Lulu’s celebrates anniversary, award

Brandi Wheeler of Hartsville started working in her grandmother’s shop when she was a little girl. She would help customers, unpack boxes, clean and redesign displays.

“I knew I was going to do this,” Wheeler said. “My love got bigger and bigger for it. It’s in my blood.”

After getting her degree in communications at College of Charleston, she returned home to Hartsville to work with her grandmother, the store’s namesake and founder, Annie Lou King of Hartsville.

“She’s my right-hand woman. I couldn’t do it without her,” Wheeler said. “She’s like my second mom. We can’t put a name on what she is, just priceless.”

King still participates in the business but in a silent way.

“She still keeps me straight,” Wheeler said.

This summer, Lulu’s was named one of the top five boutiques in the Pee Dee. Wheeler said that she hopes to act as a little ambassador for Hartsville as she networks with other businesses, including at the Good Living Market.

“I feel we go above and beyond in customer service. We handle everybody with care,” Wheeler said.

Lulu’s carries unique clothing lines, handmade jewelry, shoes and boots, purses, gift items and more. They offer gift-wrapping services too.

Wheeler tries to buy products made in America and has a couple of lines made in the USA in addition to all the handmade jewelry, but she said it’s getting harder to find.

“I love to support local artists and designers and young and upcoming designers, not just the big names,” she said. “We try to offer uniqueness, things you’re not going to find anywhere else.”

Lulu’s also carries a variety of name brand items like Ella Moss, Big Buddha and LTB jeans among others, including four “splurge” lines and several “savings” lines.

“You don’t have to decide because we have both,” she said.

Every week, Lulu’s gets new items.

“Some shipments are bigger than others,” Wheeler said. “Some weeks we get basics and some more novelty type things.”

Wheeler took over the business in 2001, and Lulu’s turns 49 this year.

The store opened in 1950 in the Arcade Hotel at College Avenue and Fifth Street. It moved a few doors down 25 years ago when the hotel began renovations. Today, the Arcade Hotel houses SPC Credit Union.

The shop’s neighbor, Arcade Barbershop moved with them.

By Thanksgiving, Wheeler said she plans to expand Lulu’s Web site so customers can order online as well as add a blog and links to Lulu’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

“It’s hard work, but it’s worth it,” Wheeler said. “I absolutely love my job.”

Wheeler’s husband Cal owns Vintage Wine Shop across the street. Together they have three dogs and a cat.

Box:
Lulu’s Merle Norman
108 E. College Ave.
(843) 332-5471
Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Web:  http://www.shoplulusboutique.com