A-to-Z Stores in Atlanta: Where to Find One-Stop Shopping
If you’re searching for “A To Z store in Atlanta”, you’re probably looking for a one-stop shop that sells a little bit of everything—household goods, basic groceries, clothing, beauty supplies, discount items, and more. In Atlanta, these kinds of stores are usually known as variety stores, discount stores, dollar stores, or general merchandise stores, rather than a single brand called “A to Z.”
This guide explains what people usually mean by an “A To Z store,” how that idea shows up in Atlanta’s shopping scene, and where you can go for that same kind of all-in-one convenience around the city.
What People Mean by an “A To Z Store”
When Atlanta shoppers say they want an “A To Z store”, they’re usually looking for:
- Wide variety: items from A to Z—cleaning products, snacks, kitchenware, seasonal decor, basic clothing, electronics accessories, and more.
- Budget-friendly prices: bargain or discount pricing, often cheaper than big-box retailers.
- Everyday essentials: things you might need in a hurry—trash bags, detergent, school supplies, toiletries, pet items, quick snacks.
- Convenient locations: neighborhood-based, often close to MARTA routes or major roads.
In Atlanta, this type of store is commonly found under different names (not necessarily “A To Z”) but offers a similar experience.
Types of “A To Z” Style Stores in Atlanta
1. Dollar and Discount Variety Stores
These are some of the closest matches to the idea of an “A To Z” store in Atlanta. They typically carry:
- Household cleaning supplies
- Basic groceries and snacks
- Party supplies and seasonal decor
- School and office supplies
- Small electronics and chargers
- Personal care and beauty basics
You’ll find clusters of these stores in areas like:
- Southwest Atlanta – along Cascade Rd SW, Campbellton Rd SW, and Greenbriar Pkwy
- Westside – stretches of Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW and Bankhead Hwy area
- East Atlanta & Decatur area – Glenwood Rd, Candler Rd, Memorial Dr
- South Atlanta – Cleveland Ave, Jonesboro Rd SE, Metropolitan Pkwy
These stores often serve as neighborhood hubs where residents can grab most of their basic needs in a single stop.
2. General Merchandise & Variety Shops
In addition to national discount chains, Atlanta has many independent general merchandise stores that function like A-to-Z shops. They often have:
- Housewares (pots, pans, utensils)
- Small home decor items
- Bedding and curtains
- Tools and hardware basics
- Luggage and bags
- Clothing basics and accessories
You’ll see these especially in busy commercial corridors like:
- Buford Highway (Doraville / Chamblee area) – known for diverse, family-owned shops
- Auburn Ave / Edgewood Ave corridor – small storefronts with mixed merchandise
- South DeKalb and South Fulton areas – strip centers near major intersections
Because these are often independently run, names and exact inventories change over time, but the concept—“we sell a bit of everything”—stays consistent.
3. International & Ethnic Markets with “A to Z” Variety
Atlanta’s international markets sometimes feel like “A To Z” stores because they mix groceries with household goods and specialty items.
Common items include:
- Groceries (produce, meat, pantry items)
- Cookware and kitchen tools
- Cultural decor and gifts
- Specialty snacks and drinks
- Beauty and personal care products
Notable areas where you’ll find this style:
- Buford Highway Corridor (Northeast of Atlanta, near Chamblee/Doraville)
- Clarkston area (East of Atlanta, near Memorial Dr)
- Norcross and Duluth (a bit outside city limits but popular with Atlanta residents)
These aren’t “A To Z” in name, but they often function that way for many neighborhoods.
How to Find an “A To Z” Style Store in Your Part of Atlanta
Because store names, ownership, and offerings change, the most practical way to find an A-to-Z style shop near you is to:
1. Search by Category, Not Just Name
Try search terms like:
- “variety store near me Atlanta”
- “discount store Atlanta GA”
- “general merchandise store Atlanta”
- “dollar store Atlanta”
This will usually turn up local and chain options that match what you’re looking for, even if they don’t use “A To Z” in the name.
