Parisian-West

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Parisian-West was a 13,000 square foot Parisian department store which opened on July 18, 1963 in the south section of Five Points West Shopping City. It was the first store in the chain's expansion from downtown Birmingham into the suburbs. It was managed initially by Jack Becker.

The store's interior design was created by Howard Garrett and featured "color-charted" departments with coordinated displays, fixtures and finishes. Bolder, darker colors led to mens' departments while softer pastels prevailed in ladies' sections. The young men's section, to the left of the front entrance, was decorated with wood paneling and brass carriage lights. The sportswear department beyond was bedecked with bright-colored fabric canopies. Oatmeal-colored wool carpet and light pecan paneling ornamented the ladies' dress department. The millinery department was crowned with an ornate Spanish-style chandelier and pierced metalwork. Other departments included high school and college men, ladies' sportswear, girl's juniors, foundations and lingerie, accessories, maternity wear, and a "Pin-Money shop". A department that debuted with the Five Points West location was men's shoes.

The existing store building was remodeled by Brice Construction Company at a cost of over $100,000. Rames Brothers Cabinet Company fabricated the display fixtures. Free parking was provided for 1,200 cars.

The store closed in July 1999.

Original staff

References