Performance Bicycle has moved into its new digs in Eastgate Shopping Center. It opened Friday in the space formerly occupied by Somerhill Gallery.

"It has a cutting-edge store design," said Bo Peele, company spokesman. "It is larger than most of our stores, with a new floor design, a sales floor design. It features a fitting and trial area within the store."

At 6,000 square feet, it is slightly bigger than the store on East Main Street in Carrboro. That space "is going to be open for while in a clearance mode," according to Peele. The Carrboro store eventually will be taken down to make way for the new 300 East Main Street development.

Peele emphasized other reasons for the move, including "the opportunity to get store space that is larger in a high traffic area in what is a very nice shopping center."

"We are very excited about this new location and this store design," he said. "It is a unique bicycle shop unlike anything in the area."

Performance Bicycle is a Chapel Hill business that has made it big nationally.

"We started in Chapel Hill and now have 84 retail stores across the country," said Peele.

Longtime jewelry store prepares to close

Minata Jewelers is closing its doors after 36 years in University Mall. Linda Kornberg, owner of the iconic shop, is retiring. The shop has been famous for its trend-setting merchandise, having carried the work of many renowned jewelry designers before they became famous, among them David Yurman, Michael Good and Elsa Peretti. The retirement sale features up to 50 percent off everything in the store. The store will close after its remaining inventory is sold.

Pittsboro business lets you say it with flowers

Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose, according to Gertrude Stein. That includes a live, longstem rose with a message printed on it. Benny Evans, who with wife Lisa opened Speaking Roses out of their home in Pittsboro in early December, offers this service.

"I have over 100 stenciled phrases," said Evans. He can create roses with personal phrases, photos, logos and icons. His brochures tout their use at life's big events, including weddings and funerals.

"We use organic ink so it doesn't hurt the rose," he said. A half dozen roses with messages costs about $30, plus shipping and handling. They accept orders on their Web site at www.speakingrosesnc.com or by phone at 545-0076.

Local video production company earns honors

Nightlight Video Productions of Chapel Hill received a Gold Ava Award from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals in the Medical/Patient Education category. The clients for this project were the UNC School of Public Health and the Veterans Administration.

Chapel Hill caterer named finalist in competition

The Catering Company of Chapel Hill's Decor Services Division has been named an international finalist by Special Events Magazine in the Best Decor Entry for its 2008 Gala Awards. Its entry was the transformation of Fetzer Gym on the UNC campus in November 2007 that marked the successful closing of the University's Capital Campaign. Gala Award Winners will be announced at a black tie ceremony on Jan. 30 in San Diego.

The company has been in business for 27 years.

Santa to visit Chapel Hill pet supply store

Phydeaux, a high-end pet supply store, will host a photo event at the store on Sunday, Dec. 21, from noon to 6 p.m.

Santa and his elves will be on hand to photograph pets (all pets -- you bring them, Santa will snuggle them) and children.

Pictures with Santa are free, but a donation of $5 is recommended with all proceeds to be donated to the Orange County Animal Shelter. Pet owners and parents will receive their pictures in the store the same day.

Phydeaux is at 400 S. Elliott Road in Chapel Hill.

Got news? Send your business announcements to Julian Sereno at sereno@mindspring.com.