Summer 2020
Tennessee Retail By Julie McCallum

Shoppers find unique items and superb customer service in these two brick-and-mortar shops

Tennessee may be home to the most caves in the U.S. but retail is certainly not living underground. Gift Shop visited with two retail rockstars in Tennessee who made the most out of the shutdown.

Stephen Brown, owner of Glitterville in Knoxville discovered that being closed created more time to post crafting videos and found a whole new audience of fans of his work. His magical studio store celebrates the holiday year-round and now that it is opened back up, visitors can browse in unicorn style with sparkly pink masks.

Marlene Massa, owner of Market on the Square in Cookeville, changed up her strategies to offer more online sales as well as merchandise that promotes safe and healthy living. Massa’s bubbly personality and friendly customer service was a welcome relief for shut-down weary customers when she re-opened.

Meet both of these awesome retailers …

Glitterville Studio Store

Market on the Square

Julie McCallum

Julie McCallum is publisher of Gift Shop Magazine. She is formerly the editor-in-chief of the publication, as well as editor of Museums & More, and she has more than 25 years experience in publishing.