Shoppers have one more day to visit the Publix grocery stores at Atlantic Station and on Shallowford Street before both locations close Saturday, ending nearly two decades of service at the midtown site.
Publix announced earlier this month that it would close both stores, saying “several factors went into the decision.”
The closure has raised concerns among nearby residents, particularly those who rely on walking or public transportation for groceries.
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“Once a day, you know, like, I come in for my lunch break,” said Joshua Randle, who described the Atlantic Station Publix as part of his daily routine.
With the store closing, he said he will have to find another option.
Neighbors say the loss leaves Atlantic Station without a full-service grocery store within walking distance. Organizers launched a petition — now with more than 500 signatures — urging Trader Joe’s to consider the space. The company does not confirm whether it is specifically looking at the location.
Satya Bhan, president of the Atlantic Station Civic Association, said the issue affects everyone who lives within walking distance of the store.
“Most of us don’t have cars. We have a lot of elderly population, and people in wheelchairs who specifically moved to this neighborhood for the easy access to groceries and retail,” said Bhan.
Bhan said Channel 2’s Eryn Rogers that approximately 6,000 people live directly in Atlantic Station and that conversations are ongoing with multiple grocery chains.
“I understand there are several grocery stores, at least five, that are currently in talks to bring a full-service grocery store back to Atlantic Station as soon as possible,” he said.
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Meanwhile, the Atlantic Station shuttle is being adjusted to help residents get to groceries.
“The Atlantic Station shuttle will now have a stop at the Kroger on Howell Mill just to provide interim access to our neighbors,” Bhan said, adding, “There will be some gaps. We’re trying to make sure the gap is minimal.”
Atlantic Station management declined to confirm potential tenants but released a statement that read in part, “Our leasing team remains focused on curating a tenant mix that complements and enhances the property.”
Residents affected by the closing still have several nearby Publix options.
Atlantic Station store customers can visit five Publix locations within a two-mile radius:
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The Midtown Plaza, 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 in Piedmont, 595 Piedmont Ave. NE (1.8 miles)
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Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, 2365 Peachtree Road NE (2 miles)
Shoppers using the Shallowford Road Publix also have several nearby options within about four miles:
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Briarcliff Village Shopping Center, 2162 Henderson Mill Road NE (2.0 miles)
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Town 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 Square Shopping Center, 2010 Johnson Ferry Road NE (3.3 miles)
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Shamrock Plaza, 3870 N. Druid Hills Road, Decatur (3.6 miles)
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Toco Hills Shopping Center, 2969 N. Druid Hills Road NE (3.6 miles)
The Atlantic Station Publix will close at 7 pm Saturday, earlier than the usual closing time of 10 pm. The Shallowford Road location will also close on Saturday.
The DSW at Atlantic Station will be closing on January 24th. Bhan said he was told during negotiations that Nordstrom Rack could come into the space.
Residents say they remain hopeful that a new grocery store will return.
“There’s a lot of demand for a full-service grocery store in Atlantic Station, and I think everybody should look at it very seriously,” Bhan said.
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