Shops in Pigeon Forge

[Former_Member]

I live out on Douglas Lake in Sevierville (3 years) and have wondered why anything related to local art seems only to be sold in Gatlinburg. The shops in Pigeon Forge or Sevierville seem to be loaded with "made in China" stuff for tourists. Is there any interest in the arts in PF and Sevierville??? I'd love to open a shop in Pigeon Forge selling only "made in Tennessee" items, but is this something that has been done and didn't work here?

[Former_Member]

You have to dig to find the local artisans in Pigeon Forge. I know there are some places around the Old Mill in PF (or there used to be), but the majority of the handmade stuff is up around Gatlinburg, in the Craftsman community. Arrowmont is up in Gatlinburg, too, so I guess the craftspeople just tend to gravitate to that area.

PF caters to the tourons, I mean, tourists, (:D) so it's going to be a bit harder to get going there, but that doesn't mean it's not possible!

[ShugeiCraft]

Bahahaha, Erin - I giggled when you said 'tourons.' I've been guilty of using that word once or twice myself.

Libby - I agree with Erin, sadly. I think the market may not be as strong in Pigeon Forge. When you go to Disney on vacation, for example, you're probably more likely to buy the $12 mug than the $100 statue of the castle. It's not that one is more or less representative of the experience. One is just cheaper for your vacation budget.

People go to Gatlinburg with the expectation that they're buying artisan goods at a higher price. People go into the shops along the strip in PF looking for wooden bear paw keychains. :(

Have you thought about looking for a space over near the mill? There are a lot of little shops in there that have the right feel. Plus, you'll get traffic from the craft tent in the fall and the folks waiting for the trolley.

I don't know if it makes you feel any better, but my mom has asked the same question.

[Former_Member]

I did my time, working at that Ruby's over there on the Parkway. I know no better name for them than tourons. LOL

[Former_Member]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/122558637/headband-hand-folded-flower-with-jewels

[Former_Member]

I used to sell in several shops in PF, but they all ended up moving to Gatlinburg for more tourists and later went out of business anyway.
I have been selling at 2 Rivers Antiques & Collectibles for over 10 years now and do well there. The store has a lot of discount type items, but I have developed quite a following of customers who appreciate handmade items and know to find my items there.
I would Love to see a new Handmade shop in PF.

[LTGKreations]

See I have the same issue... I eventually want to open my own shop as well and have thought the same thing. But even if I open a shop in the old mill area, I'll need traffic more than just in fall for the craft tent fair. So I'll probably wind up in Gatlinburg as well!!!

[BitsofClayJewelry]

The craft shops in Pigeon Forge what I have been have only made in China handicrafts for sale. There are a few that offer real handmade crafts, very few.A friend had an art shop in the middle of Pigeon Forge and I had my handmade jewelry there and we had very low sales. She had to close the shop. I, also, sold wholesale to one shop and inquired later about the jewelry and was told, "It is not moving." I think Pigeon Forge is a very hard area to offer high end handmade items. I'm sorry to be so negative about this, but it's what I have experienced. It is very family oriented and most spend on kid-friendly activities, food and lodging.

[Former_Member]

Honestly, the Glades Road area in Gatlinburg is probably better, although I realize those are artisans with their own shops. Pigeon Forge tourons, I mean tourists (:D) are going to be more interested in cheap t-shirts and stuff from Belz or the AS SEEN ON TV store. (hahahaha)

[Former_Member]

I find this area pf to be saturated with so much stuff that it is hard to sell good hand made objects. there are a few shop down wares valley that have some good local crafts and such but not much. I myself and quit a few others would love to make a living here with our crafts BUT as stated before people want cheap junk . I live here in pigion Forge I see what people spend there money on and its not good crafeted stuff

[ArtByCynthiaAnn]

I agree. Very few visitors come looking for handmade items or art. Most visitors come here for hiking or inexpensive family vacations. Other's come for the outlet malls. It's very sad that there is not more interest in hand crafted items as in the past. I really don't see anything new along the Glades either. But there seems to be a few that are selling. The Rotary's craft tent at Patriot Park in the fall seems to do well but I notice a number of sellers there are not local.

[Former_Member]

It's really sad to hear all that, because the Music & Arts Festival that used to be in Sevierville was always great, as was the Apple Festival. I don't think those even exist anymore, do they? Considering how rich the mountain area used to be in quality homemade goods (because it had to be!), it's just sad to see it the way it is now.

But let's be honest - it's not much better here anymore, either. *sad face*

[FCCNativeCrafts]

I have looked into opening a small shop in the Glades for several years. Perhaps some of us could get together and go in on it together!