Retail in Memphis is a mixed bag, and a crop of new shops is a perfect indication of the sometimes quirky, sometimes corporate local market.
On the local side, Memphian Chantal Johnson opened a new lifestyle store in August.
20twelve sells furniture, clothing, accessories and jewelry, aiming to be “a destination shopping experience.”
Located in the Broad Avenue Arts District, 20twelve carries mostly emerging designers that don’t currently have a presence in the Memphis market. The building – at 2531 Broad Ave. – has been totally transformed, elevating the already-emerging neighborhood.
On the completely opposite side of town and concept, big-box home décor retailer
At Home recently opened its second location in the Memphis market.
The 120,000-square-foot megastore is located at 7697 Winchester Road in Southeast Memphis. The location formerly housed a Target Corp. store that closed earlier this year.
At Home created 24 jobs with its new store, which will carry patio furniture, home furnishings, wall decor and decorative accents, rugs and housewares.
The chain – formerly known as Garden Ridge – has an existing location at 5280 Summer Ave. The new Memphis store is the 75
th for the company, which currently operates in 21 states.
Another retail chain is opening its first store in the Memphis market.
Upscale jeweler
Sissy’s Log Cabin will open in October in Laurelwood Shopping Center. The family-owned retailer will employ 17 people in its new Memphis location. The store plans to offer a large selection of fine jewelry, a special collection of engagement rings priced under $5,000, wedding jewelry and numerous designer lines, including Rolex, Lagos and Tag Heuer.
The Memphis store marks the jewelry company’s first foray outside of its home state of Arkansas. It currently operates locations in Little Rock, Pine Bluff and Jonesboro.
And back in Midtown, Memphian Kat Gordon is cooking at her newest venture, Muddy’s Grind House. The offshoot of the popular East Memphis
Muddy’s Bake Shop will open in the coming weeks at Vinton Avenue and Cooper Street.
Muddy’s Grind House will carry tasty sweets like its sister location, but will also serve coffee and other Midtown-exclusive treats.
By Jane A. Donahoe
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