Longtime shop owner Bob Roethemeyer announces retirement, plans to close Avec Moi

Bob Roethemeyer has seen plenty of changes in Downtown Franklin since opening his popular shop, Avec Moi, in 2009. His passion for both his business and the community remains a constant, however — even as he prepares to close the doors of his charming, French-inspired boutique.

“I’ve spent my whole career in retail,” said Roethemeyer, who plans to shutter the business in December. “I really never wanted to do anything else. So here I am, 48 years later, and I can honestly say that I chose something that I was passionate about and that I truly enjoyed.”

Roethemeyer started out working in a junior department store as a teenager in Paducah, Ky., and never looked back. He would go on to build a successful career, working with big-name retailers like Restoration Hardware and Williams Sonoma — where he developed an eye for details and a gift for presentation.

“Just like we eat with our eyes first, I think we shop with our eyes,” he said. “From the moment you walk in, it needs to be well presented, engaging and enticing. And that goes for any retailer — presentation is really everything. My time spent at both Williams Sonoma and Restoration Hardware reinforced that idea. And I like to joke that I have a tendency to think more is more. Some retailers go the other way with the idea that less is more, but I guess I just find that a little boring.”

There’s certainly nothing boring about Avec Moi’s curated mix of new and vintage items — most hand-selected by Roethemeyer himself at various markets and antique shows around the country. From vintage glass and dinnerware to colorful novelty socks, gift books, stylish women’s apparel, accessories and jewelry, Roethemeyer prides himself on offering a chic blend of old and new.

“I’ve paid close attention to what our customers want, and it’s always exciting to see how they’ll respond,” said Roethemeyer, who first got involved with the Downtown Franklin Association in 2009 and served as the organization’s president from 2012-15.

“I think that’s what I’ll miss most — having people come in on those days where I’ve re-merchandised the store, setting up the tables and featuring some new products in a fun way. I always looked forward to the reaction, having customers come in and say ‘Oh my gosh, this all looks so pretty. What a beautiful shop.’”

Those customers include a healthy blend of local residents and out-of-town visitors, including more and more international tourists.

“Franklin really has become more of a global destination,” he said. “I can’t tell you the number of folks that we see from Great Britain, France, really all over. It makes me happy to think that our formerly sleepy little town of Franklin, Tenn., now attracts so many international visitors. We’re also attracting a younger demographic these days, with more bachelorette parties and weddings coming to the area.”

When asked about the future, Roethemeyer said that he’s looking forward to taking a bit of time off to “catch up on life.” But he intends to stay busy with the annual Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville and other wide-ranging interests.

“I think people’s idea of retirement has changed,” he said. “I’m sure there are still some that assume you stop working and just stay home watching TV. But that could not be further from the truth for me. I know I’ll be just as active, and my calendar will be just as full. I’m looking forward to the Antiques & Garden Show, which I’ve done for at least 10 or 11 years. And I’m sure I’ll be doing some smaller shows, as well.

"I’ve actually been toying with the idea of doing a pop-up show at our house — my husband and I live on 5 acres, and it would be a pretty venue. I’ll definitely have an online presence in some way, and I also have a vacation rental property in the downtown that is another passion project. It’s a lovely place, with sort of a French apartment feel and very much reflective of my taste, so I’m excited to do a little more in terms of marketing and managing that.”

But for now, Roethemeyer remains focused on his loyal customers and the upcoming shopping season.

“A lot depends on my ability to maintain inventory, but I’d like to be here until the first week or so of December,” he said. “I feel like I owe that to my customers, and I have a feeling that we’ll be busy as people start their Christmas shopping. It’s always a fun time of year, and I’m looking forward to seeing folks out and about. After that, who knows? I’ll still be around, and busy as ever – I just won’t be at 418 Main Street.”

Visit Avec Moi at 418 Main Street in Downtown Franklin.