2. Focus on Key Shopping Corridors
Some of Atlanta’s busier streets are lined with multi-purpose discount and variety shops. If you’re visiting or new to town, these areas are worth exploring:
| Area / Corridor | What You’ll Typically Find |
|---|---|
| Buford Hwy (Chamblee/Doraville) | International markets, variety shops, home goods |
| Campbellton Rd SW / Cascade Rd SW | Discount stores, beauty supplies, general merchandise |
| Memorial Dr (East of I-285) | Variety stores, discount retailers, home goods |
| Cleveland Ave & Metropolitan Pkwy | Convenience, dollar, and variety stores |
| Auburn Ave / Edgewood Ave | Small shops, mixed merchandise, quick-need items |
Walking or driving along these corridors will often reveal multiple A-to-Z style options in one stretch.
What You Can Usually Buy in an “A To Z” Style Store in Atlanta
While every store is different, you can generally expect to find a mix of the following:
Everyday Essentials
- Paper towels, toilet paper, napkins
- Trash bags and food storage bags
- Dish soap, laundry detergent, cleaners
- Light bulbs, batteries, extension cords
Food and Snacks
- Packaged snacks and candy
- Canned goods and dry foods
- Bottled drinks and juices
- Sometimes refrigerated basics (milk, eggs, cheese), depending on the store
Home & Kitchen
- Plates, cups, utensils (plastic and reusable)
- Simple cookware (pots, pans, baking trays)
- Storage bins and baskets
- Shower curtains, rugs, towels (in some locations)
School, Office & Crafts
- Notebooks, pens, folders
- Glues, markers, poster boards
- Basic art and craft supplies
Beauty & Personal Care
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner
- Lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes
- Hair accessories, combs, brushes
- Some beauty and hair products used widely in Atlanta communities
Seasonal & Party Items
- Balloons, gift bags, wrapping paper
- Holiday decorations (Halloween, Christmas, etc.)
- Disposable tableware for events
These stores are designed for quick, budget-conscious trips, so they’re especially useful for students, families, and anyone setting up a new place in the city.
Tips for Shopping Smart at Atlanta “A To Z” Style Stores
To get the most out of these shops in Atlanta:
Compare prices on larger items
For basics like detergent or big storage bins, you may want to compare with larger supermarkets or warehouse clubs, especially if you buy in bulk.Check quality for frequent-use items
Items like power strips, chargers, or cookware vary in durability. For things you’ll use daily, inspect them carefully.Look at expiration dates on food and beauty items
Especially for discounted or clearance sections.Bring reusable bags
Some stores charge for bags or don’t offer sturdy ones. Atlanta traffic and MARTA rides are easier when your items are secure.Know your local store’s schedule
Many of these stores open by 9–10 a.m. and close by 8–10 p.m., but hours can vary widely between locations and neighborhoods.
Using Atlanta Transit and Landmarks to Reach These Stores
If you’re relying on MARTA or walking, it helps to anchor yourself to major landmarks and stations:
Downtown & Midtown
From Five Points, Peachtree Center, or Civic Center stations, you can walk or take buses out to corridors with more discount and variety options.West End Station
Buses heading along Cascade Rd and Campbellton Rd pass clusters of variety and dollar-style stores that match the A-to-Z profile.East Lake / Decatur / Kensington Stations
Buses along Memorial Dr and Candler Rd serve shopping strips with multiple discount and general merchandise stores.
Checking MARTA’s official site or station information can help you match bus routes to the shopping areas listed earlier.
When an Actual “A to Z” Name Matters
Occasionally, an individual store in the Atlanta area may use “A to Z” in its name (for example, “A to Z Market” or “A to Z Discount”). These are typically independent businesses and may:
- Change locations or hours more frequently
- Have very specific focus areas (for example, auto parts “A to Z,” or electronics “A to Z”)
- Not show up consistently in online maps or directories
If you are looking for a specific business with “A to Z” in its name:
- Use the exact name plus “Atlanta GA” in your search.
- Confirm address and phone number from at least two sources (online map, business listing, or a city business directory).
- Call ahead to confirm they still operate and what they carry before making a long trip, especially if you’re coming from outside the Perimeter (I-285).
What Atlanta Shoppers Should Expect Overall
In Atlanta, the idea of an “A To Z store” is less about a single chain and more about the many discount, dollar, variety, and general merchandise stores spread across the city. If your goal is:
- One-stop shopping for basics
- Convenience close to your neighborhood
- Budget-friendly prices on everyday items
You’ll find plenty of Atlanta options that fit that description, even if they go by different names. Focus on variety stores, discount shops, and international markets along the city’s main commercial corridors, and you’ll get the A-to-Z experience you’re looking for.