Love it or hate it, moving brings with it lots and lots of shopping. Whether your new job requires a new wardrobe (of course it does!), or your old furniture doesn’t fit your new place, you’ll take a retail tour of the city for a range of needs.
Read on for our best advice on how to shop Atlanta like a pro on our Ultimate Atlanta Shopping Tour.
If you’re moving to Atlanta, take a peek at our guide to touring Atlanta like a local to find all the hot spots Atlantans frequent. We know how hard it is to relocate and apartment hunt on your own, so reach out to AptAmigo Atlanta to make the process stress-free!
Related: The Ultimate Atlanta Neighborhood Guide
A Literal Atlanta Shopping Tour
The Atlanta Shopping Heaven Tour represents the epitome of luxury and service. Think of it as the AptAmigo of shopping — concierge service and ultimate convenience. A literal small group tour that you can book online, this Atlanta shopping tour takes care of all the transportation logistics so that you can enjoy the experience.
After you schedule your tour, you simply head to your pick-up spot, all of which are located in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead hotels. They offer round trip transportation to and from Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza (two shopping centers across the street from each other). You’ll have three hours to shop ‘til you drop before it’s time to go home and enjoy your new goods.
Shopping in Atlanta Malls
Atlanta houses several excellent shopping malls. And, with all the stress of moving, you may need some fast retail therapy. Here’s a list of great shopping mall options for all tastes and price points:
Atlantic Station
As an open-air mall, Atlantic Station gives off a neighborhood feel. The huge complex contains department stores and clothing boutiques, of course, but also includes entertainment options, dining, home goods, and a grocery store. With plenty of apartment options surrounding Atlantic Station, you might just move in.
Phipps Plaza
Go here for that $2,500 skirt you always wanted because Phipps Plaza is high-end shopping at its finest. With its location in Buckhead across the street from Lenox Square, you’ll have lots of shopping options in the surrounding area.
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market fits right in with its hip Old Fourth Ward neighborhood location. When you go, don’t expect clean-cut, typical mall decor. The building used to be a Sears distribution center, and it kept its industrial feel. High anticipation brewed when the first clothing store opened in 2012, and there’s still a buzz around PCM. Besides the shops, you can check out the high-profile dining and rooftop amusement park.
Shopping for Your New Home in Atlanta
Need new furniture for your new move? Atlanta has all your favorite chains like Ikea, Homegoods, and Pottery Barn. On the higher end, you can visit Room & Board, Design within Reach, or Restoration Hardware. But, if you want to get more original in your choices, here is one of our favorite Atlanta furniture stores:
City Issue Atlanta
Located in Inman Park, City Issue specializes in stylish antiques from the 1950s through the early 1970s. Their furniture, art, and home decor come mostly from the original owners, and they arrange each piece to highlight the beauty of the curated collection. You’ll find lighting options, too, in this one of a kind store.
Stock the Fridge at Local Grocery Stores
Moving sure makes you hungry, but your fridge and pantry are bare. You’ll find familiar national grocery chains like Whole Foods or Costco throughout Atlanta. But, you’ll also find yourself shopping at these local grocery chains:
City Farmers Market
City Farmers Market focuses on super fresh and international foods at its six locations throughout the region. They sell items not normally found in the megachains and bring in produce straight from local farms.
Publix
When was the last time a bagger offered to push your cart out to the parking lot? It’s hard to remember, but at Publix, that’s par for the course. Publix grocery stores, a southeastern chain, deliver friendly, attentive customer service. Check out the deli sandwich counter for one of their famous “Pub Subs” before you hit the registers.
Atlanta Bargain Shopping
Do you prefer to save some money with your new move? Or, does the thrill of the hunt excite you? Either way, you’ll leave these stores with bulging bags:
Tanger Outlets
Tanger Outlets is only a half hour from Atlanta. Your favorite brands all operate stores here with super deals on overstocks and the past season’s clothing. Who knows, maybe you’ll find those designer pants you couldn’t afford last winter at Phipps Plaza.
The Lucky Exchange
This consignment store in Midtown specializes in upscale used and vintage clothing and accessories. It’ll take time to go through the racks at The Lucky Exchange, but you could be the one to find that highly sought-after vintage Louis Vuitton handbag.
Related: What to Do in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta
Shopping for an Apartment
We hope you enjoyed our Atlanta shopping tour! If you’re moving to Atlanta and not sure where to begin, call AptAmigo – we’ll personally guide you through the entire process. From picking a neighborhood to scheduling tours, we make finding your dream apartment in Atlanta easier than ever.
* The original version of this article was first published on January 8, 2020.
