Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Atlanta
Whether you are looking for retail therapy or want to take your partner on a luxury shopping spree, there is no stopping you in Atlanta. Shopping in Atlanta, GA is quite enjoyable, especially when you combine it with good food on a terrace overlooking Atlanta Botanical Garden. Shopping in Atlanta is both crazy and relaxing, cheap and expensive, and is just what the doctor ordered.
Don't let your heavy luggage slow you down. Find a luggage storage locker in Atlanta and leave it there, because you have some serious shopping to do.
Popular Shopping Malls
Lenox Square Mall
This mall has been the center of the shopping scene in Atlanta since 1959. Located in Buckhead Village District in the heart of the city, this mall makes for a great shopping day out with friends or family. This is the kind of shopping center where you can easily spend your hard-earned money, even if you were not planning on spending a dime.
Expect to find over 250 stores with brand names like Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Prada, Gap, Cartier, Pandora, Sephora, and more! This multi-floored mall is also home to Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus department stores, which take up most of the retail space in the mall.
When the stomach starts growling, it is easy to calm your hunger pangs with anything your heart desires at the enormous food court. From restaurants like Sweetgreen, Chipotle, and Cousins Maine Lobster, there is no reason for you to leave the mall hungry.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday & Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 12am-6pm
Phipps Plaza
This upscale mall is right across Lenox Mall and boasts more luxury than any other mall in Atlanta, GA. If you thought Lenox Square Mall had the best shops, you have to go and check this place out. Here you will find a handful of designer stores and luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Prada and over 100 other high-end stores for serious shoppers. The mall is also home to Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom department stores.
If you are visiting with your kids, you can spend time in LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. You can also catch a flick at the AMC 14 movie theater. Hungry visitors can dine in the food court with restaurants offering a variety of international food. Treat your taste buds to some Italian specialties at Davio's or delicious burgers at Johnny Rockets.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday & Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 12am-6pm
Atlantic Station
If you are looking for a one-stop place for shopping, dining, and entertainment, hop on public transit and head down to Atlantic Station, a large shopping mall in Atlanta's westside. Atlantans love to shop in this open-air mall, especially on a sunny day. If you are traveling with family, this is your best bet.
From brick-paved streets and a Central Park in the middle (a mini version of New York's) to concerts and events, Atlantic Station promises a fun day out for visitors of all ages. There are over 50 stores selling anything from everyday items and gifts to cosmetics and fashion clothing. From Gap and the Banana Republic to IKEA, Target, H&M's flagship store, and Dillard's, Atlantic Station will take you on a shopping spree without you even realizing it.
Arriving hungry is not a problem! You can choose from various bars and restaurants where you can grab lunch or have a picnic in Central Park. The Regal IMAX theater is perfect for catching a flick with your partner or enjoying a family movie at the outdoors cinema during summer. Getting to Atlantic Station is super easy as there are free shuttles running from the Arts Center MARTA Station.
Hours: Monday–Saturday 10am-9pm; Sunday 11.30am-7pm
Popular Shopping Streets
Bennett Street
Bennett Street is the shopping hub of Atlanta offering diverse clothing brands, art galleries, antique shops, shoe stores, gift shops, and homeware, alongside plenty of bars and restaurants. If you are interested in interior design, check out the Stalls and the Interiors Market, where you can find a blend of modern, vintage, and antique home decor alongside accessories, furniture, and art.
Most shops on Bennett Street are open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Only a few are open on Sundays from 1pm to 5pm. Located in south Buckhead, the two-block stretch of Bennett Street makes for a nice stroll any time of the day. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the street is built on a hill.
Miami Circle
Staying in Buckhead? Buckhead district is one of the most popular areas in town, and Miami Circle in Buckhead is a must visit. The Circle is a half mile long street with a roundabout at the end. It is famous for its many upscale design shops and specialty decor.
There are over 60 showrooms and stores lining this industrial-looking street, most of which sell antiques, furnishings and fine art. Even window shopping on Miami Circle is enough to lift your spirits for the day. And when your legs start feeling heavy, head down to The Painted Pin, an upscale bowling alley for some seriously delicious craft cocktails.
Popular Shopping Areas
Buckhead Village District
For many locals, the best shopping in the city is in the newly revamped Buckhead Village District. It is highly likely to see celebrities in this upscale neighborhood doing their sidewalk stroll, dining in the stylish Gypsy Kitchen, or shopping in Dior. Walking around this 6-block complex, you will find a plethora of luxury retailers, such as Hermes, Tom Ford and Christian Louboutin, but art galleries, furniture stores and beautifully landscaped streets too.
It is no wonder that this high-end neighborhood is the epicenter of city shopping. In Buckhead Village District, you will find two of the most popular malls in Atlanta, Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. But besides fine dining, you can undoubtedly find bars and restaurants at affordable prices. And as far as antiques go, you can check out the Stalls and the Interiors market for some great deals.
Walking along Benett Street, just off Peachtree Road, you will find new art galleries, many antique shops, and plenty of eateries. This neighborhood is great for anyone looking to be part of urban Atlanta, surrounded by modern buildings, crowded streets and ready to spend some money.
