Downtown Knoxville's Business Owners
Join us as we meet the friendly faces behind 25+ locally-owned retail businesses in Downtown Knoxville's central business district. These are the charming people who help make up our fun, vibrant, and creative community. You're sure to leave with fun merchandise after a step inside their shops, so shop local to support these folks!
Paula West, Earth to Old City & Alice in Appalachia
Earth to Old City is a "scruffy little gift shop" where you can find gifts for that person on your list you just don't know what to get (isn't that most of them!?). Recently, Paula joined forces with family members Scott and Bernadette West to open Alice in Appalachia, a new concept that's part bar/part retail. On the retail side, you can purchase eclectic home décor and so much more.
Shop both spots on Market Square.
Paris Woodhull, Paris Woodhull Illustrations
One of Knoxville's favorite illustrators/muralists opened her own storefront! Visit Paris Woodhull Illustrations to purchase locally-designed puzzles, screen-printed t-shirts, maps of Knoxville, and more.
Located on the 100 block of Gay Street.
Scott Schimmel & Lisa Sorensen, Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes
Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes is an award-winning boutique known for its on-trend fashion finds and one-of-a-kind gift options ranging from clothes, accessories, and shoes to kitchen supplies, puzzles, and other novelties.
Shop at Bliss on Gay Street.
Beth MacDonald, Bethie Lou’s
Bethie Lou’s is a fabulous shop with an eclectic choice of gifts. Unique jewelry, home decor, candles, books, cards, bar accessories, kitchen ware, puzzles—something for every member of the family. With items arriving every week, you'll find something new every time you visit.
Visit in the Old City!
Art Market Gallery, Collective of 50+ Artists
Art Market Gallery is a cooperative of more than 50 East Tennessee artists dedicated to providing a vibrant marketplace for original art and fine crafts. They also have outdoor glass décor, pottery, handmade clothing, jewelry, and more.
Find them on Gay Street.
Dustin & Lisa Cyr Burnett, Nothing Too Fancy
Nothing Too Fancy is a family run shop specializing in a variety of screen-printed items, including super comfy t-shirts designed and printed right here in Knoxville. You'll find something new every time you walk in!
Find their store on Union Ave.
Flossie McNabb, Union Ave Books
Union Ave Books is Knoxville's friendly neighborhood bookstore owned by Flossie and her daughter Bunnie. Books, puzzles, gifts, and a friendly staff that will help you with anything!
Head to Union Ave to find your next read.
Caroline Farris, ACF Jewelry
Caroline Farris is a pioneer of the rapidly growing trend of semi-permanent jewelry. Her famous Endless Chain™️ is a personally designed, clasp-less bracelet, necklace, or anklet she describes as “somewhere between buying a bracelet and getting a tattoo.” The chain is soldered in place.
Find ACF Jewelry in the Old City.
Matthew Cummings, Pretentious Glass Co
Pretentious Glass Co is a working studio known for incredibly unique handblown glasses for beer, bourbon, and wine. Owner Matthew Cummings (AKA "Captain Pretentious") leads the creative team that makes some of the top-selling items on Etsy. Plus right next door, Pretentious Beer Co offers craft beers in one of Matthew's handmade glasses.
See him in action in the Old City!
Chris & Robin Rower, Christopher Robin Arts
Husband-wife duo Chris and Robin Rohwer opened Christopher Robin Arts to showcase her paintings and his photography. Their studio is a beautiful display of the world around them.
Visit them on Gay Street in the Phoenix Building.
Darrien Howard, Daché
Daché is a warm and inviting women's boutique offering an elevated mix of women’s clothing for all ages. Owner Darrien Howard, who named her retail shop after her mother's middle name, says she hopes to see mother, daughter, and grandmother all shopping here together.
Find her space on the 100 block of Gay Street.
Justin Helton, Status Serigraph
Status Serigraph is a design studio featuring Justin's work for major clients like Grateful Dead, Van Morrison, Phish, and Dave Matthews Band. He sells posters, t-shirts, hats, magnets, and more.
Stop by his store on Jackson Ave to say hi!
Annette Morejon, Spice & Tea Exchange
Each Spice & Tea Exchange store is independently owned-and-operated by people who live and work within their local community, like Annette! We're so glad she brought this shop to Knoxville, and with it, every spice you can imagine. Gourmet spice mixes are blended in-house. You can also find salt blends, sugar blends, a large variety of loose-leaf teas, honey and more.
