Laura Jane McGee opened the doors of Lulu’s six years ago after moving from Atlanta back to her hometown, Fort Myers, Florida to marry her husband, Matt. Recognizing a business opportunity for the kind of boutique stores she had enjoyed in Atlanta that sold creative invitations, cute wrapping paper, and unique Jewelry, she used her ten years of management experience at the GAP and Banana Republic to start Lulu’s. It comes as no surprise, given that Laura Jane grew up in a retail environment, helping out in her parents’ independent bookstore Ives Book Shop
(a beloved Fort Myers institution for over 30 years). She wanted to create a comfortable place where friends could meet, hang out and shop for cool things. The store name Lulu’s, comes from a nickname her dad called her as a young girl.

Starting out of her house, Lulu’s grew quickly, moving first to an 800 square foot storefront and eventually expanding to 1200 square feet.  Just as it was back in the day at the Ives Book Shop, you’ll often find members of Laura’s family helping out in the store.  Laura honors her parents and family by decorating her store with vintage photos among the eclectic wares.

Laura Jane has launched www.lovelulus.com in order to bring the unique experience of her store online. So browse around the site (a photo of her mom taken in 1962 greets you on the homepage) and make yourself at home!