Atlanta's Best Places for Shopping
10 Great Malls, Neighborhoods and Outlets
by Cady Schulman
Moving to a new city can be a costly process, especially when
you finish unpacking all your boxes and realize you’re in dire need of kitchen cookware or a new wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for home furnishings to complete the look of your new nest or you’re simply way behind on your holiday shopping, the metro Atlanta area offers a bevy of shopping options. From quality shopping malls to neighborhoods known for their ritzy boutiques, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.SHOPPING CENTERS
Cobb Galleria Centre
Tucked inside the Cobb Galleria Centre, the Galleria Specialty Shops are a cluster of small, boutique retail stores running the gamut from jewelry to handbags, apparel and travel gear. Anna’s Place offers professional and casual clothing, while Affinity specializes in contemporary jewelry and home accessories and Design Faze Boutique showcases fashionable women’s clothing, handbags, jewelry and accessories. What’s more, Cumberland Mall, with such stores as Macy’s, Sears and H&M, is just across the street, accessible via a pedestrian sky bridge.
770-955-8000, www.galleriaspecialtyshops.com.
Lenox Square Mall
Atlanta’s Lenox Square Mall is billed as the Southeast’s premium shopping destination, and it’s hard to argue with that claim, thanks to such high-end residents as Fendi, Burberry and Louis Vuitton. The mall is anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s, and houses more than 200 other retailers and restaurants.404-233-6767, www.lenoxsquare.com.
Mall of Georgia
The largest mall in the state, the Mall of Georgia lives up to its name. This shopper’s paradise near Buford features three floors of shops in the main building and more than 225 across its sprawling complex, including anchor stores Macy’s, JC Penney, Belk, Dillard’s, Nordstrom and Dick’s Sporting Goods, as well as such names as Apple, Armani Exchange, Coach and J. Crew. Looking for a diversion while enjoying a bite in the food court? Try the Akoo Pavilion, a unique experience that allows shoppers to control the programming of high-definition TVs with their mobile phones, with trivia games, concert tickets, entertainment and information on deals in the mall.678-482-8788, www.mallofgeorgia.com.
North Georgia Premium Outlets
It’s hard to imagine not finding the perfect gift at North Georgia Premium Outlets. This outlet mall north of Atlanta in Dawsonville boasts 140 stores, making it a great one-stop destination for all your holiday shopping. The dozen restaurants in the food pavilion will help recharge your batteries. An on-site playground is a nice break for any kids in tow. There’s also stroller rental just in case your children can’t keep up with your super shopping trip.
706-216-3609, www.premiumoutlets.com/northgeorgia.
Phipps Plaza
Located in gorgeous Buckhead, this upscale mall located across Peachtree Street from Lenox Square Mall is more than just a shopping mall; it’s an experience. Big-name tenants include Belk, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Versace and Tiffany and Co. No matter how stressed you get trying to track down gifts for family and friends, you’re likely to find yourself impressed and soothed by the décor, including marble floors, glass elevators and a grand staircase. No trip to Phipps is complete without a stop at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, where every visitor, no matter their age, is a kid again.404-262-0992, www.phippsplaza.com.
Tanger Outlets
Located north of Atlanta off Interstate 85, this outlet destination offers great brands and low prices to shoppers from all over. Stores range from such premier brands as Calvin Klein, Brooks Brothers and Tommy Hilfiger to Sunglass Warehouse and the As Seen on TV Museum. There are also plenty of stores for picking out that special gift for younger members of the family, such as Carter’s and The Children’s Place. There’s plenty of walking to do here, but don’t worry; there are more than a dozen footwear shops to grab a new pair of sneakers, heels or maybe some work boots.706-335-3354, www.tangeroutlet.com/commerce.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Atlantic Station
This live-work-play development in Midtown offers an engaging mix of retail shops in a pedestrian-friendly outdoor environment. Choose from high-profile shops including Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, H&M and Target. A sprawling IKEA store sits just a short drive down 17th Street. When you’re done shopping, relax at one of the many dining establishments, catch a flick at Regal Cinemas or enjoy special events including live music, outdoor movie screenings and more.404-733-1221, www.atlanticstation.com.
Buckhead
There’s much more to this neighborhood than Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza, whether you’re looking for the outdoor clothing of Patagonia or upscale gifts at Peridot. The Tower Place complex offers a mix of offices, hotels and retail spaces, including Solomon Brothers Fine Jewelry. The Shops Around Lenox offer such names as Crate & Barrel, Bill Hallman and Fab’rik. Miami Circle, just off Piedmont Road, boasts an extensive selection of antiques, furnishings, appliances and fine art.
www.buckhead.net.
Little Five Points
A favorite of college students and the young at heart, this vibrant, colorful neighborhood is great for off-the-beaten-path finds. Flip through vintage vinyl LP’s at Wax n’ Facts, browse CDs, comics and toys at Criminal Records or get lost among the clothing, accessories and gifts at Junkman’s Daughter. Check out the fun, funky footwear at Abbadabba’s or the trendy, cutting-edge clothing at Wish Atlanta.
www.little5points.com.
Virginia-Highland
The best way to experience the shopping choices this eclectic, walkable neighborhood has to offer is to stroll along its tree-lined streets, stopping in at various boutiques. Looking for a perfect holiday gift? Try Mitzi’s Corner, Festivity, Bill Hallman Original or Dakota J’s for clothing and accessories or the Indie-Pendent for handmade items, home decor and much more. And La Raine’s Bridal Boutique offers a variety of gowns, jewelry and alterations for your big day.
www.virginiahighland.com.
