A big, friendly dog greets the customers, setting the tone for this laidback “specialty boutique” on Hillsborough Street called Buddha’s Belly. Abundant graffiti supplies an urban feel, which makes it home for local graffiti artists and artsy college students.
But this home of 14 years is being torn down and replaced by a luxury hotel.
Born out of Wilmington in 1993, Buddha’s Belly made its way to Raleigh in 1999, making a mark on Hillsborough Street ever since. Owner Jay Long started his store simply because he needed a job when he got out of college and had experience working at a similar store when he was younger.
“I was 18, I was in college, I needed a job, and they hired me,” Long said.
Though he has worked in the same type of store environment since he was 18, his store itself has evolved through the years.
“I think a lot of people are always going to call it a head shop because I do have some pipes and things, but that is not nearly as much of the focus as it was when we originally opened,” Long said.
The shop has slowly evolved from a smoker’s paradise to an artist’s oasis.
“Pipes aren’t the dominating force at the store any longer. I would say it’s mostly spray paint and graffiti-related supplies and things of that nature,” Long said.
No matter what the store has become, customers have always had a special place in their hearts for the Hillsborough Street shop, and Long will miss the location as a result.
“I think the block it is in has a special thing about it. Schoolkids and Sadlack’s — the area right along campus is unique because it is smaller independently owned and operated businesses,” Long said. “I’ll miss not being on Hillsborough Street if that is ultimately what happens.”
However, we may not have to trudge around Raleigh in search of a replacement to fill the void this specialty boutique will leave ― walking a little further might just do the job.
“I’ll reopen somewhere, whether or not it will be on Hillsborough Street I don’t know, but it may be over by the Avent Ferry, Mission Valley area,” Long said.
Though a big hotel replacing an independently owned shop is an urban citizen’s nightmare, it’s not the end of the world. Yes, some much needed vibrancy and character will be lost on our campus’ neighboring street, but at least Buddha’s Belly will prevail close to campus ― and allow its reliable customers to keep painting the world bright.