Primark

A Primark location in Sawgrass Mills, Florida 

 Courtesy of Primark

Clothing store Primark is set to open its first area location on Oct. 30 at CoolSprings Galleria. 

Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Primark offers fashion, homewares and beauty products. 

The CoolSprings Galleria location marks the second Tennessee location for the retail chain, with the first area site having opened in Memphis in July. Primark locations are also planned for Minnesota, Georgia and two in Florida, according to a press release. There are currently 33 Primark stores in the United States. 

"We continue to see exciting opportunities for growth across the Southern US, following our recent opening at Wolfchase Galleria this past July,” Kevin Tulip, President of Primark US, says in the release.

"The enthusiasm from shoppers discovering Primark for the first time has been amazing to witness, and we know Tennesseans are eager for on-trend, affordable fashion. We can't wait to bring that same energy to Franklin as we open at CoolSprings Galleria and connect more families and fashion lovers with the Primark experience."

Williamson Health Adds Primary Care Providers

Williamson Health Medical Group announced this week that it added six new primary care providers. 

Internal medicine specialist Dr. Heather Rowe is serving patients at the recently opened Williamson Health primary care clinic. Ashley Hall, an adult nurse practitioner, is also serving at the new clinic. Women’s health nurse practitioner Kelsey McKeon Johnson serves patients at the Williamson Health urogynecology and pelvic floor office in Franklin. Williamson County native Chris Shavers, a physician assistant, is serving patients at the West Franklin primary care center. Family nurse practitioner Katrina Zandieh works at the system’s Nolensville primary care clinic. Claudia Cortez, a nurse practitioner, is based at The Heritage, a senior living community in Brentwood. 

The news follows the independently owned local hospital having announced in July that it was exploring a sale. 

“The addition of these skilled and compassionate providers to the Williamson Health Medical Group reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality medical care for the people of our community,” Tim Burton, chief administrative officer of Williamson Health Medical Group, says in a news release. “Each brings an impressive background of both expertise and experience, and we are delighted to welcome them to our growing team.”

Visitors Set Spending Record 

Williamson County visitors spent a record $1.37 billion in 2024, the Tennessean reported, citing recent Tennessee Department of Tourist Development data.  

The figure marks a 3 percent increase from 2023, making it one of the most-visited counties in the state. The report also detailed that those visitors spent $293.2 million on lodging, $462.5 million on food and beverage, $191.9 million on transportation and $175.7 million on retail. 

“Tourism continues to thrive in Williamson County,” Maureen Thornton, president and CEO of the Williamson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, says in a news release.

“Thanks to the work of the hospitality industry and thousands across the county, tourism not only adds to the everyday quality of life for our citizens but also employs thousands and translates into real money saved by every household.”