Murfreesboro’s unique Better Than Vintage shop, a charming reinvention of a small RV-turned-mobile-store, has recently been asked to vacate its location on Franklin Road. This development has stirred interest among residents and raised questions about the regulations governing mobile businesses in the city.
The shop, which had become a quaint fixture in the parking lot of Re-Invintage Home on Franklin Road, offered a novel retail experience from Kayla Skyers and Victoria Wilegus by operating out of a renovated recreational vehicle. Its blend of vintage charm and modern entrepreneurship had attracted attention from shoppers and passersby.
Better Than Vintage operated as off-grid as possible, using solar-powered lights and looking into the purchase of a generator.
Local reaction to the news of the conflict between the business and city officials has been mixed on social media, with some residents expressing disappointment at the loss of a distinctive shopping option, with others curious about the specifics of the violations that led to this decision.
The situation came to light when the Murfreesboro Planning Department received a complaint about the shop’s operation at 3781 Franklin Rd. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the business lacked a city business license and a special use permit for a temporary vendor. Additionally, the shop’s location in a federally regulated floodway raised safety concerns.
The Planning Department provided the owner with application forms for a special use permit, required for temporary vendors in Murfreesboro. They also supplied copies of the relevant zoning codes and explained the application process in detail.
According to Murfreesboro Public Information Officer Mike Browning, once approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals, a special use permit is valid for 70 days at each location. A business may submit applications for multiple locations if needed.
The Planning Department, in collaboration with the Buildings and Codes Department, also addressed concerns about the camper’s condition in an aim to ensure both regulatory compliance and public safety.
While the shop has temporarily relocated to address the concerns, the owners now have a better understanding of the steps needed to operate legally within the city and the situation can serve as an educational opportunity for other mobile or temporary businesses within Murfreesboro.
Better Than Vintage had a lease agreement in place with Re-Invintage Home and was paying a monthly rent of $400 to occupy space in their parking lot on the property owned by Joe Swanson.
However, four months into their agreement to operate on the property, city zoning inspector Eddie Smotherman informed the business that it would need to vacate the premises within a matter of days.
“Technically, because we don’t own the property,” Kayla explains, “if we don’t leave, they can tow the camper and take it.”
The Better Than Vintage inventory includes 1,000–2,000 pieces of vintage clothing. Moving this inventory, along with the heavy camper itself, has proven to be a significant logistical hurdle.
“It’s not like we can just pop up around town. We have to find a place to stay,” Kayla says.
The business has found temporary homes for portions of its inventory at local shops like Vintage Gypsy Beauty, Zenful Art and Boro Health and Wellness Spa. It remains to be seen whether the shop will find a new location within Murfreesboro or if this marks the end of its unique presence in the city.
In a world increasingly dominated by chain stores and franchises, the unique character of towns is often shaped by their local businesses. Terry Lee, owner of Re-Invintage Home, emphasizes the importance of supporting these establishments to foster community pride, individuality and the distinct flavor of a town.
“Nobody wants to be in a town where the downtown isn’t thriving, and ours is and I’m incredibly proud of that,” Lee says. “But I think the city could do a better job of supporting all their locally owned businesses, not just the ones that are down there on the Square.”
For now, the business is still operating as a online store. Keep up with Better Than Vintage on Facebook and Instagram for more details.
For more information about business licenses, zoning regulations and special use permits in Murfreesboro, visit murfreesborotn.gov or contact the City Planning Department at 615-893-6441.
