Knoxville shopping: Knoxville Center Mall
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The popularity of West Town Mall and Turkey Creek sometimes make it easy to forget that there’s a second indoor shopping mall in Knoxville. Perhaps that’s due to West Knoxville’s reputation as the city’s retail and commercial hub. Nonetheless, Knoxville Center offers shoppers plenty of opportunity to empty their wallets and swipe their credit cards.
Knoxville Center Mall is located in the northeastern portion of Knoxville, not far from both East Knoxville and Fountain City. The mall is probably best reached by the aptly named Mall Road exit of Interstate 640. But if you have a map or a decent knowledge of the city’s back streets, Knoxville Center is also easily reached from Broadway, Tazewell Pike or Rutledge Pike. The mall is at 3001 Knoxville Center Drive.
Knoxville Center opened in 1984 under the name East Towne Mall. The mall received a major renovation in 1997. A new entrance was installed, and the complex’s interior received new tile, paint, trim and a mountain theme, as well as other features. After the mall’s overhaul, its name was changed to Knoxville Center. Forgetful and change-resistant locals often still call it by the original name. Knoxville Center and its sister West Town are both owned by Simon Malls.
Knoxville Center is anchored by Belk, JC Penney, Sears and The Rush Fitness Center. More than 130 more retailers complete the shopping experience, occupying 981,000 square feet of space.
Knoxville Center’s store lineup is fairly typical for a mall, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied as you shop. Those searching for men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, health and beauty items, housewares and electronic goods will be especially satisfied. But if you need toys, sporting goods, formal wear or even back issues of your favorite comics, you’ll likewise have success. Giant pretzel enthusiasts (giant pretzels, not giant enthusiasts) and those who enjoy eating small spherical bites of ice cream will also be rewarded.
Knoxville Center is a two-story experience, which makes for better crowd control but possible backtracking. Any annoyance at retracing your steps will hopefully be outweighed by the burst of joy that comes from riding the escalators.
In addition to the retail stores, Knoxville Center has plenty of services, including optometrists, salons, a city clerk’s office, mobile phone service, a post office, even tire and battery service for your car. Several order-at-the-counter fast-food spots are available in the food court, with sit down restaurants like Applebee’s if you’d rather take your time. There’s even the Regal Knoxville Center Stadium 10 if you want to take in a movie before you head home.
© 2010, Knoxville News Sentinel
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