Awarded “Best place to stock up on Carolina paraphernalia” by The Daily Tar Heel for 2007, the Shrunken Head Boutique on Franklin Street is the longest standing Carolina souvenir shop in Chapel Hill. Hopefully, fingers crossed, the cash registers will be ringing more than usual in the upcoming weeks as UNC vies for a national title and Tar Heel fans rush to buy their national championship memorabilia (from Shrunken Head, I hope!)!
Genny Henderson Wrenn, daughter of owner Shelton Henderson, 74, attributes the business’s 39 years of survival on fickle Franklin to her father and their family tradition. Wrenn said her father has always prided himself and his employees in customer service.
You cannot enter Shrunken Head without a hello and you’re never left wanting for more assistance. The Shrunken Head has the retail business down to an art.
On home game days, Shrunken Head gives out free Tar Heel tattoos and buttons to their customers. It is a way to bring people in and support the Heels. Wrenn says people appreciate that and “they just know that.”
Wrenn said, “We treat our customers like family. We do a lot of hugging around here.”
Wrenn said the NCAA championship Rounds 1 and 2 have brought a lot of people into the store.
Wrenn is preparing for the possibility of a final four victory and national title. She explained the immense amount of preparation that goes into having a successful season. Wrenn has been planning for March Madness since mid-January.
Wrenn explained that the she places orders with designers all over the country on an “if win” contingent. Wrenn said when the buzzer sounds declaring a Carolina victory, her madness begins.
The Shrunken Head employees will break down the store and fill their walls with championship gear and souvenirs. Wrenn will have to meet truck drivers who have driven through the night at 7:00 AM to receive all the merchandise.
I had the awesome opportunity of getting a sneak peak at the national championship designs, but all I can say is… I’m getting every single one!
Wrenn said it is a lot of hard work, but when saying our goodbyes, Wrenn still gave me a big hug, and with a big smile said, “GO HEELS!”
3 responses so far ↓
Kimberly Sue // March 28, 2008 at 12:31 am
I will be in Chapel Hill over the next two weeks and I certainly plan to visit the Shrunken Head to stock up on Carolina Mom Gear and “Heel” paraphenalia. I found this site to be interesting. GO HEELS!!
Horace // March 28, 2008 at 12:37 am
I have been in business for 30 years in my small community. I am impressed that the Shrunken Head has been in business for 39 years. It is hard work. I will make sure I visit the Shrunken Head the next time I am in the area to just shake his hand for all his hard work. GO HEELS!
Gina Andman // March 28, 2008 at 12:55 am
This was a well written and interesting article and I have definitely noticed the level of hospitality at the Shrunken Head. I had no idea that they had been in business for 39 years! Wow! Best luck to the Henderson family with their thriving business.