For UT students, the three-mile trek to the nearest traditional grocery store will become much shorter.
The new University Commons will include a Walmart and Publix within walking distance for UT students, Knoxville’s first urban retail center adjacent to campus.
Walmart opened its doors Aug. 6, and Publix is scheduled to open later this August.
A Volshop which will sell UT apparel, graduation supplies and technology goods is also set to open alongside Walmart which Mike McGuffin, partner with CHM, LLC, the Knoxville-based real estate development firm behind University Commons, said has been a long-term goal to “compliment campus life and the college experience.”
Though the University Commons will be located closest to freshman dorms and Sorority Village, both of which require residents to purchase a meal plan, university officials consider the retail center’s position advantageous.
“The area in which the retail center is located will attract a large volume of pedestrian traffic from the university community,” said Jeff Maples, senior associate vice chancellor.
Before, area surrounding UT campus was considered a food desert, lacking access to fresh foods.
The new Walmart and Publix will absolve this as the Walmart will have a limited grocery, and the Publix will be fully outfitted.
“(Walmart) will have a wide variety of merchandise,” said Katelyn Fish, account executive for Lovell Communications. “College-oriented things, a pharmacy, limited grocery items and anything and everything back to school.”
Janet Bayles, store manager of the new Walmart, graduated from UT in 2002 with a B.A. in retail and consumer sciences, and, as a former UT student, said the new shopping center will be a great resource for students.
“I know students buy a lot of things like Ramen noodles and mac and cheese and things like that,” Bayles said. “I think it will be really great for the students. I was a UT student, and I went to the Walmart on Chapman. It will be really convenient for students to have something so much closer.”
The new shopping center will be composed of two stories. On the first floor, parking will be available, and on the second, Publix, Walmart and four additional shops will be available including Great Clips, Blush Boutique, Fresh to Order and Jersey Mike’s Subs.