Little Five Points
Anyone looking for something different than the modern malls adorning the concrete jungle, head down to Little Five Points neighborhood, the coolest hangout in Atlanta. You will find multiple trendy shops, quirky ones and thrifts stores, alongside many bars and restaurants. Enjoy the hip vibe surrounded by a youthful crowd waiting to buy comic books from Criminal Records.
This Bohemian neighborhood is ideal for friends or families looking to do some shopping on a sunny day, admire the street performers, or grab a burger at Vortex Bar & Grill. Start your journey at Euclid Avenue, where you can hop in and out of different shops, buying anything your heart desires. By anything, we mean anything from souvenirs, vinyl records, books, trendy clothes, gothic attire, vintage clothing, quirky gifts and you name it – this artsy neighborhood really has it all!
Department Stores and Outlets
Saks Fifth Avenue
Established in 1924, Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the oldest department stores in the States. You can find this international fashion icon in Phipps Plaza, selling a wide range of designer apparel, handbags and accessories, baby and toddler products, shoes, jewelry, perfumes and cosmetics.
Saks Fifth Avenue promises a luxury shopping experience to all of their customers offering services like Fifth Avenue Club, Virtual Appointments, Gastronomy Kitchen and The Salon Project. Featured brands at Saks Fifth Avenue are Vera Wang, Prada, Tom Ford, Dior, Estee Lauder among many others. If you want to feel like a star for a day, this is the perfect place.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm; Sunday 12pm-6pm
North Georgia Premium Outlets
When you are traveling on a budget but you just want to have that Burberry scarf or else, there is no better place than North Georgia Premium Outlets. Located about an hour's drive north of the city, on Georgia 400, this is a haven for all fashionistas hunting for a bargain. Featured designer brands and labels include Saks Fifth Off 5th, Burberry, Michael Kors, Kate Spade New York, Adidas, Polo, Tommy Hilfiger and another 150 more.
Deals go up to 70% off and you can also find "buy one get one free" promotions. The place gets fairly crowded, so expect to spend more than two hours. Right in the center of the outlet, there is a food court with lots of seating. There is a playground area for the kids or whenever you want to take a break.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm; Sunday 11am-7pm
Vintage Stores and Markets
The Clothing Warehouse
If you are a sucker for organized displays, you will love the rainbow concept of the Clothing Warehouse. The store makes it super easy to find what you came for. This is Atlantans favorite store for anything vintage, from vintage t-shirts and cowboy boots to vintage dresses, denim, jewelry and more.
There is always a fantastic selection of vintage clothing at affordable prices. The Clothing Warehouse is located on Moreland Avenue, in the Little Five Points neighborhood.
Hours: Monday – Thursday 11am – 8:30pm; Friday – Saturday 11am – 9pm; Sunday 12-7:30pm
Atlanta State Farmers Market
Also known as Forest Park Farmer's Market, Atlanta State Framers Market is one of the largest markets of its kind in the world, and as such promises a unique shopping experience for everyone traveling on a budget. Stalls selling all types of products are spread across 150 acres, which means there is a lot of walking, so make sure to wear your comfy shoes. Enjoy the bustling vibe of the market as you hop from one stall to another, filling your shopping bags with fresh produce, flowers, herbs and spices, nuts, and meat.
There is also a garden center where you can find unique ceramics, cooking supplies, international food, crafts from local artisans and more! Other facilities include a gift shop, a restaurant on-site, and free parking.
Keep in mind that the vendors in Atlanta State Farmers Market don't accept credit cards, so it's best to fill your wallet with some cash. The marketplace is located in Forest Park, which is 11 miles away from downtown Atlanta; it only takes about 15 minutes to get there by car.
Hours: 24/7
Ponce City Market
Everyone who lives in the city knows Ponce City Market. Everything from office space to retail stores and even places to live (known as Flats on the Beltline) are found here. Restaurant offerings include Farm to Ladle, Five Daughters Bakery, and Hop's Chicken, plus many others.
Great shops found here at Ponce City Market are J. Crew, Nike by Ponce City Market, Posman Books, and Sephora. An annual pass to The Roof gives you special perks like amusement rides mini golf and even ice skating in the winter.
Hours: Vary depending on service.
Krog Street Market
Krog Street Market is a food hall located in the heart of Inman Park. So if you happen to be in the neighborhood, you should definitely stop by for some delicious food recipes from all around the world.
There are over 15 food stalls and restaurants including Gu's Dumplings, The Little Tart Bakeshop, Soul: Food and Culture, Pho Nam and retailers selling chocolate, candies, jewelry, local gourmet foods, and many interesting gifts.
Hours: Monday – Thursday 7am–9pm; Friday 7am–10pm; Saturday 8am-10pm; Sunday 8am-9pm
Shopping in Atlanta
Flying into Atlanta Airport? Get your shopping list ready! With such a variety, surely you will agree that Atlanta, GA is a hub for shopping. From modern shopping malls and upscale shopping districts to laid back shopping, unique gifts and thrift finds, Atlanta promises a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. And when you combine that with top-notch restaurants and bars, shopping in Atlanta turns into an experience of a lifetime.