Visit this aromatic shop on Gay Street.
Allison Manes, Fruit Jar Alley
Fruit Jar Alley boasts unique jewelry, accessories, boutique clothing, children’s items, home decor, and, wait... moonshine?! Yep, with husband "Digger" from Discovery's Moonshiners, Allison even adds some fun with moonshine-themed items too.
Stop in their Market Square shop.
Eddie & Bridget Reymond, Eddie’s Health Shoppe
Named after the owner himself, Eddie's Health Shoppe promotes strength, health, and well being. Eddie and his daughter Bridget make sure everyone has the knowledge and resources to achieve their goals.
Shop in-store on Union Ave.
J.W. Rule, Knoxville Fine Violins
Knoxville Fine Violins is a family-owned shop and Tennessee's leading source of violin making. J.W. Rule once built organs with his father, and then went to the Violin Making School of America.
He now brings his talents to his shop on Clinch Ave.
Jane George, Doctor Jane Health & Wellness
Visit Dr. Jane for the highest level of nutraceuticals, supplements, vitamins, local hemp products, CBD tinctures, gummies, flower, edibles and more. Gourmet edibles are produced right here in Tennessee without any harsh chemicals. When you shop at Doctor Jane Health & Wellness, you support a woman-owned business, your local hemp community, and you own immune system!
Shop in the Old City.
Brian Worley, Addison’s
Brian Worley admires old and rare books with great covers, bindings, and illustrations. He says, "They don't make them like this anymore." He offers thousands of unique finds at Addison's, including used books and special collections.
Stop in for a "treasure hunt" on the 100 block of Gay Street.
Katherine & Logan Higgins | Mark & Kendell Lily, Jacks of Knoxville
Jacks of Knoxville is known for high-quality handmade goods from Knoxville makers. Katherine and Logan Higgins join forces with Mark and Kendell Lily to bring hand-crafted coffee, gifts, and plants to the 100 block of Gay Street.
Kathryn Rouse, Fizz
The colorful hues of Fizz will draw you into the store, where you'll find a large collection of handmade jewelry, fun hats and clothes, and goodies to celebrate every holiday season, from bat necklaces at Halloween to Christmas socks and leggings. Owner Kathryn Rouse has created a funky, eclectic shop you're gonna wanna shop!
Find this fun store on Market Square.
Leslie Rosenbaum, Lillian Ruth Bride
Lillian Ruth Bride is named after both of Leslie's grandmothers, Lillian and Ruth Alyce. The bridal boutique is a labor of love that is a haven for brides to feel beautiful, cared for, and celebrated.
Located on Summit Hill Dr.
Mike Hermann, Tall Man Toys & Comics
Tall Man Toys & Comics is one of the largest Funko Pop! dealers in the Southeast, and Mike (center) is always adding more for you to add to your collection. Plus, they host fun events to meet celebs!
Find the store in the Candy Factory Building near World's Fair Park.
Nanci Solomon, Rala
Rala stands for: Regional & Local Artisans, and they live up to it. Unique gifts from Knoxville Makers, interesting tea towels, fun puzzles, handmade greetings cards, and more!
Shop Rala in-store in the Old City.
Parker Davis & Bryce Wylie, William & Wylie
William & Wylie Custom Menswear is known for tailored clothing, and they also carry accessories, denim, and other clothes so you can look your best. Parker and Bryce have a mission to properly fit all of Knoxville, so ask about their classic custom pieces.
You'll find this special spot on Jackson Ave.
Paula Clancy, Nouveau Classics
Nouveau Classics is a one-of-a-kind furniture store selling contemporary furniture. Paula brings 30+ years of interior design experience to help each customer create beautiful, modern spaces.
Find them on the 100 block of Gay Street.
Terri Karlsson, Tree & Vine and CitiFid-O
The Tree & Vine offers imported olive oil and balsamics, as well as gourmet foods and kitchen supplies. And just two doors down, Terri and her husband Paul also own CitiFid-O, a premium pet provisions store.
Shop both stores on Union Ave.
Terry & Meg Troutman, OP Jenkins
OP Jenkins Furniture has served Knoxville since 1907, and it's always been in the family! The Troutmans take pride in offering everything from home accessories to a complete home makeover.
Celebrating 116 years, OP Jenkins four floors of furniture is open for shopping on Summit Hill.
Shop small. Support local!
Thanks to downtown business owners for making Downtown Knoxville so special!