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After all my bitterness about the Unclaimed Baggage Center yesterday, I thought it best to follow up with a bargain hunting place that I really do think is worth every bit of time and gas it takes to get there: Opry Mills. It was decent before the flood. But, after it closed for 2 years, the re-opened mall is a true shopping treat.
Word of caution: this place is big, very big. And, when it comes to malls, I actually get dry eyes and near panic attacks after being in one too long; I have a set time limit and it’s about 2 hours and then I have to leave. Seriously. Heart palpitations. I need fresh air.
With only two hours to shop, I suggest the following stores, which are all located very close to each other: Off Fifth, J. Crew, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Cole Haan and Nike. If you still have time, take in Banana Republic, Lucky Brand (I put this in my top tier, actually…), The Gap, BCBG, Nine West, Vera Bradley, Calvin Klein, Steve Madden and Michael Kors. Rumor has it that Kate Spade is opening up an outlet at Opry Mills in the very near future. And, for those with young kids, Janie and Jack just announced they are opening an outlet here, and their clothes are adorable.
The title “King of the Hill,” at least according to moi, is actually shared between two stores: Off Fifth and J. Crew.
Do you hear the music? It’s the sound of harps playing as you gaze upon this oh-so-fabulous store.
These Reed Krakoff shoes were insanely beautiful. Price below.
The price is now $449.99, but take another 25% off if you are a Red Card member (which is akin to your Kroger card. It’s just a card, not a debit or credit card). Now, the price is $337.50. Sure, it’s still pricey, but a far cry from the original $925 original.
It’s fun trying on super high-end shoes without nervous sales people fluttering around you urging you to buy. These, with snake skin heels, are by Chloe. My wound on my foot, so apparent in this photo, is from kayaking!
Tory Burch shoes, take 25% off the lowest price.
These Ugg boots were also 25% off the lowest price. OK, pretty much EVERYTHING was 25% off the lowest price! I’ve been out here when it’s been 30% off everything as well. Very fun.
Off Fifth has hundreds, perhaps thousands, of pairs of sunglasses. These, by Dior, caught my eye. I think they were around $65, but honestly I was swimming in a sale paradise and didn’t write it down.
Cole Haan loafers for women. Again, take 25% off.
A rainbow of colored jeans.
The store is filled with jewelry, clothes and shoes for men, women and children, evening wear, accessories and pretty much everything that you expect at Saks Fifth Avenue.
J. Crew:
I didn’t take photos of all the items inside J. Crew, as their store policy is no photos. But, this is a store for the whole family. It just makes me happy knowing how close by it is!
After hitting Off Fifth and J. Crew, you can go home, as you may have already spent your money. But, if you still have some to spare, head to the following stores. They are all found near one another. Just enter Opry Mills at the Ralph Lauren/Off Fifth entrance.
Cole Haan: Are you ready to get in your car and drive to Opry Mills?
The mannequins at Ralph Lauren.
Brooks Brothers
The COACH factory store is so big it has two entrances.
We know that lots of you swear by the fit of BCBG.
Nine West always delivers fresh style at a good price. That price just got better.
Calvin Klein
Banana Republic Factory Store
My kids basically screamed when they saw this. Under Armour has a store at Opry Mills, as well.
The Ann Taylor mannequins. There is also a LOFT at Opry Mills. And I know women with HUGE clothing budgets who regularly stop by LOFT, as it carries some fun things.
Steve Madden always has trendy, cute shoes and accessories for a lower-end price.
Some of the Michael Kors outlet items are kinda cuter than the regular Michael Kors. Some. They also carry regular MK items, discounted.
Not only is there now a Vera Bradley at The Hill Center Green Hills, there is one at Opry Mills. And, honestly, do the patterns change that much season to season?
I’m a big fan of Lucky Brand. That laid back western style strikes a chord. If you are too, be sure to seek this store out.
If you have a teenaged daughter, she will want to see the Forever 21 at Opry Mills. It’s enormous.
The biggest Forever 21 I have ever seen. It’s the size of Kroger. As in a HUGE Kroger.
It’s enormous. I am 5’11″ with a 36″ inseam. I say this to prove that I have a long stride; I cover much territory with each step. So, how many steps does it take to walk the Opry Mills Forever 21? For me, it’s 131. Yes, start at one end, out in the hallway, and count 131 long strides. It’s enormous. Here is a text from my daughter from INSIDE the store:
When I say you can get lost in this store, you CAN! (And, are my daughter and I the only ones who commonly send texts that say “ate” instead of “are”?)
Before we even entered Forever 21, my 8 year old son groaned, “NOOOOOO. You’ll take FOREVER in there. That’s why they named it Forever 21.” He’s pretty funny.
