Proper Topper: Washington’s Iconic Hat & Gift Emporium
Discover a beloved boutique blending hats, gifts, and local spirit, serving Washington, D.C. for over three decades.
Proper Topper: A Washington, D.C. Boutique Built on Hats and Heart
Proper Topper stands as a testament to the enduring power of local business in a city shaped by change, trends, and resilience. Founded in 1990, this shop has grown from a simple hat boutique at Union Station to a celebrated destination for unique gifts, fashion accessories, and local-themed merchandise. For more than 30 years, Proper Topper has blended creative flair with community strength, becoming a favorite among Washingtonians across generations.
Origins: From Union Station to Washington Landmark
Proper Topper was established in 1990 by Anna Fuhrman, an Oklahoma native whose career initially brought her to Washington through Amtrak after graduating from Georgetown Law. With Union Station experiencing a retail renaissance, Fuhrman saw an opportunity for a hat shop catering to women—at a time when options for playful, expressive accessories were limited. What began as a single shop in a bustling hub of commuters and tourists rapidly grew in reputation, eventually spawning locations in Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Cathedral Commons.
- 1990: Proper Topper opens at Union Station with a focus on women’s hats and accessories.
- Expansion: New locations in Georgetown and Dupont Circle, responding to growing community demand.
- Catalog Business: As retail trends shifted, Proper Topper pivoted to include catalog and online sales.
- Current Storefront: The shop’s latest iteration resides in Cathedral Commons, serving a blend of old friends and new fans.
The Spirit of Proper Topper: More Than a Hat Shop
Despite its roots as a hat store, Proper Topper quickly evolved into a gift haven for locals seeking distinctive, whimsical ideas for all occasions. The owner’s infectious warmth and creative eye transformed each location into a sensory sanctuary—brimming with everything from elegant cloche hats and garden-party fascinators to jewelry, candles, plants, and themed merchandise inspired by D.C.
- Hats: A curated selection, including cloches, fedoras, seasonal sun hats, and fun statement pieces.
- Accessories: Headbands, scrunchies, scarves, and jewelry catering to the ‘girlygirl’ in everyone.
- Home & Gifts: Candles, quirky plant arrangements, witty local T-shirts (like “I Heart My Swamp”), and D.C. statehood advocacy pieces.
- Seasonal Picks: Anna curates gift ideas for holidays and special occasions, infusing thoughtfulness into every product.
Community and Connection: The Proper Topper Family
The shop’s staff and network of customers form a “sorority of strength,” as Fuhrman describes. Many relationships have blossomed through the store, deepening its role as more than just a retail space. Some of today’s loyal regulars are daughters of women who once worked for the business, exemplifying a sense of continuity and belonging.
Even during challenging times—such as the COVID-19 pandemic—the owner found creative solutions to maintain business and support her staff. Home deliveries, curbside pickups, and a dynamic online inventory allowed Proper Topper to ride out long lockdowns and embrace new ways to connect with the city’s residents.
| Year | Key Changes & Milestones |
|---|---|
| 1990s | Founding at Union Station, expansion to Georgetown, building a loyal customer base. |
| 2000s | Surviving economic downturns (post-9/11, Great Recession), introduction of catalog business. |
| 2010s | Consolidation to current storefront, increased focus on online sales and local-themed products. |
| 2020s | Adaptation during COVID-19 (curbside delivery, online curation), strengthening community ties. |
The Proper Topper Shopping Experience
Anna Fuhrman’s approach emphasizes multi-sensory shopping. The shop is styled to evoke a “secret garden,” with inspirational quotes adorning the windows, French jazz lilting through the air, and a visually rich display of goods inviting curiosity. This stands in direct contrast to impersonal online retailers, positioning Proper Topper as the “anti-Amazon”—a place where shopping feels pleasant, personal, and memorable.
- Atmosphere: Cozy, welcoming setting with tactile experiences and inviting scents.
- Merchandising: Artful presentation encourages browsing, discovery, and serendipitous finds.
- Personal Service: Anna’s hands-on approach ensures that customers feel seen and valued.
- Inclusivity: Young shoppers hunting for nostalgic items (like scrunchies) mingle with long-time fans exploring new trends.
Weathering Change: Resilience in Adversity
Proper Topper’s journey has not been without challenges. From economic downturns and retail consolidation to the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Anna Fuhrman’s determination has been key. During city lockdowns, her house functioned as a makeshift shipping center while inventory shifted online and deliveries went curbside. Maintaining payroll for her staff throughout is a testament to her commitment.
- Adaptation: Transitioned quickly to e-commerce and home deliveries.
- Staff Support: Maintained payroll for all employees during shutdowns.
- Community Outreach: Provided “Proper Comfort”—the store’s own branded hand sanitizer.
- Personal Touch: Anna and her daughter handled curbside deliveries, bringing gifts directly to Washingtonians.
From Local to Legend: Proper Topper’s D.C. Identity
Proper Topper has become a symbol of D.C.’s local culture. Merchandising themed around city pride, such as T-shirts advocating for D.C. statehood, highlights the shop’s connection to its community. In Cathedral Commons, Anna draws upon a network of parents and students from the National Cathedral School, ensuring the shop remains woven into the social fabric of the city.
The Future: Dreams of Returning to Georgetown
While Proper Topper currently operates from Cathedral Commons, Anna Fuhrman’s dream is a return to Georgetown—the neighborhood she still calls home. The ongoing presence of loyal customers and nostalgic products (such as scrunchies now rediscovered by a new generation) gives hope for a new chapter, continuing the unique Proper Topper legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Proper Topper best known for?
Proper Topper is best known for its expertly curated hat selection and creative gifts, as well as a personalized shopping experience that embraces the local spirit of Washington, D.C.
Does the store offer online shopping?
Yes, Proper Topper maintains a virtual shop that features an array of hats, accessories, and gifts, with options for home delivery and curbside pickup.
Who owns Proper Topper?
Anna Fuhrman is the owner and founder, having created the store in 1990 and guided its growth and evolution ever since.
What kinds of merchandise can I find?
The store offers hats (both classic and trendy styles), jewelry, headbands, candles, plants, D.C.-themed apparel, and a wide range of gift ideas for all occasions.
Is Proper Topper involved in the local community?
Yes, the shop maintains strong ties with local schools, families, and advocacy for causes such as D.C. statehood, reflecting its role as more than just a retailer.
Proper Topper At-a-Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Local boutique and gift shop |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Founder | Anna Fuhrman |
| Locations | Union Station, Georgetown (past); Cathedral Commons (current) |
| Signature | Hats, gifts, D.C. pride merchandise |
| Shopping experience | Multi-sensory, welcoming, personalized |
Customer Testimonials
- Generations of fans: Many customers cite fond memories of shopping with their mothers, now returning with their own children.
- Unmatched atmosphere: Shoppers appreciate the secret garden feel and curated gift ideas.
- Creative resilience: Community members praise the owner’s effort to keep the shop running and staff employed during difficult times.
- Local advocacy: D.C. residents value merchandise that celebrates city pride and civic engagement.
Why Proper Topper Remains a Washington Institution
In a world dominated by online shopping and big brands, Proper Topper offers a reminder of the value of local enterprise—where personal relationships, curated goods, and sensory pleasures still matter. Whether for hats, gifts, or simply a community gathering place, Proper Topper remains a distinctive part of Washington’s retail landscape, treasured by those who seek authenticity, creativity, and connection. As the shop looks to the future, its legacy of friendship, resilience, and local pride stands as a beacon for all who enter its doors.
