Heartstrings has been an Auburn icon for more than 20 years. Now is the time that we must say goodbye to the downtown boutique and welcome the new store, Wrapsody.

On Feb. 28, 2009, the employees of Heartstrings will flip around the “closed” sign on the door for the last time. The next time that the building will be open to the public, Wrapsody will be a part of the downtown Auburn businesses.

There are about 15 current employees at Heartstrings. The new owners, Sarah Brown and Terry Shea, have decided to keep all of the same girls on staff.

“We are excited that Ms. Thrash is getting her chance to retire,” said Mary Beth Walton, an employee of Heartstrings. “I am very thankful for Sarah and Terry, the new owners, to keep all of us on staff, and I’m thrilled to work for them. I’m sure that we will all miss Ms. Thrash though.”

The major difference between Heartstrings and Wrapsody will be the amount of home décor available. Heartstrings carried a large amount of bedding, frames and other various home decorations. Wrapsody will be focused more on jewelry.

“We will be carrying a lot of updated jewelry more geared toward the younger crowd,” said Hillary Dickey, a long-term employee of Heartstrings.

There are some similarities in terms of the merchandise that Heartstrings and Wrapsody will share, however. Vera Bradley, Brighton and Heartstrings Enterprises will still be kept as the main sellers in the store.

“We are going to still carry Vera Bradley, Brighton and Heartstrings Enterprises, which is our engraving company,” said Dickey. “Those are our top-three sellers, and the new owners want to make sure to keep them available for everyone.”

Wrapsody will also be keeping the supply of Greek merchandise since Heartstrings has been the main provider of Greek products for 22 years to Auburn University.

During the month of closed doors, the staff will be working non-stop to clean and transform the building to fit the personality of the new store. Fresh paint will cover the walls, new carpet will be put in and different displays will be set up.

“The closing of Heartstrings is bittersweet. We are sad to see Heartstrings leave Auburn, but are really excited about the new store opening up,” said Dickey.

Although Auburn is losing a downtown icon, Wrapsody should be able to jump in and fill Heartstrings’ shoes.

“I am glad that another store is opening up immediately in that building,” said Barbara Whately, a downtown store owner. “Heartstrings will be missed, but the new owners seem extremely nice. They have both come down to introduce themselves to me and they
wanted to make sure that they would not be starting any unnecessary competition with the merchandise that they will carry.”

Heartstrings has been open for 22 years. Many women come into the store and reminisce about coming to Heartstrings when they were in college years ago said Dickey. Although Heartstrings left big shoes to fill, the new owners said they are optimistic about the business.


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