Opry Originals Set To Open In Downtown Nashville

Press Release From The Grand Ole Opry:
Opry Originals: The Shop On Broadway is set to open in the heart of downtown Nashville's famed Lower Broadway area at 300 Broadway Thursday April 16. An official rhinestone-studded ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Monday April 20 followed by a week of grand opening events.

Inspired by a design concept the designers deem "Country Archeology," the free-standing 5,000 square-foot store will bring together the iconic roots of the Grand Ole Opry and country music's contemporary culture in an electric collection of old and new, brought to life through media, graphic imaagery, and re-claimed materials and finishes. Reminiscent of a market, the space will encourage hands-on interaction and invite guests to discover and take home their own piece of the Opry lifestyle.

The store will showcase an extensive line of lifestyle products including Opry-branded jeans, tops, and boots; gifts; local artisan merchandise; a new Opry Country Kitchen line of food products; dinnerware and home furnishings. The store will also feature entertainment and artist appearances and book/record signings as well as listening stations, photo opportunities, and a select food and beverage offering.

Included among the store's apparel offerings will be an "Opry by Manuel" collection of jackets, shirts, and jeans designed exclusively for the Opry by legendary clothier Manuel, who has made an indelible mark on country music fashion for more than four decades.

"Opry originals allows us to fully celebrate the country lifestyle," said Steve Buchanan, Gaylord Entertainment senior vice president of media and entertainment. "We will be able to offer a wide range of apparel including the exciting new 'Opry by Manuel' line and introduce new merchandise categories for the Opry including artisan/craft products and home decor items."

"We expect the new store, with its one-of-kind merchandise offerings and uniquely-Nashville experiences to become one of downtown Nashville's premier destinations," Buchanan said. More than half a million guests visited the Opry's store located within the Grand Ole Opry House in 2008.

"Opry originals is the ultimate marriage of heritage and hip-factor, a celebration of both the history and future of country music in a style we call 'Country Cool,'' said Paul Kechleiter, Chief Creative Officer of FRCH Design Worldwide, Cincinnati, Ohio, designer of the new store.

The 300 Broadway structure was built circa 1911 as the home of the Broadway National Bank. It housed banking instituations until 1987 and has been occupied by R.C. Mathew and The Mathews Co. since 1991.