Before the national chain Cannon’s Shoes moved into this building in 1939, 902 Franklin St. was home to Liggett’s Rexall Drug Store. This was the second location for the shoe store with the first being at 1537 E. Broadway (7th Ave) in Ybor City. The business had staying power. It lasted here until 1968. Thereafter was a string of fashion stores including Farley’s in 1978, followed by Sassy Fashion. In 1983, it was listed for sale at $395,000. 

Paramount Wigs was a fixture in downtown, starting in 1970 and moving here. Its pink awnings and windows full of mannequin heads topped with the latest coiffed hairstyles were a staple on this corner for decades (and a favorite for some street photographers). When the store opened, Franklin St. was vibrant. Retail in downtown faded, but Paramount was a major player in the wig business in town as it serviced people looking for a new style, a new Halloween costume, or those needing services following medical treatment. Newspaper articles describe how the owners hoped a new spark along Franklin St. would bring it back to life. Today, the block is finally being renovated, but Paramount didn’t hold out. It closed in 2021. The windows are papered over, the mannequins are gone, and the vintage building awaits what’s next.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved