Parking.
One simple word conjures up thoughts of one of the most frustrating aspects of student life.
However, it is an issue that affects more than just students in Gainesville.
A lack of parking forced Swamp Dragon, a locally owned and operated tobacco and gift shop, to relocate.
Swamp Dragon moved from 1221 W. University Ave. to 818 W. University Ave. on June 9. The new shop is between Taco Bell and Bodytech Tattoo and Piercing.
Clay Houghland, owner, said that although there were a variety of reasons for the move, parking was by far the most important one.
The previous location had only four parking spots for customers. Houghland said he was constantly guarding the spots. At the new location that is not a problem.
The new Swamp Dragon shop is four times larger than the previous one, which was 600 square feet. The space will allow the store to expand its repertoire of items. Houghland said he hopes that in the future such items will include T-shirts and furniture, some of which he creates.
In spite of the move, Houghland said he has seen the number of customers remain consistent. He expects an increase by two or three times this during fall.
Drew Smittle, an employee at Swamp Dragon said he loves the atmosphere and how respectful the customers are.
“I think this is one of the best shops in the world,” he said.
