Shopping in Maryville

More than 20 local artisans gather to display their handmade wares at Knoxville Soap, Candle, & Gifts. Their all-natural, bar- or ball-shaped soaps are fully biodegradable and made in Tennessee. Handmade candles give off sweet scents such as cupcake, brownie, and chocolate cake, recreating the smells of a baker's warm kitchen or nightly bath in leftover batter. Upon request, staffers can wrap these and other gifts—such as earrings, necklaces, and scarves—in complimentary wrapping paper any day of the year.

With a wide assortment of closeout mattresses by trusted brands such as Sealy, Serta, and Simmons, Mr. Mattress is a go-to destination for shoppers. There's a design to suit every preference from firm and pillow-top to latex and many more. Patrons can also find memory-foam mattresses built with bamboo fibers to dissipate heat and keep bodies comfortable throughout the night.

Under the leadership of owner JoAnn England—a longtime Halls resident, mother of two, and booster for locally owned businesses—Sofas & More’s independent mom-and-pop operation has enlivened the homes of its customers since 1995. As customers peruse the fleet of La-Z-Boy recliners or sofas from Klaussner, friendly staff members guide them through home-decor decisions with a friendly, low-pressure demeanor, unhindered by the need to disassemble their towering couch forts. In addition to equipping living rooms with comfortable sitting spaces and high-end entertainment centers, the spacious showroom fills in dining rooms with designer table sets of solid hardwood and bedrooms with mattresses from Serta and Tempur-Pedic.

Every day, people bring clothes into Planet Xchange, and every day, they turn away almost 1,000 garments, approving an average of only 200 garments a day to ensure their inventory remains fresh and stylish. They carry fashions for men and women, from brands such as Nike, Hollister, and The North Face. Their racks drip with premium denims, tops, pants, and outwear, as well as fashionable accessories and bags from brands such as Michael Kors.

The whole family is welcome at Premiere Eyecare, where optometrist Dr. Brent Fry and staff not only treat eyes but share "a few jokes" in the process. Their services include preventive and family care as well as infection and disorder management. They also prep patients for donning a pair of the boutique's glasses by administering prescription exams. Dr. Fry continually attends professional seminars to make sure he stays abreast of the latest developments in his field. The office’s website features educational resources and can take requests for appointments as well as confirm and change them.

The riders and technicians at Harper's Bike Shop love bicycles, and their love for riding is matched only by the joy they get from helping other cyclists. For 50 years, Harper’s has outfitted riders for the pathways, streets, and mountain trails around Knoxville. The crew helps riders find bikes to suit their riding needs, and perform custom bicycle-fitting services to ensure a great match. In addition, the crew repairs and rebuilds ailing cycles with a complete list of services that includes adjusting brakes, truing wheels, cleaning drivetrains, overhauling suspensions, and kicking some sense into tires.