Most students rarely venture off campus except to visit a restaurant or the mall. Unfortunately, many are missing out on downtown Burlington’s charming jewelry shop, Luan’s Place, at 117 West Davis St.

Luan Summers began making jewelry after people expressed interest in the stones she collected for shows. She participated in festivals and jewelry conventions for many years, but recently her focus has shifted solely to her store.

Summers designs much of the jewelry with wire and semi precious stones and will gladly customize them for an extra something special. Outside normal store hours, she gladly takes appointments. The shop also offers a variety of vintage jewelry at low, thrift store prices, some lower than $5.

In addition to vintage jewelry, the shop also carries scarves, tapestries and vintage clothing.

“I do not usually get a lot of Elon customers, but I would like to,” Summers said. “People are always telling me how they didn’t know the store existed before they happened to walk by.”

According to Summers, her store isn’t the only business struggling without Burlington residents’ support. Neighboring shop owners also expressed disappointment in the city’s lack of support for local businesses.

“From what I hear from other people, a lot of them complain about a lack of help from the city. It seems that a lot of construction is moving away from the downtown area.”

This year’s downtown Burlington Arts Festival was canceled, leaving Summers with a surplus of prepared jewelry. She hopes that eventually the city of Burlington will hold more events to attract more visitors to the downtown area.

“I like it [Burlington], I feel really safe here, although there isn’t much to do. I think there should be more things to help bring people to the area,” Summers said.

Downtown Burlington received National Main Street Accreditation in 2004 in efforts to help bring some life to the downtown area. While the program has been in place for three years, not much change has come in the form of help to local businesses.

Summers doesn’t really bother herself with the business aspect of her store. Essentially, Summers wants all of the jewelry to find a good home.

“I believe that jewelry waits for people.”

Summer’s shop is open every day but Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or any other specific times by appointment.

Reporter: Shenee Howard - 09/26/07