All Aboard for Nashville! Iconic
Lionel Trains to open store in Opry Mills
CONCORD,
N.C. (August 9, 2023) – Lionel, the most widely
recognized brand in the toy train industry, is opening its next retail location
at Opry Mills – the destination shopping center in Nashville, Tenn.
The
Lionel Store at Opry Mills will open its doors on September 1. The official grand
opening celebration is slated for October.
“We are
extremely excited about Nashville and Opry Mills. This city is a booming destination with a
great mix of history and modern vibrancy.
We know there is a rich train culture as well as an enthusiastic
interest in NASCAR racing and beyond,” Howard Hitchcock, Lionel CEO said. “It’s
a perfect mix for Lionel.”
In
addition to model trains, track, and accesories, Lionel is also the Official
Die-cast of NASCAR and will offer a wide selection of its licensed die-cast
race cars in its Nashville store.
The 3,400-square-foot space across from Five
Below features two model train displays designed by Lionel’s own train experts.
There is also a racing-themed area packed with the company’s die-cast cars and
NASCAR memorabilia.
“Nashville
in recent years has emerged as a racing city, from its open wheel events to the
return of the NASCAR Cup Series at Nashville Speedway,” Hitchcock said.
“Similar to our headquarters in Concord, North Carolina with its close
proximity to race team shops and sanctioned events, this location will put us
in the heart of the racing resurgence in Tennessee.”
The Lionel Store at Opry Mills is the latest step in the historic
company’s long-term plan for retail sales expansion. Lionel’s flagship store, located
at Concord Mills in Concord, N.C., is celebrating its fifth anniversary in
September.