Shopping in Atlanta
From luxury shopping malls to local antique shops to farmers markets, Atlanta has a little something for everyone.
Key areas
Buckhead is famed for its upmarket shopping and is home to the renowned Lenox Square Mall, renovated in 2013. Atlantic Station has over 40 shops and stores within easy walking distance of each other, and nearby the chic boutiques in Virginia Highland make it a hotspot for a young, hip crowd. Also known as the “Antique Capital of the South,” Atlanta has abundant thrift and antique shops across the city; find the best ones at Bennett Street Antique Market, the Chamblee Antique District, Paris on Ponce and Scott Antique Markets, dubbed ‘America’s Favourite Treasure Hunt’.
Markets
Buford Highway Flea Market, held from Friday to Sunday, is one of Atlanta’s largest indoor flea markets and a great place to catch a bargain if you’re willing to haggle. Stop at Sweet Auburn Curb Market (Monday to Saturday) in the Old Fourth Ward District for fresh fruits and vegetables, but also for specialities like collard greens and chitterlings (pig intestines). Local farmers markets are spread all over town but don’t miss the gigantic Dekalb Farmers Market (Monday to Sunday) in Decatur.
Shopping centres
Atlanta’s main shopping centre, the exclusive Lenox Square Mall features designer brands such as Fendi and Burberry plus department stores Bloomingdales and Macy’s, to name a few. Its sister centre, Phipps Plaza is opposite. Perimeter Mall, a more affordable shopping mall just north of the city, is home to many clothing stores like J. Crew and Anthropologie. North of Atlanta are Tanger Outlets and North Georgia Premium Outlets, both outlet malls for designer bargains within an hour’s drive of the city.
Opening hours
Standard shopping hours in Atlanta are Monday to Saturday 1000-2100. Typical Sunday hours are 1200-1800.
Souvenirs
No visit to Georgia, "The Peach State," would be complete without picking up a bushel of locally grown peaches. Atlanta is also the headquarters of The Coca-Cola Company, making a Coke souvenir a perfect reminder of the trip. Don't forget merchandise relating to Atlanta's American football, baseball and basketball home teams the Falcons, Braves and Hawks.
Tax information
Atlanta lies in Fulton County, which imposes an 7% sales tax, except on groceries. Fulton County also imposes a 1% Municipal Option Sales Tax (MOST). There is a tax-free weekend in early August.
