Where to go shopping in Nashville

Nashville is known around the world as Music City thanks to its incredible live music scene and its deep connection to country music. After all, this city is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Johnny Cash Museum, and the Grand Ole Opry, to name just a few of the country music attractions you'll find in this musical place.

But even if you're not the biggest fan of country music, Nashville has plenty to offer. Enjoy Southern hospitality while you explore the incredible food traditions of Tennessee, and you'll see just what makes this city so special.

And if you're a fan of shopping, there's even more to like.

Nashville has all the major brands, department stores, and shopping malls you would expect from a major US city, making it a great place for a shopping excursion. But it also has an impressive range of vintage shops and specialty stores that can give you a deep insight into the life and culture of the town. Every aspiring musician who comes to Nashville seeking fame and fortune contributes to this rich culture, and shopping in Nashville, especially some of the more unique stores of the city is a great way to experience it for yourself.

Bounce makes your shopping trip easier by giving multiple Nashville luggage storage locations to choose from. We partner with local businesses throughout the city so that you always have a place to drop off shopping bags or anything else you don't want to carry. Leave your things behind at major transportation hubs like Nashville Airport or in the downtown core to make things easier on yourself. That way, you can make space for more shopping or seamlessly transition to dinner or a night out, then pick up your new purchases whenever you're ready.

All you need to know when shopping in Nashville

Shopping in Nashville is a mix of modern trends and rustic charm. If designer goods are your thing, you'll find plenty of those available in the downtown core. On the other hand, if you're looking for Western wear, the city is an absolute treasure trove of cowboy boots and hats, including vintage items that are highly prized. The type of shopping you want to do will determine to some extent where you should go, with downtown Nashville offering the best opportunities for High Street shopping and famous fashion brands, while trendy East Nashville is better for specialty shops and independent boutiques.

Shopping architecture

Nashville’s shopping areas are diverse, featuring everything from upscale malls to unique neighborhood markets and boutiques like those at Hillsboro Village. Get familiar with the different districts of the city, and let that guide your shopping expedition, as each area has its own specialty and atmosphere.

• The Gulch: A trendy district with upscale boutiques, art galleries, and stylish shops. If your goal is to shop for top fashion brands and your pockets deep, this area offers some of the best shopping in the city.
• 12 South: A walkable neighborhood packed with charming stores and cafes. This is a more down-to-earth area that can fulfill all your shopping needs and also gives you a chance to experience some of Nashville's incredible live music and great food while you shop.
• Downtown Broadway: Known for its souvenir shops and country music-inspired merchandise. Some of the merchandise here tends toward the kitschy, but that's all part of the fun, and you can easily find a great gift shop that can provide you with souvenirs to take back home.
• Green Hills: Home to luxury brands and the iconic Green Hills Mall, this is a place to shop for both high-end merchandise and more midrange items.

Opening hours and seasonality

Most shops in Nashville open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with shorter hours on Sundays. As you get closer to the Christmas holidays, many shops stay open for extended periods. As in most places, you'll find that major chains have the most generous shopping hours, while local boutiques tend to keep more rigid schedules.

Shop like a local

• Mind your manners. In the South, etiquette is still a big thing, and you'll get a much better reception from people if you approach them with a smile and say hello. You don't have to put on a southern drawl or use 'sir' and 'ma'am' the way many local people still do, but using please and thank you will go a long way to helping you fit in.
• Use rideshares or public transportation to explore Nashville’s spread-out shopping districts. Some of the best shopping in Nashville is located outside of the downtown area, so you may need to travel to get everywhere you want to go.
• Carry cash for smaller vendors at markets and independent shops. Cards are widely accepted in Nashville, but having cash on hand can sometimes help you strike a bargain with a market trader.

Unique shops to visit in Nashville

Nashville’s independent boutiques and artisan stores are the perfect places to encounter what you might call the soul of the city. International brands are all very well, but exploring these unique shops will give you a much richer and deeper experience of what Nashville is all about.

Imogene + Willie

Known for its handcrafted denim and timeless clothing, this boutique is a Nashville staple for high-quality, American-made apparel. Although it's located a little way out of the downtown core, it's worth the trip to visit a place that Nashville locals have long known is one of the best fashion stores in the area.

Address: 2601 12th Ave S

Draper James

Just across the street from Imogene + Willie, you'll find Draper James. Founded by actress Reese Witherspoon, this boutique offers Southern-inspired men's and women's clothing, accessories, and home decor.

Address: 2608 12th Ave S

Hatch Show Print

One of the oldest letterpress print shops in America, this store sells iconic posters, prints, and memorabilia, with an unsurprising focus on stars of the country music world. Not just a store, Hatch Show Print is historic enough that they also offer tours so that you can see the printing process and learn more about the history of this unique place.

Address: 224 5th Ave S

Shopping experiences in Nashville

Nashville’s markets and specialty stores offer a wide variety of goods, from artisan crafts to gourmet foods. Branching out a little and shopping in some of these places allows you to rub shoulders with the locals and explore more of what the city is all about, away from the popular tourist attractions and international brands.

Nashville Farmers’ Market

A vibrant market offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and delicious local eats. It’s a great place to explore the flavors of Tennessee. You can try local delicacies and learn about Tennessee recipes directly from the vendors, and there are also some great food outlets to satisfy the appetite you'll inevitably work up surrounded by all this deliciousness.

Address: 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd

Bang Candy Company

Like a less sinister Willie Wonka, this candy shop offers whimsical treats to tantalize the taste buds. Check out the handmade marshmallows, flavored syrups, and sweet treats, perfect for gifting or indulging. The shop also ships across the country, so if you develop a hankering for a particular product, it's good to know you can get it at home.

Address: 1300 Clinton St

Traditional shopping options in Nashville

For a more conventional shopping experience, Nashville offers malls and high-street options. These popular establishments are a great way to get your shopping done quickly and visit a variety of stores within a single area.

The Mall at Green Hills

An upscale shopping center featuring luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co., as well as popular retailers. You can shop for fast fashion or go high-end and browse incredible collections on offer here.

Address: 2126 Abbott Martin Rd

Fifth + Broadway

A modern shopping and dining destination downtown, combining trendy stores, local boutiques, and live music. This open-air mall is conveniently located in the heart of the city and is a good place to come for both shopping and food.

Address: 5036 Broadway Pl

Opry Mills

A large outlet mall offering discounts on major brands, along with dining and entertainment options like an IMAX theater. You could easily spend all day here browsing the shops, dining in the restaurants, or catching a movie, so plan accordingly.

Address: 433 Opry Mills Dr

You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to retail options while visiting Music City. Shop for high-end fashion, midrange brands, or Western wear in the varied boutiques of the city, or head to the mall for an all-in-one shopping experience. Alternatively, take a walk around 12 South to find some more independent retailers offering unique items that are quintessentially Nashville.

However you choose to shop, Bounce can look after your purchases to make things easier. Leave your belongings behind with us until you are ready to pick them up, and you'll have a much easier time getting around Nashville and experiencing everything it has to offer.