The Publix grocery stores at Atlantic Station and Shallowford Road closed Saturday, giving shoppers one more day to shop, ending nearly two decades of service downtown.
Publix announced earlier this month it would close the two stores, saying “several factors went into making this decision.”
The closures have sparked concern among nearby residents, especially those who rely on walking or public transportation to buy groceries.
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“I take my lunch break every day,” said Joshua Randle, describing the Atlantic Station Publix as part of his daily routine.
With the store closing, he said he will have to look for another option.
Neighbors said the loss leaves Atlantic Station without a full-service grocery store within walking distance. Organizers launched a petition – which now has more than 500 signatures – urging Trader Joe’s to consider setting up the space. The company would not confirm whether it was specifically looking at the site.
Satya Bhan, president of the Atlantic Station Civic Association, said the issue affects everyone who lives within walking distance of the store.
“A lot of us don’t have cars. We have a lot of seniors and people in wheelchairs who move to this community specifically to have easy access to groceries and retail,” Barn said.
class told Channel 2’s Erin Rogers Approximately 6,000 people live directly in Atlantic Station, and conversations are ongoing with multiple grocery chains.
“It’s my understanding that there are multiple grocery stores, at least five, currently in talks to bring back a full-service grocery store in Atlantic Station as soon as possible,” he said.
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Meanwhile, Atlantic Station shuttles are being adjusted to help residents get to grocery stores.
“The Atlantic Station shuttle will now stop at the Kroger in Howell Mill to provide temporary access for our neighbors,” Barn said, adding, “There will be a little gap. We’re working hard to make sure the gap is minimal.”
Atlantic Station management declined to identify potential tenants but issued a statement that read in part: “Our leasing team remains focused on curating the tenant mix to complement and enhance the property.”
Residents affected by the closures still have several nearby Publix options.
Atlantic Station store customers can visit five Publix locations within a two-mile radius:
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Downtown Plaza Hotel, 950 W. Peachtree St. NW (1 mile)
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Howell Mill Village, 2020 Howell Mill Road NW (1.5 miles)
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Ansley Mall, 1544 Piedmont Ave. NE (1.6 miles)
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Publix at Piedmont, 595 Piedmont Ave. NE (1.8 miles)
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Peachtree Battle Mall, 2365 Peachtree Road NE (2 miles)
Shoppers using the Shallowford Road Publix have several other options within about 4 miles of the neighborhood:
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Briarcliff Village Shopping Center, 2162 Henderson Mill Road NE (2.0 miles)
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Town of Brookhaven, 104 Town Blvd., Brookhaven (2.7 miles)
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Chamblee Plaza, 5534 Peachtree Blvd., Chamblee (2.8 miles)
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Cambridge Place Mall, 2010 Johnson Ferry Road NE (3.3 miles)
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Clover Place, 3870 N. Druid Hills Road, Decatur (3.6 miles)
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Toco Hills Mall, 2969 N. Druid Hills Road NE (3.6 miles)
Atlantic Station Publix will close at 7 p.m. Saturday, earlier than the usual closing time of 10 p.m. The Shallowford Road store will also close on Saturday.
DSW at Atlantic Station will close on January 24th. Bhan said he was told during negotiations that Nordstrom Rack might move into the space.
Residents said they still hope the new grocery store will return.
“There’s a huge need for a full-service grocery store in Atlantic Station, and I think everyone should take it very seriously,” Barn said.
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