The Shops at Carriage Crossing in Collierville is buzzing with new businesses, and even more additions are slated to join the party soon.
One of the latest to enter the lineup is POPPZ Drinks & Sweets, situated at 4674 Merchants Park Circle, Suite 137. Located opposite Massage Envy and next to Carrabba’s, POPPZ is set to delight Collierville locals with its custom sodas and Southern-inspired beverages.
The idea for POPPZ sparked when Jennifer Purnell’s son became enamored with diverse cultures across the country, particularly in the Western region. His fascination with the soda shops and specialty drinks popular there made Purnell recognize a gap in such offerings in the South, inspiring the creation of POPPZ.
A local entrepreneur and consultant, Purnell jumped at the chance to enter Carriage Crossing’s Pop Local Contest last fall. The contest offered winners three rent-free months of retail space and an additional $5,000 startup fund.
Though initially planning to select just two winners, Edwards Realty Company was so impressed by the caliber of applicants and their compatibility with the retail space that they extended the number of winners to six, with POPPZ among them.
Beyond their signature sodas, POPPZ will feature regional favorites like sweet tea and cold lemonade. They’ll also craft custom beverages such as the ‘Romeo,’ a mix of Diet Dr. Pepper, vanilla, and coconut; the ‘Juliet,’ featuring house-made lemon-limeade with butterfly pea and lavender; and the ‘Big Poppa,’ a blend of Root Beer, blackberry, and coconut.
Purnell told What Now Memphis that the interior of POPPZ will evoke the ambiance of a “vibed-out coffee shop,” catering to customers looking to grab their favorite drink on the go.
With plans to open in late spring 2024, likely in June, Purnell is enthusiastic about the journey ahead. “We are so grateful to be selected as a winner and are in the process of building out the space…” she shared. “Our vision for POPPZ is to bring joy & excitement to our customers’ lives one sip at a time.”
