Beno’s Flowers and Gifts has brought holiday cheer to the Iowa River Landing in Coralville with the grand opening of its holiday pop-up shop at 919 E. 2nd Ave. The doors of this charming corner store swung open at 10 a.m., unveiling a winter wonderland filled with holiday scents, ornaments, and wreaths. For the next two months, this pop-up shop will spread holiday joy throughout Coralville, complementing the original Beno’s store located in downtown Iowa City.
Owner Benito Ocampo sees the Coralville pop-up as an opportunity to expand upon the Iowa City location, offering a wider range of products tailored to the holiday season. Ocampo is open to the possibility of making the Coralville location a permanent addition. He expressed his gratitude for the two-month opportunity, stating, “We’re so grateful that they gave us the opportunity to open for two months, but we want to see how things go. There’s a possible chance that we will stay longer, and we look for another space around here.”
Benito Ocampo’s journey as a business owner began with a small gift shop in Morelos, Mexico, where his love for flowers took root. He continued to hone his knowledge of the floral industry in Illinois before making his way to Iowa. It was always his dream to establish a floral business, and with the support of his partner, he realized that dream.
The original Beno’s shop, nestled between Get Fresh Cafe and Iowa Book at 107 E. Iowa Ave., has been an integral part of Iowa City since its opening on November 16, 2018. The store’s shelves are adorned with an array of unique items, including candles, crystals, and, of course, an impressive selection of plants.
Ileana Bo Minor, a devoted Beno’s employee for over a year, attributes the store’s uniqueness to the Ocampos’ strong connections within the local community and flower farms. She shared, “He works really hard to meet everyone’s standards and create unique arrangements that you wouldn’t just find in a grocery store. It’s his art and his craft. He’s practiced a lot and put in a lot of work.”
This month, the shop is preparing to celebrate its fifth anniversary, with the Iowa City location commemorating its five-year journey on November 19.
Ben Dent, another longstanding member of the Beno’s team, finds immense excitement in witnessing the Ocampos’ enthusiasm for their store and this significant milestone. He emphasized the store’s impact on the local community, with customers often bringing family and friends to experience the unique charm of Beno’s Flowers and Gifts.
