If you ventured out to Market Square about 7 years ago looking for some clever greeting cards and maybe a scrabble tile necklace, you would have been sorely disappointed (“Is there anyone out there!?”)

Now, however, your every quirky shirt and necklace need is filled as you turn the corner to Union Avenue, and see Rala.

Rala is the kind of store where you may not find anything for Grandma, but you will find something for that friend of yours who has a really off beat sense of humor. The kind who’s sole source of clothing is snorgtees.com and who also has a deep love of Tennessee (I’m talking hang the magnet, wear the shirt, hold the state mug kind of love).

Don’t be fooled by their “Anthropology” like exterior, Rala is also an art gallery. They feature regional and local artistry and keep shoppers guessing by changing up their merchandise on a regular basis (which translates to-you find it, you buy it, or someone else will).

As far as pricing goes, they are a little pricier then I thought they would be. However, they are mostly one of a kind gifts so really it’s the thought and the specialness that counts!

Besides, where else can you find snarky t-shirts (around $25), hand made cards (around $2.50), and mugs smiling at you with way too many teeth without having to break a sweat from leaving your lunch at Tomatoe Head!? Well, you do have some close options (more than you had 7 years ago that’s for sure!), but no place any where near as quirky and loveable as Rala!