[2023 GUIDE] The 19 Best Places for Shopping in Nashville | TrotterHop

Nashville is a great place to go shopping, with a wide range of options to suit everyone. There is something for everyone, from records by local musicians to rare musical instruments, vintage items, artisanal sweets and drinks, and items crafted by local makers and fashion designers. 

The city is home to five main shopping districts, each offering different stores and experiences. 12South, East Nashville, Hillsboro Village, Green Hills, and Downtown are all great places to find a unique souvenir to remember your trip. 

Visitors won’t be disappointed with the range of shops available, whether new or established one. Finding something special here is easy, with fantastic merchandise and character to match. 

The 19 Best Places for Shopping in Nashville

1. 8TH AVENUE & MELROSE

Eighth Avenue and Melrose, just south of downtown and the Gulch, are great for antique shopping. It has some of the best shops in town for finding unique and one-of-a-kind items. There are also many budget-friendly cafes, restaurants, and eateries nearby where you can refuel after a successful shopping trip.

Musicians should also check out 8th Avenue & Melrose, as there are plenty of places to get the best instruments and accessories. Savas at the historic Cannery Row has custom Italian leather jackets that will let your personality truly shine.

2. BRENTWOOD

Those looking for more living space in Nashville should head south to shop. There, they will find various unique stores, such as Stacey Rhodes women’s store and Parlour 3, a cosmetic store. Gift and home shops like Pear Tree Avenue and Hot Pink are also worth a visit. Many of these stores are in retail strip centers and major chains, so be sure to watch out.

You can visit Puffy Muffin or enjoy boutique wines at Wild Iris for lunch. There is also a new charity-driven consignment store called ‘Couture for a Cause,’ where big personalities donate fabulous frocks for resale with the goal of giving back.

3. 12SOUTH

The 12South neighborhood is a half-mile stretch along 12th Avenue South in Nashville. It is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city, with a range of restaurants, coffee houses, bakeries, bars, and boutiques featuring local designers and makers. At one end of the 12South neighborhood is a vintage clothing store, and at the other is a gourmet restaurant.

When it comes to fashion, 12South has plenty of options to choose from. Emerson Grace specializes in denim, and Judith Bright has an impressive selection of handcrafted jewelry. Imogene + Willie is a great place to take a little bit of Nashville home with you. White’s Mercantile is another must-see local hot spot and modern-day general store.

4. NASHVILLE FLEA MARKET

shopping in nashville flea market

The Nashville Flea Market is an ideal place to find a bargain. Held once a month at the fairgrounds, it has become a popular spot for collectors, antique dealers, and even interior designers from around the country. Visitors should plan to bring cash and be prepared to haggle. There is an incredibly diverse selection of vintage clothing, rare albums, and antique furniture/memorabilia.

For those unable to make it to the flea market on the weekend, the authentic American Picker store in Marathon Village is another great option. This store, featured in the popular television series, offers equally unique and interesting items.

5. BELMONT/HILLSBORO VILLAGE

Hillsboro Village and the Belmont area are located in the same area, conveniently near Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities. Hillsboro Village offers a variety of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, perfect for a leisurely walk. Adjacent to Hillsboro Village lies the Belmont area, which is home to Belmont University, historic homes, and a variety of shops and restaurants. 

This area is populated by locals and college students, making it a great place to explore and find something to do. Plenty of activities, shops, and eateries to browse and enjoy.

6. DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN

Many top hotels offer a daily shuttle service to Franklin, Tennessee, a quaint and historic location. Nashville’s elite makes the 15-20-minute drive on a regular basis to take advantage of the shopping opportunities located here. Haven, owned by a coveted celebrity stylist, offers an eclectic selection of women’s clothing. Emmaline Boutique carries Frye Boots and designer denim. Iron Gate is an impossibly chic home decor showroom with European furnishings, linens, and gifts.

The streets of Franklin are lined with casual eateries alongside stately storefronts. The Registry, a store for the entertaining guru, features an extensive selection of quality, crafted tables, and barware. When visiting the area, people should explore the dozens of galleries, shops, and the Viking Cooking Store and School in The Factory at Franklin.

7. BERRY HILL

Berry Hill is a unique neighborhood in Nashville that offers an unexpected blend of residential and commercial spaces. At first glance, the area appears primarily residential, with colorful bungalows lining the streets. However, it is home to several independent specialty shops, restaurants, and music-related businesses located within these homes. These include recording studios and music publishers, integral to the neighborhood’s identity.