If you have kids, the Lego store is a must-go. And, the Aquarium restaurant, while it’s not terribly good, is still a treat. The food is over-priced, but you are paying for a meal while watching sharks, eels and stingrays swim by. For me, this always includes a glass of wine, as by the time we arrive, I’m spent.
After I hit my two hour limit, we headed for a meal. I sit and sip on wine waiting for my equilibrium to restore!
Opry Mills is a drive, but it’s really worth it.
Check out our other SB posts today:
SB Louisville talks favorite apps: click here
SB Atlanta educates us on the perfect travel outfit: click here
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16 Responses to “Opry Mills, it’s really good…”
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No mention of the Talbot’s outlet? I’ve tried twice to go out to the mall, only to turn around after seeing the line backed up on Briley Parkway to get into the parking lot (that is also packed).
I’m sure it’s wonderful. I didn’t mention every store there, just my favorites. Sadly, Talbots isn’t my favorite but I’m sure their clothes fit others better than they do me!
We took out of town family guests there last week. The beauty is there’s a store for everyone (meaning the men folk and kiddos) so the ladies can have their fun too! Banana Republic is giant too, but I think Saks has the most treasures! Pack snacks for the ride there or ride home b/c traffic can be a beast at the wrong time of day. Definitely worth it though!!
Biggest question–are most of the stores truly outlet pricing for those of us who don’t buy designer brands? i.e. J Crew? Banana Republic? Lucky Jeans?
Yes. My Lucky necklace was $34 and which was more than 50% off and with that purchase I got another piece for an additional 50% off of the lowest price, so my daughter’s earrings were just $12. J Crew is so much better–lots of things in the $20-$30 range. Some $60-$80, but generally not higher than that. Some purses near $100. J Crew is amazing. Banana I did not go in this past trip, but I’ve been impressed in the past. They do have a “factory” line which is simply cheaper that is there and then also real Banana marked lower. Hope that helps!
Other stores we love are the Fossil and Oakley stores!
And the new Chuy’s is FABULOUS if you don’t have to wait an hour and a half. On a weekday, lunch is easy/breezy and their frozen drinks are just the thing to cool off on a hot day.
What we STILL miss: Apple Barn (you can’t beat their cinnamon doughnuts) and an entrance to Bass Pro (we heard from an employee there that there is a lawsuit pending or something because Opry Mills won’t let them put one in). THAT is NOT hurting Bass Pro, but it sure does make some customers of Opry Mills angry! We also miss Black Lion and hubby misses the Tool Store (only because that’s where he browsed when I was in clothing stores). :-(
Great article – and many of my favorite stores were mentioned!
I totally meant to talk about the frustration with Bass Pro and simply forgot. Yes, now they don’t have an entrance into the mall. Very frustrating and makes no sense!!!
I love the Talbots outlet at Opry Mills– I found some great deals when I visited in late May, two tops, each under $20, plus I earn bonus points for rewards with my Talbots card. Talbots’ pant lengths are perfect for this 5’8″ girl. And I think the Vera Bradley patterns change wildly from season to season! There’s always one must-have pattern per collection I have to have! But to each, their own, and that’s the beauty of a big place like Opry Mills. Thanks for the review!
Thanks for reminding me. I was recently there, but it went off the radar.
Yes, I love the upgrades and the new stores! Very nice additions. But for heavens sake, not all of your readers live on the west side of town. Opry Mills is not a long drive for me. Remember to keep your east side fans in mind when you write!
Susie, sorry, but I really think that no matter where you live that traffic is AWFUL and can be a haul no matter where you live!!! Next time, I’ll elaborate as you are correct, we write for all of Nashville. But, sometimes my personal experience, even getting there, is a part of the story:-)
We can definitely agree that the traffic is terrible! Helps to go right when it opens.
I would love to see a Kate Spade outlet there. Is that official??
Hi Liza – Great write up! I noticed you said you’re 5’11 with a 36″ inseam. Did you notice whether J.Crew, Banana, Loft, Ann Taylor etc. had any of their tall sizes in the stores? I’m 6’2 and always on the hunt for “in person” tall shopping as opposed to online shopping.
Bethany, I did not even look this time… At this point I think I’m used to certain brands and online ordering for proper fit that I go straight to skirts, dresses and by-pass pants! If you go, let me know what you find:-)
Will do! The reason I asked is because I’ve scored some tall jeans at Banana outlets before AND a tall khaki trench. That was a reallllly happy day since I’m used to doing the bulk of my shopping online like you mentioned. They told me that sometimes they put tall returns out on the floor or send them to the outlet so I’m always on the lookout! Absolutely love your website. Keep up the good work!