Knoxville, Tenn., blends Southern charm with modern sophistication, and its retail scene reflects that mix. For those exploring or relocating, shopping in Knoxville, TN offers insight into the city’s personality: creative, welcoming, and distinctly tied to its cultural roots. Shoppers find everything from high-end fashion boutiques to locally owned specialty stores offering handmade goods and regional craftsmanship.
Market Square
Market Square anchors Knoxville’s downtown shopping district and remains one of the city’s most recognizable destinations. The area’s pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with independent boutiques, artisan shops, and local eateries, making it an ideal stop for leisurely browsing. The historic architecture lends each storefront a sense of authenticity that complements the district’s vibrant energy.
Popular stores include Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes, which combines home décor and apparel under one roof, and Earthbound Trading Co., offering globally inspired accessories. Many of the retailers here emphasize locally made goods and curated collections that change with the seasons. Between shopping, visitors can enjoy cafés and galleries that add to the area’s relaxed pace.
Emporium Center
The Emporium Center, located on Gay Street, houses artists, designers, and independent vendors in a revitalized 1890s warehouse. It functions as both a retail hub and a cultural venue, showcasing fine art, jewelry, and custom furniture. Each visit feels different, as the exhibits rotate regularly, and individual studios are often open to the public.
This is one of Knoxville’s top destinations for art enthusiasts seeking a unique shopping experience. Patrons can browse pieces created by local artists and attend small gallery events or art walks. The Emporium Center underscores the creative economy thriving in downtown Knoxville, where craftsmanship and community intersect naturally.
Old City
Old City offers a unique retail experience, blending history and modern design in a neighborhood of converted warehouses and loft-style storefronts. Independent shops dominate this part of Knoxville, offering a diverse range of products, from contemporary clothing to artisanal coffee and vinyl records.
Stores like Rala highlight the local creative scene with prints, pottery, and home décor items made by Tennessee-based artists. Urban Outfitters, while national, complements nearby indie shops, balancing global and local influences. The neighborhood’s character lies in its atmosphere: casual, stylish, and quietly upscale.
West Town Mall
For those seeking national brands and department stores, West Town Mall remains the region’s premier indoor shopping destination. The center includes luxury names such as Sephora and Coach, alongside anchors like Dillard’s and Macy’s. Its polished layout and updated design make it the city’s most comprehensive retail hub.
Beyond traditional retail, the mall incorporates modern dining spaces and lounge areas that enhance the experience. Though more conventional than the boutiques downtown, it complements Knoxville’s independent retail scene by offering convenience and brand diversity in one stop.
Bliss Home
Bliss Home has become one of Knoxville’s signature interior design stores, known for its refined, contemporary aesthetic. The store curates furniture, lighting, textiles, and décor, focusing on craftsmanship and modern lines. It’s the kind of place where every piece feels intentional, offering both statement furnishings and subtle home accents.
The store’s knowledgeable staff helps clients select furnishings that fit seamlessly into Knoxville’s architectural styles, from historic homes to new builds. In addition to furniture, Bliss Home features small-batch ceramics, textiles, and framed artwork, supporting both national and local designers. Its reputation for timeless design and superior service has made it a mainstay in Knoxville’s high-end shopping landscape.
Knoxville Soap and Candle Factory
Knoxville Soap and Candle Factory offers locally crafted products that celebrate Tennessee’s artisan traditions. Its shelves are filled with handmade soaps, essential oils, and candles produced in small batches. The fragrances are inspired by regional elements, including mountain air, wildflowers, and clean, natural scents that evoke the area’s character.
Beyond bath and body products, the store also offers gifts and home décor items that cater to those who prefer authenticity and quality. Each item reflects careful attention to sourcing and sustainability, reinforcing the store’s connection to local craftsmanship. For gift shopping or personal indulgence, this boutique delivers a personal touch that stands out.
Union Avenue Books
Independent bookstores remain an essential part of Knoxville’s retail identity, and Union Avenue Books exemplifies that tradition. Located in the heart of downtown, the shop carries new releases, literary classics, and regional titles that reflect East Tennessee’s history and culture. The interior feels warm and inviting, with shelves arranged to encourage slow browsing.
Regular author events, readings, and book clubs make it a hub for Knoxville’s literary community. Visitors often find staff recommendations handwritten on display cards, which help guide them to discoveries. Union Avenue Books offers both substance and atmosphere, reinforcing Knoxville’s reputation as a city that values culture and intellect alongside commerce.
The Southern Market
The Southern Market provides a unique concept: more than 30 small shops under one roof, each curated by individual designers, artists, and boutique owners. The result is a constantly changing mix of merchandise, from fine art and home décor to jewelry and stationery. The open layout and rotating inventory keep the experience fresh, rewarding return visits.
This market appeals to those who enjoy discovery and variety. Shoppers can find a hand-painted serving tray next to custom floral arrangements or monogrammed linens. Each vendor space reflects its owner’s aesthetic, and the collective environment creates a sense of community among shoppers and artisans. It’s one of the most distinct examples of local entrepreneurship in Knoxville.
West Hills Crossing
West Hills Crossing caters to boutique shoppers looking for contemporary apparel and accessories in an accessible setting. This retail plaza features locally owned stores and specialty retailers. The area’s blend of fashion, wellness, and lifestyle stores creates a comfortable, upscale experience.
Visitors can spend an afternoon browsing fashion boutiques, then enjoy coffee or wine nearby. West Hills Crossing demonstrates how Knoxville’s suburban shopping spaces continue to evolve: thoughtful, design-forward, and tailored to discerning shoppers.
Shop Knoxville Homes with Bessie Whiteside
Knoxville’s retail scene highlights the best of both worlds: local creativity and established luxury. Its boutiques, markets, and malls offer something distinctive for every kind of shopper, reinforcing the city’s role as East Tennessee’s cultural and commercial center. If you’re exploring homes that keep you close to these dynamic shopping destinations, connect with Bessie Whiteside.
