Shopping in Downtown Knoxville
Do you think there’s no shopping in Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee? We’re here to prove differently! Park once, grab a coffee, and pop in and out of downtown retailers—unique bookstores, trendy boutiques, eclectic gift shops. Here are two dozen local shops we think you need to try within Downtown Knoxville's city center.
ACF Jewelry
Not just jewelry, an entire experience! ACF Jewelry owner 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. When you visit in the Old City, you can also check out other unique and custom jewelry!
Addison's
Stop in for a "treasure hunt" on the 100 block of Gay Street, where you can search for old and rare books with great covers, bindings, and illustrations. There are thousands of unique finds at Addison's, including used books downstairs and special collections.
Alice in Appalachia
Alice in Appalachia is the fairytale store on Market Square everyone has been talking about. On one side, there's a coffee, tea, and cocktail bar, and on the other side, a retail space with funky tea pots, mirrors, Mardi Gras masks, hats, jewelry, pottery, and so much more! You never know what you'll find here.
Art Market Gallery
So many bright and colorful paintings, pieces of art, ceramics, outdoor glass décor, and more welcome you to the Art Market Gallery! The gallery is a wonderful shop selling artwork from a cooperative of more than 60 juried-in East Tennessee artists. The vibrant marketplace has been on Gay Street since 1982. Visit soon and see what great things you can find that are unique to Knoxville.
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.
Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes
Award-winning Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes is one of the largest locally-owned clothing and gift shops in Knoxville. They have trendy dresses, blouses, pjs, sandals, boots, and jewelry. They have home decor, mugs, notebooks, and a wide variety of items that say, "that's just the right gift I was looking for." They have plush animals, baby clothes, and books; guy grad gifts, hats, and so much more. It's definitely worth a trip to Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes!
Christopher Robin Arts
It doesn't get much more local than seeing husband-and-wife duo at work in their studio/gallery, Christopher Robin Arts. Robin's gorgeous oil paintings are for sale, and you're sure to find one you connect with. Chris's photography is also on display, and all the work you see is a beautiful display of the world around them. Visit them on Gay Street in the Phoenix Building.
CitiFid-O
CitiFid-O is a premium pet supply store for the urban (or suburban) pet owner, right on Union Ave. Your pawfect pups and feline friends will be treated like royalty here. They have a bit of it all, from healthy treats and locally-made chew sticks to toys, leashes, beds, and everything you need to be a great pet parent!
The Curio at Maker Exchange
Maker Exchange puts Knoxville's heart and soul into every detail of their unique collection of spaces. From coffee mugs to the art and fine crafts on display, they sourced everything they could from Knoxville’s Makers to celebrate the Maker City. The Curio, the treasure chest of Maker Exchange, is an ever-changing, shoppable display of Knoxville-made sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and much more.
Daché
Daché is women's boutique on the 100 block of Gay Street that specializes in athleisure, plus cute collections to get ready for each season. Owner Darrien has created a mix of clothing for every woman and hopes to see grandmother, mother, and daughter all shopping together.
Earth To Old City
Earth to Old City is a "scruffy little gift shop" that's been bringing joy to downtown since 1993! You can find gifts for that person on your list you just don't know what to get, while also finding something to treat yourself. The shop is constantly rotating seasonal items, so everything is new and exciting. From clothes and accessories to soaps and notebooks, they have a little bit of everything.
Fizz
The bright and colorful hues of Fizz on Market Square will draw you into their store, where you will find a large collection of handmade jewelry, lots of fun hats and clothes, and goodies to celebrate every season from bat necklaces at Halloween to Christmas socks and leggings. It's funky, it's eclectic, it's definitely a shop you're gonna wanna see!
Fruit Jar Alley
For the latest in home decor, trendy yet classic women's clothing, and amazing giftables, look no further than Fruit Jar Alley in Market Square. It's one of the newer shops in Downtown Knoxville, but has fit right in, making it seem like it's been here forever. Check out their own custom candles that burn over 100 hours, seasonal pillows to spruce up your home, and gorgeous jewelry to complete your outfits.
