Great Escape moves to Midtown in 2027

The Great Escape will move its main Nashville location to Midtown in early 2027. The store, known for used records and games, is leaving the West Nashville neighborhood called The Nations. This move ends an 18-year run at the current site.

The business was founded in 1977 by Gary Walker and Peggy Walker in Midtown. It operated at that location until losing its lease in 2010. The store then moved to a former bowling alley at 5400 Charlotte Ave. in 2008. Rob Baker and Candace Baker purchased the business in 2017. Greg Walker, the son of the founders, also holds an ownership stake.

Rob Baker, co-owner, stated the new address will be 1501 Church St. He expects to have about 14 employees working from the new space. The building previously housed Williams Medical Supply. Baker said the team is ready to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary in 2027 from the new location.

The move is driven by development plans at the current Charlotte Ave. site. Elmington Capital Group bought the 7.4-acre property in January 2022 for $17 million. The company is redeveloping the land. Reports indicate a Sprouts Farmers Market may open at the strip center. Elmington officials did not respond to requests for comment on whether the existing retail buildings will be renovated or demolished.

In July, Rob Baker noted that the current building combines retail, warehouse, online operations, and offices. He recalled that the store survived the 2010 flood with three feet of water in the building. The Great Escape also has stores in Madison, Murfreesboro, Bowling Green, and Louisville.

The relocation comes as the business prepares for its 50th year of operation. The original founders started the company in Midtown, making this a return to its historical home base. The new location sits in a part of the city where the business began its history in 1977.

Other tenants in the Charlotte Ave. strip center are also planning moves. Melissa's Sir Pizza is raising funds to assist with its relocation. A GoFundMe page shows 67 participants have committed $5,124 toward a $26,000 goal. The pizza shop has not disclosed its future location.