Although it is technically its city, Berry Hill is often treated as a distinct neighborhood of Nashville. It is located just south of Downtown, beyond Eighth Avenue South. Visitors to the area can take advantage of its many offerings, such as the unique shopping experiences available at the independent specialty shops. For example, The Candle Bar offers hand-poured soy wax candles, while GasLamp Antique and Decorating Mall offer a trip down memory lane with its antique booths.

8. CAPITOL VIEW

Capitol View is blocks away from the Tennessee State Capitol, making it the perfect destination for travelers and locals alike. The area is highly walkable, offering a variety of unique places to eat, shop, and stay. Its multi-use facilities include offices, retail shops, restaurants, multi-family residential units, hotels, and an urban activity park. 

Furthermore, it is also home to a trailhead for the Nashville Greenway, a network of recreational trails and greenways stretching throughout the city.

9. DOWNTOWN

Nashville’s downtown core is alive with music, culture, and entertainment. Every day of the year, live music can be heard echoing through the streets. Honky tonks provide world-class performances, and historic buildings have been transformed into attractions, such as music venues, art galleries, boutique hotels, and chef-driven restaurants. Moreover, new developments have been popping up, providing even more options for visitors. 

Taking a stroll and window shopping in Downtown Nashville is an experience like no other. You can listen to the music while passing by the Honky Tonks and peeking into the shops and restaurants. For a more modern and upscale experience, Fifth + Broadway is an ideal destination. This contemporary residential and Class-A office tower features walkable shops and rooftop restaurants.

10. EAST NASHVILLE

East Nashville is a vibrant neighborhood in Nashville that has become known as the stomping ground of the city’s creative class. The area’s culturally diverse and eclectic vibe, combined with its historic homes dating back to the early 1900s, has attracted many artists and musicians. The neighborhood is located across the Cumberland River from downtown Nashville and has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

In the early 2000s, East Nashville helped put Nashville on the map as a culinary destination with beloved restaurants like Margot Cafe & Bar and Joyland. Today, the neighborhood maintains its reputation as a foodie destination with a wide range of dining options, including dive bars, craft cocktail joints, coffee shops, and vintage stores. The area is a haven for foodies looking to experience some of Nashville’s best cuisine.

East Nashville is also home to a thriving retail scene, with record stores like Grimey’s Records, vintage shops, and unique boutiques. Visitors to the area can pop by Kernels Nashville Popcorn to try THE “Nashville Hot Popcorn,” a local specialty. For those looking to add to their home decor, The Candle Bar East offers the opportunity to pour your custom Paddywax candle.

11. THE MALL AT GREEN HILLS

This shopping mecca has something for everyone. It’s never too crowded and houses some of the best stores, including Nordstrom, J.Crew, Tory Burch, Restoration Hardware, Apple, and Louis Vuitton. Visitors can also find unique designer clothing and accessory boutiques such as Gus Mayer and Judith Bright, which offer original, Nashville-inspired styles. For those looking for the most incredible gifts in the city, Absolution is the perfect place to go. 

The mall also has a variety of eateries, including Cheesecake Factory, Jonathan’s, Carrabba’s, and Table 3 French Bistro, which features a take-out market and bakery. Hillsboro Road, located near the mall, is also home to several hot spots, such as the famous Bluebird Cafe and King Jewelers, where customers can find the state’s most exclusive watches and estate jewelry brands.

12. GERMANTOWN

Germantown, located just a few blocks northwest of downtown Nashville, is a historic community on the National Register of Historic Places. It was named for European immigrants who first settled here in the mid-19th century. The area is home to the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, local boutiques, and some of Nashville’s most critically-acclaimed restaurants, making it a culinary destination in its own right.

If you want something special, pick up or send some sweets from Christie Cookie Company or The Cupcake Collection. Exploring the Nashville Farmers’ Market and its fresh produce is always a fun experience. Strings for Hope is a non-profit organization that turns broken musical strings into jewelry, offering some of the highest quality leathers. Alternatively, you can pick up a locally-made, artisan product from The Batch to make your trip to Nashville memorable.

13. GREEN HILLS

Green Hills is one of the most desirable areas to live in Nashville. It is an affluent suburban enclave known for its upscale brands and boutiques. Amongst these is the renowned Bluebird Cafe, a hideout for established and up-and-coming songwriters.

Green Hills is a great place for shopping, with a selection of stores to suit all tastes. The Mall at Green Hills offers Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dillard’s department stores and more upscale stores such as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Sephora, Kiehl’s, Kate Spade, Burberry, Tory Burch, BCBG, and Apple. Local boutique H. Audrey is especially worth visiting; it is run and operated by singer/songwriter Holly Williams.

