UNC-Duke rivalry heats up, boosting business at longtime Tar Heel store

Classic Carolina, a Tar Heel institution, is gearing up for another UNC-Duke clash taking place Saturday.

The store, which has been a provider of UNC apparel for over 30 years, is brimming with excitement as fans flock in to get their Carolina blue gear.

Krystal Chellani, who recently took over the store after a family tragedy, says the spirit of UNC is more than just a business to her.

"Everybody's excited for the UNC and Duke game and everyone wants to come in and get their basketball merchandise," Chellani said.

Following the loss of her father, the store's owner, and her brother, who was killed in a car accident in September.

Chellani has had to learn the ropes quickly to keep her family's legacy alive.

For her, "UNC spirit" isn't just a business. It's comfort.

"I feel their presence when I'm here, so it feels nice to be here," Chellani said.

Her brother Kris was just about to take it over.

"I was not expecting to manage the business at all, so I was just kind of thrown into it," Chellani said.

With her uncle, Chellani had to learn everything from the ground up to keep things running.

"i think that it was really important for us to continue doing what they were doing," Chellani said.

While UNC is the lifeblood of Classic Carolina, the Chellani family is its beating heart.

"I know they would be really excited this time of year, so it has been extremely tough without them, but I know they would want me to be here just helping out with the business," Chellani said. "I just want to carry on what they were doing."

Despite the hardship, Chellani says she feels her dad and brother's presence in the store, and she knows they would want her to carry on their tradition.