Parisian was founded in 1877. The store was sold several times before it was purchased in the early 1920s by Carl Hess and William Holiner and largely remained in the Hess family for the next 70 years. The company went public in 1983 to raise funds for expansion, but the Hess family remained one of the majority shareholders. By 1996, Parisian owned and operated 38 stores. That year, the Hess family sold the successful retail chain to department store giant Proffitt’s, Inc., which retained the Parisian brand. Parisian’s reputation continued to soar, as customers shopped for designer labels and high-end fashion lines alongside more moderately priced merchandise. In 2006 Belk, Inc., purchased the company for $285 million. Unlike former owners, however, Belk chose to phase out the Parisian brand and by September 2007 all signage and marketing displayed the Belk name.
Above: Parisian storefront at Riverchase Galleria.
Below: Layout and design plans for Parisian at Riverchase Galleria.
The Parisian at Riverchase Galleria was conceived with a central core that had several levels. It was filled with natural light and seating. It was a meeting place as well a stage for special events.
The colors were light, the lighting was bright, and the ambiance fresh and relaxing.
Show everyone that you are some special. Purchase your own Parisian shirt or other moderately priced merchandise by Untitled Colours.
