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May 17, 2012

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What Stores or National Chains Do You Want in Knoxville?

39 February 5, 2010, by Suzy Trotta

Given the recent buzz about a national chain possibly landing in Downtown Knoxville, we thought today’s question was fitting. On a side note, one of the most popular posts here at Knoxify was/is a retail rumor.

What stores or national chains would you like to see in Knoxville?

Photo by: RodBegbie

Posted in Business, KFQ, Popular, Questions | Tagged ,
  • Shawn Hatmaker

    Trader Joe’s

  • http://gexxinknoxville.wordpress.com Gexx

    I really don’t want any, especially in downtown. First Urban Outfitters and eventually we’ll see Old Navy and GAP. I’ve been in downtowns that try to revitalize by bringing in bigger retail names (like Savannah, GA and Saratoga Springs, NY) and they just feel like an outdoor mall.

    Mast, I feel is different because it’s never been a mall store and it is a *regional* chain.

  • Rob Shomaker

    Yes Shawn! Trader Joe’s would rock. Heard a rumor maybe a year or so ago that Cabela’s was looking into the area, that’d be nice.

  • Spencer

    Amen, Gexx. I take great pride in living in a city whose downtown is practically chain-free. Our downtown business owners and operators are the tenants of the growth and development that takes place in our downtown area, not multi-millionaire bigwig investors who could give two craps about the city. There is a place for chains in Knox County. It is called Turkey Creek.

  • http://gearpatrol.com Dusty

    Trader Joe’s, no question.

  • http://patrickbeeson.com Patrick Beeson

    I too would rather not see any more chains in this area. West Knox and the whole of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are already polluted with them.

    I’d like to see area government offer more incentives for local businesses to move into vacancies downtown.

    Mast General Store is about as “chain” as I think we should get.

  • http://themoderngal.blogspot.com The Modern Gal

    Downtown does have some chains — mostly restaurants — and I think it’s fine to have them as long as they complement everything else that’s there rather than replace or drive away our local stores. They have a way of drawing people downtown who otherwise might not shop there. A strong downtown business association can help keep the balance in check.

    That said, Urban Outfitters isn’t so much my style. Downtown could benefit from something like Trader Joe’s. Otherwise, I’d love to see an Anthropologie. An Ikea on the outskirts of town would be awesome, but I realize Knoxville is way too small for that to happen.

  • Go Saints!

    Trader Joe’s please!!

  • Jay Wigley

    The last thing Knoxville needs is more chain stores. Every new chain store just makes Knoxville more like every other place in America. . .no more local charm, no need to get out, just shop from home online. Let’s get more local businesses run by local people going and forget about attracting chain stores or restaurants.

  • John T.Greene

    I would like to see a Jack in the Box on Ashville Hwy. at John Sevier. It’s what I miss the most from Cali.

  • Jaye

    Trader Joe’s and, although it’s not a chain store but a restaurant, I would kill for a Chipotle.

  • aingle

    Taco Mac and Flying Saucer.

  • Alli

    TRADER JOES and/or Whole Foods!!!

  • Alli

    Trader Joes and/or Whole Foods!

  • http://allaroundktown.com Suzy

    Wow – thanks for everyone’s comments! I’m with The Modern Gal in that I think a balance of local and national – both downtown and in the rest of Knoxville – is what is realistic. And I, too, have to jump on the Trader Joe’s bandwagon. Oh, and an Ikea wouldn’t be bad either :)

  • http://knoxify.com CP

    @ aingle – a Flying Saucer would rock! We always stop in at one when we’re in the Memphis area.

  • san-dan

    Trader Joe’s would rock but they sell wine and of course, grocery stores here by law can not sell wine.

  • Sandi Swilley

    Trader Joes, Nordstrom, Costco, Lululemon would be a start.

  • Tayler Smith

    Pinkberry, Costco, Urban Outfitters, Norstrom.
    …And now i miss living in California. haha

  • DebSteve

    I’m with Frank..El Pollo Loco would be great! Also, FreshChoice , Good Earth or Souplantation, maybe even a Marie Calendar’s. I guess I miss the food choices most from California!

  • mkat33

    I’m totally on board with Trader Joe’s. That’s my number one choice. Number two is Meijer. It’s like Super Wal-Mart on steroids. Better selection, better prices, fresher produce and cleaner stores. For what it’s worth, it’s also privately owned.

  • Karen

    I think Urban Outfitters would be a good fit for downtown. They need to have a few more stores and not only restaurants down there. I also think Anthropologie would be terrific. That said. I would like to see a Costco most of all somewhere in Knoxville. I miss it the most and in answer to some of the other posts I read on this website, yes, Costco and Sam’s Club do exist in the same city–Memphis. I don’t even have a Sam’s Club membership. I prefer Costco. It would also be great if there were a Nordstrom’s but I would be surprised if they put a store here.

  • http://twitter.com/psoplayer Noah

    I miss eating at Cheddar’s in Cookville.

  • http://www.knoxanimal.com Knox Animal

    Pot Belly’s.

  • Franklin

    Chipotle and Publix big time.

  • http://aboveallbetrue.blogspot.com Erin

    Anthropologie, Whole Foods, DSW

  • http://aboveallbetrue.blogspot.com Erin

    Oh, and definitelty Publix!!! Moved from Jacksonville to Knoxville a year ago and I miss Publix so much!

  • Becca

    Trader Joes would be awesome, Crate and Barrel, and for my husband Taco Johns!

  • Kevin

    @Noah they are building a cheddars across from hunter’s crossing just down from shoe carnival in Maryville

  • BMitchell

    Let’s get rid of some Starbucks and then we’ll talk

  • Cathy

    If Knoxville got a Trader Joes, an Anthropologie and a Nordstrom- I would have to move back- save me a place in North Knoxville

  • Stephwriter

    Another vote for Trader Joe’s. And maybe a Macy’s.

  • Pingback: What stores do you want to see in Knoxville?

  • Kris Yates

    Flying Saucer Draught Emporium FTW

  • Pingback: Ask the Readers Roundup: Bring Trader Joe's to Knoxville, Please | Knoxify

  • http://www.angiesappetite.com Angie

    Love all the Trader Joe’s responses!! I totally agree!

  • ELIZABETHRSMITH

    ANTHROPOLOGIE AND TRADER JOE’S!

  • Apdickens2

    Urban Outfitters

  • anonymous

    West Elm, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Whole Foods (yes!), Trader Joe’s (yes!!)

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