By Kyla Hurt
Photos/Kyla Hurt
Big Heads Gift Shop recently celebrated the 1-year anniversary of its flagship store at 230 S. Sandy St. in downtown Jacksonville. The grand opening had been held on July 6, 2024.
Founded by Nicholas Thomas and Matthew Thomas (son and father, respectively) along with good friend Cory Floyd, Big Heads Gift Shop is offering fresh merchandise and a different vibe to the area.
The vision for the head shop was something the trio collectively worked on, combining their individual skills, knowledge and experiences to create what is now Big Heads. The name of the business came from “trying to keep the spirit of the 1970s counterculture movement alive, but also trying to de-stigmatize it a little bit … because, you know, we’re hard-working hippies,” says Nicholas Thomas.
“We went with names and designs that went with that vibe. … Big Heads just kinda seemed perfect.”
The design for their Big Heads logo seems to ‘fit’ with their brand as well — it was ultimately created out of a sketch that Thomas’ wife, Hallie, drew from a photo of him.
The vibe continues with large, colorful murals by artist Cory Niff. “It’s a cool experience because that’s the first thing you see when you walk in,” adds Thomas.
The shop carries a wide variety of products, including apparel, Baja hoodies, crystals, candles, exotic candies, glassware, cannabis accessories, legal hemp-derived goods and much more. As they say, there’s something for everyone.
“We’re primarily a gift shop, but then obviously we have the specialty cannabis products that we’re known for,” explains Thomas.
Thomas continues, saying that Big Heads is like two businesses in one. There’s the gift shop, but there’s also the head shop within the gift shop. Thomas describes that part as a speakeasy-style, 21+ area that is fully sectioned off and requires ID to enter.
“Our display cases [in the 21+ area] have high quality items. We’re very selective about what’s in there. We use only our products, and I’d like to do this for a long time,” says Thomas.
Thomas and Floyd agree that there is still a heavy stigma around head shops but have found that a store in Jacksonville was needed. Thomas recalls so many people thanking them for opening up, sharing, “That was what I heard for the first six months of business from every customer that came in here, and it was awesome.”
Overall, it comes back to their brand. It’s a vibe. They sell playful shirt designs and exclusive merch. They create fun, trippy videos as marketing on Facebook. They have Guitar Hero parties. They enjoy chilling with customers in the store. Plus, they are knowledgeable about what they sell. Nicholas Thomas and Cory Floyd call themselves “connoisseurs of the products.”
On top of the Sandy Street shop, Big Heads maintains an event space in South Jacksonville. They’re also growing — they opened Big Heads Gift Shop and Cafe in Hannibal, Missouri late spring of this year with Donald Scott Stubblefield, and have most recently opened up a brand new Big Heads in the University City suburb of St. Louis that Floyd will handle. Each of these spots also has grand, unique murals created by Niff, every one specific to the location.
They intend to continue franchising with their business model and most importantly, they want to maintain their vibe and how it feels in the store.
To learn more, search “Big Heads Gifts” on Facebook to find the Jacksonville store’s page. Or stop in to check out Big Heads Gift Shop for yourself at 230 S. Sandy St. in Jacksonville.
