Christian & Johnson, a landmark floral and gifts shop in Chico, announced its move to a new location this week.

The shop has been a town icon since its establishment in 1907, and will leave its site on Vallombrosa Avenue of over 100 years this summer.

The owner, Melissa Heringer, confirmed that the shop has grown to require a new, larger location. “We purchased a property at 1098 East 1st Ave, an old family home actually, at the corner of East 1st and Neil Dow.”

“We’re renovating it now, but we plan on keeping the charm and character of the old home,” she said. The home will be ideal for the business, she added, as it offers “…more space, more parking, and a central convenient location.”

The plan, she said, is to be finished by mid-summer. “It should be in July or so if all goes according to plan.”

Founded by a gardener who worked for Annie Bidwell, as Heringer confirmed, the shop is expected to keep its loyal, local customer base and grow in its new location.

“For many years now we have been needing to grow,” said Heringer. “Everyone we have told about it is so happy.”

Natalie Hanson can be reached at [email protected] or @NatalieH_Orion on Twitter.