Popular custom hat shop now open in Camp North End

FITTEDS owner Giovanni Brown closed the doors of his first location (at 621 McNinch St.) in mid-January. His new location in Camp North End at 701 Keswick Avenue, Suite 104,  opens on Friday, March 24.

What’s happening: The retail store that originally opened in 2020 has filled a void in the region by creating custom-fitted hats that appeal to a range of customers, including hat connoisseurs and sports fans.

• His clientele originally consisted of mostly transplants from northern cities when he launched. But since then, the demographics have expanded to include people from across the Charlotte region.
• After he moved to Charlotte in 2016, Brown would drive roughly nine hours to New York, just to get his hands on a fitted cap that was easily accessible where he grew up. 
• “Where I’m from, everyone wears fitteds, you can catch someone’s grandma in a fitted, but there was no one in Charlotte serving that audience,” Brown said.

Why it matters: While FITTEDS is actively shaping the culture of the city with Brown’s native New York flair, it’ll also add to the diverse growing list of tenants to join Camp North End.

• Brown tells us he’s watched his new location become a hub for many small businesses like his own.
• “Everything that Camp North End has to offer can help businesses accelerate but their atmosphere and vibe, with so many new tenants moving there, just feels like home,” said Brown.

What to expect: The new 800-square-foot shop will have an elevated aesthetic, complete with neon lights, showcasing an expanded inventory of fitted hats.

• The new space will have a trendy look, much like their popular purple brims hats. Brown hopes the shop will serve as a spot for shopping and socializing. 

Inventory: FITTEDS will continue to sell custom-fitted hats as well as an expand product line that includes more apparel. 

• Custom hats feature color combinations and side patches with designs inspired by regional and historical sporting events. FITTEDS also has collaborated with local sports franchises like the Charlotte Knights.
• Additional apparel will include shirts, shorts and authentic sports jerseys.

What’s next: ​​Brown plans to host events onsite as he settles into the new space.

• He tells us they hope to offer pop-ups and collaborations in the coming months to highlight other local businesses.
• “It will help us come closer together as a community to provide an opportunity to connect and collaborate,” Brown said.