Jacks of Knoxville
Jacks of Knoxville never disappoints – and you're sure to go home with more than you came for, because everything is just so cute. Plants to freshen up your home, gifts for grads, moms, and birthdays, cards to celebrate every occasion. And best of all, you can grab a latte at the coffee bar to sip on while shopping.
Mast General Store
Mast General Store is a must-visit destination – it's a shop, yes, but it's more than that! It's an experience. Check out their vintage candy barrels, grab a $1 bag of freshly popped popcorn, and browse the two-floors of unique merchandise; everything from local wear to camping gear to gourmet goods. It's dog-friendly, so bring your pup along too. Don't miss the mural at the back entrance!
Nothing Too Fancy
Locally-owned and operated, Nothing Too Fancy is a t-shirt boutique on Union Ave in Downtown Knoxville. They are so creative with their designs, and since they print locally in Knoxville, they always have timely merch for every occasion, sporting event, and local happening. When in need of hoodies, tanks, t-shirts, glassware, mugs, stickers, and more — head to Nothing Too Fancy. We promise you won't find this stuff anywhere else!
OP Jenkins
OP Jenkins Furniture & Design is a family-run company that's been a Downtown Knoxville landmark since 1907. Generations later, Terry and Meg Troutman keep it going strong, and the team of designers loves helping make your house feel like home. As you explore their four floors of unique and stylish furniture (and their beautiful Instagram account), you'll find accessories for every season that will add comfort and style to your home.
Paris Woodhull Illustrations
Paris Woodhull Illustrations celebrates Knoxville with a signature style that’s all her own. Head to the 100 block of Gay Street to find fanciful illustrations gracing shirts, adorable puzzles, maps of Knoxville, and even a *sticker vending machine* at this crazy cool studio and retail shop. You might even spot Paris at work!
Pretentious Glass Co
With national attention from CBS Sunday Morning Show, Nicole Richie's Etsy Christmas List, and others, Pretentious Glass Co has become a famous glass-blowing studio in Downtown Knoxville's Old City. Owner Matthew Cummings (AKA "Captain Pretentious") leads the creative team that creates unique handblown glasses for craft beer, bourbon, and wine. Plus a gallery full of one-of-a-kind beautiful art pieces.
Rala
Rala rounds up super creative products that have been hand-picked by owner Nanci Solomon and her team. From adorable puzzles and games to local art to one-of-a-kind ceramics and home décor, you'll find the most unique items here. A trip to Rala in the Old City is a trip to fun times!
Smoky Mountain Angler
Smoky Mountain Angler has expanded outside of Gatlinburg and right onto Gay Street! You’ll find everything you need for your next fishing trip, including a large selection of locally hand tied and commercial flies, waders, rods, reels, and more. Plus guided trips to the Smokies and an in-store tying bench to learn to make your own bugs!
Spice & Tea Exchange
The Spice and Tea Exchange offers a unique shopping experience where customers can explore a vast selection of high-quality spices, herbs, and teas from around the world. Products are sourced from top growers and producers, and are carefully selected for their quality, freshness, and flavor. It's a great place to shop if you are passionate about cooking, baking, and tasting new teas.
Tree & Vine
Tree & Vine is a specialty store with imported olive oils and balsamics that bring flavor to salads, marinades, and dishes like never before. They also have everything you need for hosting dinners, from gourmet goods to grill supplies, cake pans, new kitchen gadgets, gourmet cookware, glassware, coolers, and more! Pop in for an olive oil sample on Union Ave.
Union Ave Books
Union Ave Books is a beloved destination for book lovers in Knoxville and beyond. It's full of best sellers, cookbooks, classics, and everything else you hope for in a bookstore. Their commitment to supporting local authors and promoting a love of reading and learning makes it an important part of our community. The friendly staff are always ready to help you find the perfect book.
William & Wylie Custom Menswear
Visit William & Wylie where owners Bryce and Parker will help you look your best. Known for tailored clothing, they also carry everyday items like denim, drawstring chinos, seasonal ties, shoes, and more, so you can look your best. You'll find this special spot on Jackson Avenue just off of Gay Street.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for?
There’s more! From wedding boutiques and art galleries to handmade candies, craft distilleries, even bikes, and Funko! Pops. Stroll through Downtown Knoxville's streets and browse local retailers.