In 2022, Rachel Thomas and her husband, Bruce, decided to purchase a building space in Old Hickory to serve as the new location for their company, RT Medical, LLC; a very successful Clinical Respiratory Homecare company that they have owned since 2006. Initially, their hope in purchasing the new building was to not only have a new location for RT Medical but also to find another medical tenant who could lease the extra available space directly beside it. Fast forward to December 2023, the Thomas’ continued their search for potential tenants to no avail and they knew something had to be done to fill the available space. That’s when the idea for Old Hickory Social & Marketplace was born.
This exciting decision quickly set Thomas on the unexpected path to opening an upscale, luxury merchant mall with the help of her assistant from RT Medical, Jenny Nguyen-Clark, who would become Old Hickory Social’s Director of Operations. It’s even more exciting to note how quickly the new marketplace came together. Old Hickory Social launched its website on New Year's Eve and began constructing the space on January 5th. And in March 2024, it officially opened its doors. From the time Old Hickory Social was formed as an idea to the time of its soft-opening was exactly 60 days!
Thomas and Nguyen-Clark have worked diligently to propel Old Hickory Social & Marketplace into a widely popular merchant mall that serves as the go-to spot not only for a unique shopping experience but for the many community events the store proudly hosts as well. Old Hickory Social is where shoppers can come to take part in weekly activities like block parties, political meet and greets, fashion show kick-off parties, chamber of commerce events, classic car shows, and art classes, just to name a few. Giving back to the community is also something that Thomas and Nguyen-Clark are passionate about. Most recently, they held a ‘Back to School Supply Giveaway’ at Old Hickory Social where countless school supplies were given to help kiddos as they prepare for the new school year.
What began as an idea, was quickly put into motion and became something where people come together to experience fun, shopping, and most importantly, community. Old Hickory Social, we are glad you’re here!
Don’t miss the latest from Old Hickory Social & Marketplace, visit www.oldhickorysocial.com.
What began as an idea, was quickly put into motion and became something where people come together to experience fun, shopping, and most importantly, community.