Altar’d State opened in late September at Briarwood. The women’s fashion and decor store, in the former Coldwater Creek near the center court, has a high-end bohemian feeling–it’s more like Anthropologie in Arbor Hills Crossing than any of Briarwood’s past or current stores.
It also sets itself apart with its spiritual origins: the original Altar’d State in Knoxville was a Christian retail store and coffee shop, and the company website still has a “prayer requests” page. While the merchandise includes pillows and wall hangings with biblical quotes, most is nondenominational.
Employees say they can’t be quoted in the media but stress that the store is not just for Christians. In a press release, Briarwood’s parent company, Simon Property Group, claims that the store is for shoppers “16 or 60.” It seems likely that the scented candles and leather bags will be more of a hit with sexagenarians than the floral rompers or off-the-shoulder sweater dresses.
The national company also emphasizes charity. According to the website, it donates 1 percent of all sales to local and international charities and pays employees for four hours’ work for charities every month.
Altar’d State (Briarwood), 441-6700. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
