Five years ago, you couldn’t find a Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack in the Nashville area.
Sears was still a major mall anchor and the 12 South neighborhood in Nashville was still a retail frontier with artsy denim store Imogene + Willie as the lone vanguards of ultra-hip and out of the way shopping.
Today, malls continue to reinvent themselves. This past year, CoolSprings Galleria renovated, giving shoppers more choices and shop local has become more than just a catch-phrase.
As Williamson County grows and changes, so does retail. Here is a look at some new retail stores that opened in 2016 that you need to check out if you haven’t already.
UAL,125 Franklin Road, Brentwood, 615-622-4987
This Nashville-based designer retailer opened a branch in Brentwood in late fall. If you have ever shopped the Nashville store, you know it is a true bargain hunters delight. At the Brentwood location, expect more curated offerings at this boutique-like shop. The owners are fully aware that the Nashville store, with it’s filled-to-the-brim ethos, could be off-putting to Brentwood women who are accustomed to small, intimate shopping experiences. Also expect amazing prices on designers like Prada, YSL and more.
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Le Creuset, 330 Franklin Road, Brentwood, 615-372-0645
Die-hard foodies swear by the Le Creuset brand for low and slow cooking. The enameled cast-iron cookware is like an investment in great (and usually easy) cooking. The store offers color options galore.
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Franklin Road Apparel Company, 119 Seaboard Lane, Franklin
Upscale men’s clothier with a dash of fast, sharp cars? This store is to men who love style (and cars) what Nordstrom’s shoe department is to me. In a word, heaven. Open since late fall, the off-the-beaten-path store is also an event space and car showroom — so even if you don’t want to shop, you can still peruse some cool automobiles.
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e. Allen Boutique, 1556 West McEwen Drive, Franklin, 615-721-5130
Already a mainstay of fashion lovers in Murfreesboro and in The Gulch, this shop fills a much-needed void in Williamson County retail. Less fast-fashion (the sort that falls apart after one washing) but not strictly sticker shock couture, this store offers attire for women who want clothing that is fresh, modern and well-made. Look for brands like 1961 denim and Swell among others in the upscale store.
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OP Jenkins, 1556 West, McEwen Drive, Franklin, 615-628-8034
Think of this store as wasabi. Even a tiny pinch packs a wallop. The store is a satellite to the enormous furniture store (it has been in business for over 100 years) based in Knoxville. So while this gem of a store houses dozens of great furniture and decor options, their design department can literally order thousands of items for the home. Beautifully curated and well-priced, this is a must-visit retail option for design lovers.
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Grogan Jewelers by Lon, CoolSprings Galleria, 615-716-8626
This Alabama-based jewelry store brings upscale lines such as Tag Heuer watches and New York jewelry designer Penny Preville and edgy jewelry line Kir to the retail mix. The store also offers custom jewelry design and is about as far from a chain-jeweler like Zales as you can get. Beautiful, unique with a surprisingly affordable selection peppered in the mix, if you are shopping for wow-worthy, stop here first.
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Rock/Creek, CoolSprings Galleria, 615-771-7625
Outdoor lifestyle retailer Rock/Creek opened at the upper level of CoolSprings Galleria this year, offering a huge selection of Patagonia, North Face, Kuhl and more. A comprehensive collection of winter wear, hiking, running and camping apparel, this store fills a niche in the mall arena for sportswear.
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Olive Vitality, CoolSprings Galleria, 615-721-8511
Locally owned, this is a foodie/health nut delight. Yes, olive oil is a superfood, but only if it is fresh and pure. Olive Vitality ensures freshness (the owner can spout when and where the olives were grown and harvested) and offers dozens of flavors of both olive oils, balsamic vinegars and teas.
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