March 21, 2026
Artists, students, educators, and office professionals across Tennessee rely on a consistent supply of quality markers and highlighters for everything from classroom note-taking to professional illustration. Businesses operating in the markers and highlighters category in Tennessee must register with their county or city clerk and manage tax obligations through the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) at tntap.tn.gov, with an initial business registration fee of $15. The state applies a 7% state sales tax rate on retail purchases, including art supplies and office materials sold in physical locations statewide. Specialty retailers selling markers and highlighters must comply with state consumer protection statutes and maintain accurate sales records through TNTAP’s online portal.
The national picture provides a lens through which to view Tennessee’s own market dynamics. Tennessee has a broad and growing market for art and craft materials, supported by a thriving community of visual artists, graphic designers, and students at institutions such as Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee, and Belmont University. Demand for markers and highlighters spans multiple segments, from school and office use to professional illustration, architectural drawing, and mixed-media art. Retailers serving this market stock a wide range of products including permanent markers, water-based brush markers, dual-tip art markers, and fluorescent highlighters from brands such as Copic, Prismacolor, Sharpie, Stabilo, and Tombow.
Federal oversight ensures consistent product standards across Tennessee and all other states. Safety and labeling standards govern all art materials sold in Tennessee and across the United States. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D4236 requires that art materials, including markers and highlighters, be evaluated by a board-certified toxicologist and labeled with any necessary health information. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces toxicity requirements under Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1500, which defines hazardous substances and their required labeling. The Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA), enacted in 1988, incorporated ASTM D4236 into federal law, requiring conformance across all art materials marketed to consumers. The global highlighters and markers office supplies market was valued at $4,397.5 million in 2024.
With the regulatory context clear, buyers are better positioned to evaluate their options. Approaching markers and highlighters purchases in Tennessee with a clear understanding of key variables leads to better outcomes. Retailers throughout Tennessee offer a mix of value and specialty products to serve diverse buyer needs. Art supply stores commonly stock professional-grade alcohol- and water-based markers favored by illustrators, calligraphers, and designers, while craft chains and general office suppliers carry broader selections of ballpoint highlighters and washable markers suitable for classroom use. Confirming that non-toxic, child-safe markers carry the AP (Approved Product) seal from the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) confirms compliance with ASTM D4236. Tennessee retailers increasingly stock eco-friendly and refillable marker options as demand for sustainable stationery products grows across the region. The AP (Approved Product) safety seal from the Art & Creative Materials Institute on a marker indicates toxicological evaluation for children’s use, and ink type, whether permanent, dry-erase, or water-based, determines suitability for specific applications.
Top Markers & Highlighters Providers in Tennessee
Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing
- Address: 1205 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
- Phone: (615) 254-3368
- Website: https://www.plazaart.com
- Description: Plaza Artist Materials carries a professional selection of art supplies including markers, brush pens, and highlighters from leading brands. The store serves artists and designers in the Nashville area and offers custom picture framing services alongside its retail inventory. Staff are knowledgeable about art materials and available to assist customers in selecting the appropriate markers for specific media and techniques.
Marker Supply
- Address: 113 Graylynn Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
- Phone: (615) 770-2777
- Website: https://www.markersupply.com
- Description: Marker Supply operates a retail storefront and warehouse in Nashville’s Donelson area, stocking hundreds of markers and related art supplies. The store is co-located with Paper and Ink Arts, a calligraphy and fine paper retailer, offering customers access to art markers alongside specialty inks and papers. Customers may also place online orders for local pickup at the Nashville location.
Jerry’s Artarama Nashville
- Address: 713 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
- Phone: (615) 731-5901
- Website: https://store.nashville-jerrys.com
- Description: Jerry’s Artarama Nashville stocks a wide range of art materials including markers, colored pens, and highlighters for artists at all skill levels. The store offers same-day delivery for orders placed before noon and curbside pickup as additional service options. A broad selection of brushes, canvases, paints, and paper products accompanies the marker inventory.
Smart Art + Craft Supplies
- Address: 2416 Music Valley Dr, Suite 106, Nashville, TN 37214
- Phone: (615) 454-5808
- Website: https://smartartandcraft.org
- Description: Smart Art + Craft Supplies is a resale shop offering new and gently used art and craft materials at reduced prices, including markers, crayons, and ink supplies. The store benefits Progress, Inc., a nonprofit serving adults with intellectual disabilities in Middle Tennessee. Shoppers can find a rotating inventory of donated art supplies, making it a practical option for budget-conscious artists and educators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find professional-grade art markers in Nashville?
Plaza Artist Materials and Marker Supply both carry professional art markers from brands such as Copic and Tombow. Both stores are located in Nashville and stock a broad selection for illustrators and designers. You can browse in-store inventory and get staff recommendations before purchasing. For more information, visit https://www.markersupply.com
Can I call ahead to confirm marker availability before visiting a store?
Yes, most Tennessee art supply stores accept phone inquiries about current inventory. Calling ahead is especially useful for specialty markers such as dual-tip brush pens, alcohol markers, or refill sets, which may have limited stock. Jerry’s Artarama Nashville is a good option to call for larger selections of both student and professional-grade products. Reach them at (615) 731-5901.
Are children’s markers sold in Tennessee required to meet any federal safety standards?
Yes, children’s markers sold in the United States, including in Tennessee, must comply with the Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act, which mandates conformance with ASTM D4236 for toxicological evaluation and labeling. Products meeting this standard carry an AP (Approved Product) seal from the Art and Creative Materials Institute. Retailers are also subject to federal hazardous substance labeling requirements under Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 47-25-101.
What organization certifies art markers as non-toxic for use in schools?
The Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) administers the certification program for art materials used in educational settings. Products awarded the AP (Approved Product) seal have been evaluated by a board-certified toxicologist and confirmed to meet ASTM D4236 requirements. Many school districts across Tennessee specify that only ACMI-certified markers be used in classrooms. The certifying body is the Art and Creative Materials Institute.
Does Smart Art + Craft Supplies accept donations of unused markers and art supplies?
Smart Art + Craft Supplies accepts donations of new and gently used art and craft materials during regular business hours. The store resells donated items at reduced prices to Nashville’s creative community, with all proceeds supporting Progress, Inc. Donors benefit from knowing their unused supplies go directly toward supporting adults with intellectual disabilities in Middle Tennessee. For donation guidelines, visit https://smartartandcraft.org
What are the store hours for Marker Supply’s Nashville retail location?
Marker Supply’s Nashville storefront at 113 Graylynn Drive is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM. Local pickup for online orders placed before noon is available the same day. Customers seeking calligraphy supplies alongside markers can also browse the Paper and Ink Arts inventory available at the same location. Call the store directly at (615) 770-2777.
What are the return and warranty terms for markers and highlighters purchased in Tennessee?
Markers and highlighters in unopened, sealed packaging are generally returnable within 30 days at Tennessee retailers with a receipt. Opened markers or highlighters that have been used, tested, or have had caps removed for extended periods cannot be returned, as the ink may have dried or the product may be partially consumed. Multi-packs and sets are typically returnable only if the entire set is returned in its original packaging. Markers and highlighters do not carry formal manufacturer warranties, but markers found to be dried out, leaking, or defective upon first use should be reported to the manufacturer, as major brands like Sharpie, Crayola, and Pilot maintain customer service lines that will replace defective products upon verification. Tennessee buyers purchasing markers in bulk for educational or business use should inspect a sample from each batch upon delivery and retain all packaging for potential claims.