While one Florala business is closing its doors for good, two others will soon be opening.

Cost Plus grocery store owner Laron Geohagan said the economy has taken too much of a toll on his business.

“Loo-ks like the end of next week, and it’s for good,” Geo-hagan said of the closure. The business owner was very vocal in the past about the need for an increased business. He said most residents work outside of Florala and purchase their grocery items before heading home for the day.

“We did what we could,” he said. “I’m thankful for each and everyone one of my customers, and for my employees. I just feel bad for them – my employees.”

While city officials expressed their dismay at the closure, Mayor Robert Williamson also said two other businesses will soon be opening.

“There’s a florist/gift shop that’s opening in the old Dorothy’s House of Flowers building, as well as a barbecue restaurant in the old Bean’s Diner location,” he said. “I hate to hear that Cost Plus is closing. It’s a sad day when the city loses a business.”

Williamson said he hopes the new businesses are the beginning of a trend in Florala. A third business, Upsy Daisy’s children’s boutique, opened its doors earlier this month.

“What we’re trying to do, as city officials, is get a foundation laid so that business will want to come here,” he said. “There’s work ongoing on paving (U.S.) Hwy. 331, and that’s after a huge water and sewer project. Things are coming together out at the (Florala Municipal) Airport – all of which are encouraging to see happening.”

He described the local airport as the “jewel” of the city.

“The airport is obviously huge for Florala,” he said. “Once things start happening out there, the benefits will be felt throughout Florala.”

While one Florala business is closing its doors for good, two others will soon be opening.

Cost Plus grocery store owner Laron Geohagan said the economy has taken too much of a toll on his business.

“Loo-ks like the end of next week, and it’s for good,” Geo-hagan said of the closure. The business owner was very vocal in the past about the need for an increased business. He said most residents work outside of Florala and purchase their grocery items before heading home for the day.

“We did what we could,” he said. “I’m thankful for each and everyone one of my customers, and for my employees. I just feel bad for them – my employees.”

While city officials expressed their dismay at the closure, Mayor Robert Williamson also said two other businesses will soon be opening.

“There’s a florist/gift shop that’s opening in the old Dorothy’s House of Flowers building, as well as a barbecue restaurant in the old Bean’s Diner location,” he said. “I hate to hear that Cost Plus is closing. It’s a sad day when the city loses a business.”

Williamson said he hopes the new businesses are the beginning of a trend in Florala. A third business, Upsy Daisy’s children’s boutique, opened its doors earlier this month.

“What we’re trying to do, as city officials, is get a foundation laid so that business will want to come here,” he said. “There’s work ongoing on paving (U.S.) Hwy. 331, and that’s after a huge water and sewer project. Things are coming together out at the (Florala Municipal) Airport – all of which are encouraging to see happening.”

He described the local airport as the “jewel” of the city.

“The airport is obviously huge for Florala,” he said. “Once things start happening out there, the benefits will be felt throughout Florala.”