Sisters team up to open artificial flower, decor store in Beaufort | Hilton Head Island Packet

Sisters Maggie Engstrom and Maryjane Bucci felt Bay Street was "the place to be" when looking for a site for their new store that sells arrangements of artificial flowers and home accessories.

In February, the sisters opened Sweet Bay at 812 Bay St.

The store features a variety of permanent artificial arrangements and other home accessories. It also offers custom arrangements and will make home visits for people seeking help, Bucci said.

The sisters, who live in Bluffton, have decades of floral and interior design experience.

Engstrom is a member of the American Institute of Floral Design and has about 20 years of experience in the field.

She owned a flower shop in New Jersey, where she and Bucci originally are from, and was a floral instructor.

Once the shop "gets its name out there," the owners plan to offer hands-on demonstrations and floral arranging classes, Engstrom said.

Bucci has been an interior designer for about 35 years, she said.

"We make a crazy team," Bucci said.

So what's the rage these days in the artificial floral industry?

Natural greens, ferns, succulents and other plants that are more realistic looking, Bucci said. Customers also might be interested in a jack-in-the-pulpit -- usually greenery

combined with forest flowers and artificial mushrooms in small containers, she said.

Sweet Bay is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

OTHER BUSINESSES

Other recent business openings, closings and changes in the area:

• Piace Pizza opened in Habersham's Marketplace in February and offers traditional pizzas made from scratch, salads and hot and cold sandwiches.

Patrons can dine inside or out and order carryout or delivery.

The restaurant at 5B Market is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Sunday, and from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Details: Call 843-379-3287 or go to www.piacepizza.com.