Setting Up Shop in Nashville, TN
There’s plenty in store for Nashville Region retailers.
Big-name brands that can’t be found just anywhere have a presence in the Nashville, TN, Region. Nashville-based retail developments are creating a new trend and featuring small businesses next to multimillion-dollar retail concepts – which is no surprise, considering the region’s reputation for turning homegrown talent into nationally recognized names.
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Going Big, Supporting Local
Expected to open in 2023, Tanger Outlets is taking a local approach to its newest development. Kendall Merrick, general manager for Tanger Outlets Nashville, says she couldn’t be happier that she returned to Tennessee for the position.
When it came to planning the Southeast Nashville development, the focus landed on the property reflecting the creative energy that is the hallmark of the city.
“We’re doing that by incorporating small and local businesses,” Merrick says. “We’re able to introduce entrepreneurs to a wider market and elevate their brands.”
The new development will unveil a new format unlike any of its other malls, with the 290,000-square-foot center housing approximately 60 brands, including popular local concepts, well-known national retailers and new-to-market brands.
“This center will become the future of the retail sector,” Merrick says. “This property will feature a community gathering space at the heart of the development, offering a destination to connect with family and friends and enjoy a variety of special events and programming.”
The outlet brand is also known for giving back to the communities it calls home, like at its 2022 Nashville groundbreaking.
“We kicked off our philanthropic efforts by donating to Friends of Mill Ridge Park,” Merrick says. “We selected them because they complement Tanger’s mission, as we share a focus on environmental protection, conservation, outdoor recreation and cultural enrichment.”
Said focus is also the driving force behind special features at select Tanger Outlets, like employing beehives with the support of Alvéole, an organization that specializes in urban beekeeping.
“We believe, with our community focus, that Tanger Nashville will be the heart of the Southeast Nashville community.”
The Ability to Flourish
The Mall at Green Hills houses over 100 stores, including a handful of select small businesses like Molly Green, Bognar & Piccolini and Hollie Ray Boutique.
Brandon Green, co-owner of Molly Green, says the brand began with a storefront in Franklin’s CoolSprings Galleria and grew from there.
“We’re family-run,” he says. “We aim to provide affordable clothes that are also unique in style. We’ve definitely felt supported by the Nashville community and the mall staff.”
As for being a small business located amongst some of the larger brand names, Green says the notoriety of bigger stores helps the boutiques out, too.
“Being in the mall definitely allows us to get more foot traffic and be successful,” he says. “It’s all about foot traffic for small businesses; that, and if you have the visual appeal to bring customers in, and then offer them the experience and product they’re looking for.”
Smart Business Move
The Factory at Franklin is like a mall but with Franklin’s most-loved local businesses, offering everything from collectible vinyl records and unique home décor to artisan goods.
Sara Weymouth, owner and founder of Lemon Gift Shop, didn’t anticipate running her business out of the Nashville Region when she started it, but she’s grateful to experience the region’s welcoming community and shopper’s haven that is The Factory at Franklin.
Originally from California – where she initially launched Lemon as a pop-up in 2017 – Weymouth began building a small-business empire with multiple storefronts. But a family move to the region in 2020 meant leaving the California shops behind and ultimately starting anew in Tennessee.
“The hardest part about picking up and moving across the country was that the business was so established,” she says. “At first, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. But after exploring all my options, I wasn’t ready to let go.”
One major difference between the Franklin shop and the former California outposts is the level of tourism and foot traffic seen at The Factory at Franklin.
“It’s a hot spot for people to visit,” Weymouth says. “We get an interesting mix of locals and tourists, which is new for us.”
And what exactly drew Weymouth and her family to Franklin from the Golden State?
“Everything is better here. There’s a lot of community and kindness here, and people appreciate supporting local and put a bigger emphasis on it. We’ve also got three boys, and Williamson County has some of the country’s top schools; there are many qualities we didn’t have before.”
Sara Weymouth, Lemon Gift Shop
The Arts Arise
The trendy Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood of Nashville is a growing arts hub, with several former factories turned into studios and artistic spaces.
The neighborhood is also the home of the Nashville Design Collective, which features individual showrooms that allow design professionals, contractors, architects and everyday shoppers to access textiles, flooring, lighting, kitchen items, bath items and imported wares under one roof.
Located in two parcels on Merritt Avenue, the collective features several premium interior design brands.
Get to Know Nashville, TN
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