When you step into a furniture store, you’re not just shopping for a sofa or dining table—you’re investing in your home, your comfort, and your memories. In Knoxville, where family gatherings and Southern hospitality are a way of life, choosing where you shop makes all the difference. That’s why more and more homeowners are turning away from big-box retailers and instead choosing trusted local businesses like O.P. Jenkins Furniture & Design, a family-owned Knoxville staple for over a century.
Here are five powerful reasons to consider shopping local the next time you’re ready to invest in your home furnishings.
1. Local Expertise Rooted in Community
Unlike national chains, local businesses are deeply connected to their community. O.P. Jenkins, for example, has been serving Knoxville families since 1907—that’s over 100 years of listening to what local homeowners want and need. Whether it’s designing around a historic Old North Knox home or creating a warm, modern look for a Farragut family’s new build, local experts bring insights no online cart can match.
2. Curated Quality That Lasts Generations
When you buy furniture from a local store, you’re not just purchasing something that fills a room—you’re investing in a piece meant to last. Did you know that high-quality furniture can last 15–20 years or more, while cheaply made alternatives often wear out in less than 5? Local showrooms like O.P. Jenkins hand-select their inventory, prioritizing craftsmanship, durable fabrics, and timeless design that stands the test of time. And since OP Jenkins has been serving Knoxville furniture shoppers for over 100 years we know what brands last, we can help you decide which pieces will grow with you and your family and your home to help you make investments that will benefit you year after year.
3. A Personalized Shopping Experience
Big-box chains often feel overwhelming: endless aisles, limited staff, and little help pulling together a cohesive look. Online furniture shopping is even more tedious and seeing the actual size, colors and craftsmanship is important, especially if you are looking for pieces that will last. At a local furniture store, you’ll find a more thoughtful experience. O.P. Jenkins offers personalized design support—from helping you select the right sectional for your family movie nights to choosing fabrics that fit your lifestyle (yes, even ones that stand up to kids and pets).
4. Supporting Knoxville’s Economy
When you spend money at a local business, nearly 68 cents of every dollar stays in the community. That money goes on to support local schools, jobs, and nonprofits. Shopping at O.P. Jenkins means you’re not just furnishing your home—you’re strengthening Knoxville’s local economy and keeping East Tennessee thriving.
5. Unique Pieces That Make Your Home Yours
Skip the cookie-cutter look. Local stores focus on curating distinctive, hand-picked furniture you won’t find everywhere else. That means your living room won’t look identical to your neighbor’s—it will reflect your family’s personality and taste. At OP Jenkins our staff prides themselves on working with every guest to help you find the best pieces for your home and lifestyle. Plus, we offer professional interior design services.
At the end of the day, shopping local is about connection—connection to your home, to your style, and to your community. If you’re ready to bring more personality, quality, and meaning into your living spaces, visit O.P. Jenkins Furniture & Design in Knoxville and experience what it means to truly shop local. We look forward to helping you make your house feel like home.