Nashville’s fashion scene has undergone a remarkable transformation. Gone are the days of a limited selection and the need to travel far and wide for high-end attire. The city has blossomed into a thriving hub for luxury brands, attracting discerning shoppers and making a name for itself on the global fashion map.
A New Era of Luxury Shopping
The tides have turned in Nashville’s fashion landscape. Once a desert for high-end retailers, the city has become a magnet for luxury brands seeking to capitalize on its booming growth and affluent population. The influx of new residents, coupled with a shift in consumer preferences, has fueled a surge in demand for premium fashion.
The pandemic, while initially causing a dip in luxury retail, did not dampen its long-term prospects. In fact, the sector rebounded strongly, recording an impressive 8.5% increase in sales in 2021, surpassing $64.1 billion. This surge in demand has fueled a renewed focus on expanding brick-and-mortar presence, with luxury retailers venturing beyond traditional shopping districts and into new markets like Nashville.
The Music City has become a prime target for luxury brands. Chanel’s beauty store at the Mall at Green Hills in 2022 signaled the beginning of a new era, and Veronica Beard soon followed suit. This trend has continued into 2023 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2024.
The Mall at Green Hills: A Luxury Haven
The Mall at Green Hills, a beloved shopping destination for decades, has undergone a significant transformation. From its humble beginnings as an open-air strip mall in 1955, it has evolved into a bustling lifestyle center, catering to a discerning clientele with its curated mix of high-end retailers and home décor brands.
The mall has strategically curated its tenant mix to create a compelling shopping experience. In 2019, it added contemporary stores, trendy fashion labels, and unique-to-market tenants, further bolstering its appeal and attracting a wider audience.
The mall boasts a diverse lineup of luxury brands. Names like Chanel Beauty, Saint Laurent, Gucci, and St. John grace its corridors, showcasing the best of global fashion. St. John, in particular, has recognized Nashville’s growth and potential, viewing it as a prime location to expand its presence and cater to a loyal client base.
Kirna Zabête: A Unique Boutique Experience
Just a stone’s throw from the Mall at Green Hills, Kirna Zabête stands as a unique retail destination. Originally based in New York, the boutique offers a curated selection of luxury designers, catering to women’s everyday style needs, from grocery runs to black-tie events.
Kirna Zabête sets itself apart with its focus on exclusive brands. While familiar names like Loewe, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta grace its shelves, the boutique also offers unexpected treasures, making shopping an exciting and personalized experience.
Beth Buccini, the brand’s owner and a former fashion editor, has built a reputation for creating a haven for fashion lovers. Kirna Zabête has expanded from its SoHo roots to multiple locations, and its recent Nashville debut has been met with enthusiastic reception, attracting both local shoppers and international visitors.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Hubs
The luxury shopping scene in Nashville is not confined to traditional areas like Green Hills and Belle Meade. The city’s vibrant neighborhoods, like 12South and downtown, have become attractive destinations for high-end retailers.
Fifth + Broadway, a newly opened downtown destination, has carved out a niche for itself as a luxury dining and shopping experience. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a blend of local culinary delights and sought-after brands, providing a unique contrast to the iconic honky-tonk scene.
The complex features a diverse mix of retailers, including Ariat, Carhartt, Free People, and an Apple Store. It offers a curated selection of brands, catering to a diverse clientele, from office workers to tourists. This revitalized space offers a much-needed upgrade to downtown’s retail landscape, filling a void left by the closure of the Church Street Center.
The 12South Collection has further expanded the city’s luxury shopping options. This new development has attracted a range of high-end retailers seeking to capitalize on the bustling neighborhood’s charm and attract both visitors and locals.
The collection features an impressive lineup of brands. PAIGE, Rag & Bone, Alice + Olivia, Mejuri, and Oliver Peoples are just a few names that have already opened their doors, with more to follow. The collection represents a deliberate effort to complement the existing businesses in 12South, fostering a vibrant and diverse retail landscape.
A Flourishing Future
Nashville’s fashion scene is thriving, with no signs of slowing down. The city’s allure as a vibrant destination for luxury brands continues to grow, attracting new names and expanding existing offerings. With its burgeoning population, diverse neighborhoods, and a passionate consumer base, Nashville is poised to become a major player in the global fashion landscape.
