arts and crafts here from Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee," said Loftin. The current inventory includes flower arrangements, potpourri, statuettes, wood crafts, magnets, porcelain dolls, terra cotta and antiques.

The Briar Patch has also expanded to Alton, Ill.

"We opened a facility in the Alton Square Antique Mall last year," said Loftin. "My husband and I alternate on operating the Alton store."