Nashville Shopping Scene: Best Places for Retail Therapy

As a thriving urban destination, Nashville is packed with things to do. One of the most popular activities is shopping due to the number of districts – large and small – located throughout the city. Plus, Nashville has big-box malls and boutiques, so shoppers get the best of both worlds. Keep reading to learn about the Nashville shopping scene and where to go.

Nashville Shopping Scene: Malls, Boutiques and Outlets

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Opry Mills

More than a shopping district, Opry Mills serves as a top place to shop and play. This single-story mall houses 200-plus stores and restaurants accessible inside and outside. Anchor stores include Bass Pro Shops and H&M; however, the mall consists mostly of smaller stores. Guests may shop designers, family favorites and novelty boutiques, with popular retailers including Saks Fifth, Converse and designer outlets.

When not shopping, check out Opry Mills’ attractions. Near Gaylord Resort, shoppers will find a Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Dave and Busters, and Regal Cinemas. The movie theater features stadium-style seating and shows movies in IMAX and RPX.

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The Mall at Green Hills

One of the most upscale Nashville shopping malls is the Mall at Green Hills. The mall offers an indoor setting situated between downtown Nashville and Brentwood, an affluent neighborhood. Visitors enjoy browsing more than 80 retailers, including upscale brands on two levels.

Anchor stores include Macy’s and Nordstrom, with smaller shops ranging from Sephora, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. In addition to designer brands, the mall has chain restaurants, jewelry stores and services.

Nashville West Shopping Center

This outdoor mall offers 86 acres of shops, restaurants and workspace. Nashville West Shopping Center is anchored by Costco, Target, Petsmart and Ross, to name a few. This serves as a great place to spend a full day shopping. Start with Target and walk directly to World Market, Old Navy, DSW, Book A Million and more. In addition to shops, Nashville West has restaurants and services.

Boutique Shopping in Nashville

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12 South

One of the more recent Nashville shopping districts is 12 South, an area measuring more than 1/2-mile along 12th Avenue South. This area welcomes pedestrians to browse more than 15 boutiques and restaurants. These Nashville-based retailers offer designer apparel, décor, lighting, pet needs and more.

When it’s time to recharge, shoppers will find taprooms, bakeries, casual hangouts, breweries and international cuisine. 12South also has salons, yoga studios, Sevier Park Community Center and daily happy hours.

Fatherland District

Fatherland District is located in East Nashville, a renovated community with a long history in Nashville dating to the 1900s. Today, East Nashville serves as one of the city’s most desired places to live and work.

To find Fatherland District, head to Fatherland Street between 10th and 11th avenues. Shops on Fatherland include more than 20 locally owned businesses with services and restaurants. For fashion, shop Artaya Loka and Pauli’s Place Boutique. Then browse for something special at the Gift Horse and Project 615.

Hillsboro Village

Hillsboro Village serves as Nashville’s main college town neighborhood and measures four blocks. The shopping district sits near Vanderbilt and Belmont University campuses, so there’s always younger crowds hanging out here.

Shopping Hillsboro Village takes visitors to a different time. Nearly 20 quaint boutiques line the street selling everything from art to clothing and hardware and home goods. Most business are Nashville owned and operated as well. After browsing the shops, take a break at local restaurants, see a movie at Belcourt Theatre, enroll in a fitness class or explore Hillsboro Village’s happy hours. While strolling the neighborhood, don’t miss murals created by local artists.

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The Gulch

The Gulch, one of Nashville urban districts, sits between Music Row and downtown. This area offers high-end fashion boutiques, trendy restaurants, and proximity to The Frist Art Museum and Nashville Farmers Market further north.

More than 25 stores welcome visitors to browse accessories, clothing, jewelry, guitars, boots and more items. Then select from 40-something restaurants in The Gulch. From chic bars to Southern comfort, there are plenty of options. In addition, shoppers love taking pics at murals, trying new fitness classes and sampling the nightlife scene.

The Arcade Nashville

Dating to 1902, The Arcade Nashville models an Italian city. To experience this Nashville shopping gem, enter near 4th and 5th avenues in downtown. Then explore shops, restaurants and service providers on two levels.

While shopping, guests can also browse art galleries and studios. After selecting a few pieces, sample diverse cuisine that represents international flavors. Visitors also have access to Walgreens, hair salons and a post office. Please note: As of 2022, The Arcade was undergoing renovations that may continue for a few years.

Nashville Shopping: Day Trip Ideas

Most people who want the full Nashville shopping scene can’t overlook the city’s day-trip options. Nashville offers access to other notable shopping districts such as Cool Springs Galleria in Franklin; downtown Franklin; Providence Marketplace in Mt. Juliet, and Marketplace in Smyrna in Smyrna. All of these shopping districts feature more retailers and about 30 to 45 minutes from downtown depending on traffic.

Find more things to do in Nashville, and book a private Nashville vacation home.