Julian’s– A Chapel Hill Legacy

Making it on Franklin Street can prove to be mission: impossible for some, but according to most of the store owners in town, the key to success is finding a niche and sticking to it.  Franklin Street is adorned with many specialty boutiques and shops.  I would like to take this opportunity to highlight one of the most famous and popular boutiques on Franklin Street, Julian’s. 

Julian’s has been a mainstay on Franklin Street for over 60 years.  Alexander Julian, the current owner and manager, is world-renowned men and women’s clothing designer as well as home furnishings and sportswear designer.  He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina and has always been committed to remaining in Chapel Hill.  Julian is known for his specialty textures and brilliant use of craftsmanship and color.  His signature design is the pastel argyle that adorns the store.

Julian’s just recently in February of 2007 moved across the street to a new store front.  Julian’s moved into the old Polo Rugby location after Rugby was unable to make it in on fickle Franklin. 

Alexander Julian is a five-time Coty Award winner and youngest inductee to the Fashion Hall of Fame.  His textile designs are in the Smithsonian National Design Museum’s permanent collection.

Who knew such a historical and important stronghold in the fashion industry began and continues in the middle of Franklin Street?

   

The Shrunken Head Stays Ahead

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!”

  

Can you see this on Franklin Street?

After no response from Economic Development Officer Dwight Bassett to my invitation for response to comments made by the Ryans, owners of Sugarland; I decided to delve into what Mr. Bassett may be spending his time doing instead of defending his post. Interestingly enough, Mr. Bassett is busy, along with the Town Council planning a $75 million development project for Parking Lot 5 in downtown Chapel Hill.

The development project involves the construction of a three-section complex with condos, retail space, office space and parking. The complex will be eight stories high at its highest points. The development boasts that it will have 345 parking spaces and 137 condo units.

For those of us not familiar with the public lot numbers, public parking lot 5 is that lot that sits at the corner of Franklin St. and Church Street, across from the Aveda Institute and Los Patrillos. (Off-campus pedestrians, say farewell to your handy short-cut to campus across lot 5!)

The Town Council believes that sales tax and property tax revenues will estimate at $1.6 million in the project’s fifth year. This complex is part of an economic development initiative for downtown Chapel Hill that has been underway since 2003.

The overall goals of the initiative are to stimulate the town center, decrease reliance on the automobile, and increase the tax base.

The project has entered into the review phase required by the Town including reviews by various departments of commission. The Town Council hopes that a building permit will be issued in early 2008.

Many residents have expressed concern about the development project and its impact on the aesthetics of Franklin Street and the parking situation. Currently, Lot 5 is utilized frequently by visitors, tourists, and shoppers; where will these people park when construction begins? Will an eight story building detract from the historical appeal of Franklin Street? What are your thoughts?