You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not shout, I’m telling you why—new stores are coming to town! New commerce has hit Tullahoma just in time for Christmas shopping. And let’s be honest, shopping this holiday season will be much more convenient as the need to drive to Nashville, Huntsville, or Murfreesboro has dissipated. Adding stores such as Marshalls, Ross, Old Navy, Ulta, and 5 Below has provided residents of Tullahoma with a greater selection of gifts and goods to place under the tree this holiday season. This year, locals will be able to cross off items on their shopping lists much faster and with much more ease.
But our town’s economic growth isn’t just affecting our local residents. As Tullahoma is experiencing incredible growth, more and more people are beginning to flock to our community to shop and play. Winston Brooks, executive director for the Tullahoma Area Economic Development Corporation, called Tullahoma a “regional retail hub.” Similarly, the city of Tullahoma’s planning director, Mary Samaniego, shared, “It has been my observation that Tullahoma serves as the shopping center for the Southern Middle Tennessee region. And theoretically, if someone comes from Winchester to shop at Marshalls in Tullahoma, hopefully they will stop and shop at local businesses in town as well.”
Samaniego spoke about the future implications of Tullahoma City’s recent economic growth and said, “This is an asset to Tullahoma. In my eyes, it will further economic growth for all the businesses in town.” In essence, Samaniego’s viewpoint could be summed up in the phrase “the more, the merrier.”
More gifts this way! Not only does having new retail stores in Tullahoma provide convenience and drive economic development, but it also directly benefits taxpayers. A large percentage of the city of Tullahoma’s revenue comes from sales tax. Brooks explained, “We’re a growing city, so the retail sales tax has really been growing over the last 10 years. This has allowed the city not to have to raise property taxes, and it will continue to do that.”
Additionally, he added, “Our sales tax is a bright spot. Being that regional retail hub has given us the ability to continue the quality of life we enjoy in Tullahoma. It helps us fund our school systems, roads, police, fire, and public works.”
Facilitating and making room for growth like this is a move in the right direction and a gift. Since Marshalls, the first new retail store, opened its doors on August 11, 2022, this small town hasn’t stopped moving and shaking. Commercial construction sites popped up in the late summer and fall months on what seemed like every corner of every major road. But to be transparent, the “boom and bustle” is not over yet. Brooks, whose primary professional role is attracting capital and recruiting new businesses, said that there is more in store for Tullahoma. He confirmed, “There are a lot of other exciting developments going on. Many people want to move to Tullahoma and open up businesses. We have businesses looking to expand into our airport — details of whichwe cannot announce yet.” GN