14. THE GULCH

Just south of downtown lies this once-abandoned industrial area that has undergone an urban revitalization in recent years, sparking an intoxicating new energy. The exceedingly walkable LEED-certified community is teeming with boutique hotels, high-rise condos, instagrammable murals, shops, live music venues, breweries, and diverse culinary offerings spanning everything from biscuits and Nashville Hot Chicken to Detroit-style pizza, traditional ramen, and Indian food.

The Gulch offers some great shopping opportunities. For the musician in your family, there is the Guitar Vault. Nashville Boot Co. is a great choice if you’re looking for a pair of boots.

15. MARATHON VILLAGE

The area is also home to Corsair Distillery, a unique craft distillery that produces whiskey, gin, rum, and vodka. In addition, there is Gertie’s Gourmet Confectionary, where you can find handcrafted candies, chocolates, and other sweets. 

Marathon Village is a destination for visitors and locals, just minutes from downtown Nashville. It is a place where you can explore and experience the area’s history and discover unique businesses, entertainment, and retail.

16. MUSIC ROW, DEMONBREUN, & EDGEHILL

The Music Row/Demonbreun/Edgehill neighborhood is an iconic area in Nashville and is considered the heart of the city’s entertainment industry. It is home to many recording studios where some of the most famous songs in music history were recorded. For example, Elvis Presley’s “How Great Thou Art” was recorded at the historic RCA Studio B, while the Foo Fighters’ “Congregation” was recorded at Southern Ground Nashville. This area is a must-visit destination for music fans who want to immerse themselves in the history and culture of Music City.

In addition to its rich musical history, the Music Row/Demonbreun/Edgehill neighborhood is also a hub for fashion and design. Visitors can explore Any Old Iron’s contemporary store, which offers music-inspired fashion from designer Andrew Clancey. The store stocks men’s and women’s fashion and has dressed some of the biggest names in music, including Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Miranda Lambert, Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, Jonas Brothers, Jane Fonda, Fergie, The Killers, Shania Twain, Maren Morris, and Taylor Swift.

17. OPRYLAND/MUSIC VALLEY

Opry Mills is Tennessee’s largest outlet and value retail destination, featuring over 200 stores and a wide range of family dining and entertainment options. Visitors to Opry Mills can find an impressive roster of designer outlet stores, including Coach, Coach Men’s, Columbia Sportswear, H&M, Michael Kors Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, kate spade new york outlet, Nike Factory Outlet, and Vera Bradley Outlet. Many popular retailers such as Bass Pro Shops, Build-A-Bear Workshop, LEGO, Vineyard Vines, Boot Barn, Forever 21, and Under Armour Factory House are also located here.

In addition to shopping, guests can enjoy dining and entertainment at Opry Mills. Popular options include The Cheesecake Factory, Aquarium Restaurant, Amber Falls Winery and Cellars, Bavarian Bierhaus, Dave & Buster’s, Madame Tussauds, and The Escape Game. Live performances are also regularly provided on the mall’s Entertainment Stage, offering visitors a taste of Nashville’s vibrant music scene.

Located in Opryland, Opry Mills is also home to The Opry Shop, where visitors can grab a cool and unique Nashville souvenir, and Madame Tussauds Nashville music-themed gift shop. And no visit to Opry Mills would be complete without taking in a show at the Grand Ole Opry House. For those looking to explore Nashville’s most unique shopping experiences, Music Valley Village offers a variety of options, including the “Dukes of Hazzard” themed retail store and museum, Cooter’s Place.

18. SOBRO

SoBro, or South of Broadway, is an area of downtown Nashville known for its modern attractions. It is home to the city’s sprawling convention center, live music venues, and hotel brands. The Schermerhorn Symphony Center, built sixteen years ago, also stands in the area and is made to look as if it has been there for decades. 

The area also offers a host of shopping experiences. One can find unique items such as a vintage poster or dress from Hatch Show Print and Five & Tenn. History buffs can find items from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at Circa, and foodies can indulge in the Goo Goo Shop & Dessert Bar. For a combination of style, quality hospitality, and grocery items, visit the Southernaire Market.

19. WEST OF NASHVILLE

Nashville is home to several neighborhoods that are located west of downtown. These neighborhoods include West End, Midtown, The Nations, and Sylvan Park. They offer some fantastic shopping opportunities that greatly benefit the community.

Another great shop is L & L Marketplace, a new one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and wellness. It is a great place to find unique items and feel good about supporting a worthy cause.