Walter’s Clothing in Downtown Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you spend any time in Downtown Atlanta, you’ll hear about Walter’s Clothing. For decades, it’s been a go‑to spot near Georgia State University and the Five Points area for sneakers, streetwear, and classic city style.

This guide breaks down what Atlantans and visitors usually want to know about Walter’s Clothing in Downtown Atlanta—from location and parking to what they actually sell, how to shop smart there, and how it fits into the broader downtown retail scene.

Where Walter’s Clothing Is in Downtown Atlanta

Walter’s Clothing is located in the heart of downtown, in the busy corridor between Georgia State University, Underground Atlanta, and the Five Points transit hub. The store is typically associated with:

  • A central downtown location within walking distance of:
    • Five Points MARTA Station
    • Georgia State University campus buildings
    • Atlanta City Hall and government offices
  • A street-level storefront with high foot traffic
  • Easy access from major downtown streets such as Peachtree Street, Decatur Street, and Broad Street

Because exact store hours and entrances can change over time, it’s a good idea to confirm current hours and location details before you head downtown, especially on holidays, event days, or during major downtown festivals.

What Walter’s Clothing Is Known For

Walter’s is best known in Atlanta for:

  • Sneakers and athletic shoes
  • Casual and streetwear clothing
  • A longstanding local presence in downtown’s fashion and sneaker scene

Typical Product Categories

While inventory changes regularly, shoppers usually go to Walter’s for:

  • Athletic and lifestyle sneakers
    • Everyday wear
    • Retro styles and classic silhouettes
  • Team jerseys and fan apparel
    • Atlanta teams (often a focus)
    • Other major sports teams
  • Urban and streetwear
    • Hoodies, tees, jackets, and hats
    • Branded caps and beanies
  • Kids’ and youth sizes for shoes and apparel, depending on stock

Because stock rotates quickly, what’s available one week may be gone the next, especially in popular sizes. Locals often recommend checking in person rather than assuming something will still be there.

Getting to Walter’s Clothing: Transportation Options

Downtown Atlanta can be busy, but it’s also one of the easiest parts of the city to reach by public transit.

By MARTA

For most people, the simplest way to get to Walter’s Clothing is MARTA:

  • Rail:
    • Take the Red, Gold, Blue, or Green line to Five Points Station.
    • From Five Points, it’s typically just a short walk along busy downtown streets.
  • Bus:
    • Multiple MARTA bus lines stop at or near Five Points and Underground Atlanta, placing you within a few minutes’ walk of the shop.

This works well if you’re staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near the Airport and don’t want to worry about parking downtown.

By Car

If you’re driving in from Atlanta neighborhoods or the suburbs:

  • Use main corridors like:
    • I‑20, I‑75/85 (the Downtown Connector)
    • Memorial Drive, Peachtree Street, or Courtland Street
  • Look for public parking decks or surface lots near:
    • Five Points
    • Underground Atlanta
    • Georgia State University campus buildings

⚠️ Parking tips:

  • Rates in downtown decks vary by time of day and by event. Prices can jump when there’s a Falcons, United, Hawks, or concert nearby.
  • Many streets have metered parking with strict enforcement. Always check the sign and pay via meter or app when required.
  • Give yourself extra time for traffic during:
    • Weekday rush hours
    • Game days at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
    • Large conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center

When to Go: Timing Your Visit

Downtown has different energy depending on the day and time.

Weekdays

  • Daytime:
    • Busy with students, office workers, and government employees.
    • You’ll see steady foot traffic and an active street scene.
  • Late afternoon:
    • Can get crowded with people shopping or grabbing something before heading home.

Weekends

  • Saturdays:
    • Often busy, especially when there are events downtown or at nearby stadiums.
  • Sundays:
    • Downtown is generally quieter.
    • Some shops may open later or close earlier than on weekdays.

Because hours can shift, especially around holidays, it’s smart to call ahead or check publicly listed contact information before making a special trip.

What to Expect Inside: Shopping Experience

Walter’s Clothing has more of a classic, urban sneaker shop feel than a big-box store.

Store Layout & Atmosphere

Shoppers usually notice:

  • Walls of sneakers and footwear displays
  • Racks of jerseys, tees, hoodies, and jackets
  • An atmosphere that fits downtown’s mix of students, locals, and tourists

It’s often a place where:

  • Shoppers come in with specific shoes or brands in mind
  • People browse to see what’s new or what’s on sale
  • Conversations about style, teams, or latest releases happen at the counter or between customers

How to Shop Smart at Walter’s

To get the most out of your visit:

  • Know your size:
    Different brands and models can fit differently; if you’re between sizes, be ready to try more than one.
  • Bring a budget:
    Downtown shopping is tempting; know what you’re comfortable spending.
  • Check for alternatives:
    If the exact shoe or color you want isn’t available, ask staff about similar styles or other colorways.
  • Ask questions:
    Staff are often familiar with:
    • Which shoes run narrow or wide
    • What styles are more durable for everyday wear
    • New or upcoming arrivals

Safety and Practical Tips for Downtown Shoppers

Downtown Atlanta is busy, and many residents and visitors shop there regularly. As with any major city center, basic city awareness goes a long way.

General Safety Tips

  • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in less busy blocks.
  • Keep bags, phones, and wallets secure and close to your body.
  • Use well-lit, high-traffic streets when walking to and from parking decks or MARTA.
  • If you’re unfamiliar with the area, consider visiting during daylight hours for your first trip.

If You Need Help While Downtown

If you ever feel unsafe or need assistance:

  • For emergencies, call 911.
  • For non‑emergency issues in the City of Atlanta, you can use:
    • Atlanta Police Department non‑emergency line: 404‑658‑6666
  • Many large parking decks and buildings also have on‑site security or attendants you can approach.

How Walter’s Fits into the Downtown Atlanta Shopping Scene

Downtown Atlanta isn’t a suburban mall; it’s a mix of:

  • Longstanding, locally known stores like Walter’s
  • Smaller boutiques and independent shops
  • Food spots, campus buildings, and office towers

People who live or work downtown often pair a trip to Walter’s with:

  • A quick walk through Underground Atlanta or nearby streets
  • Food or coffee from nearby Broad Street, Peachtree Street, or Georgia State‑adjacent spots
  • Errands at downtown offices, banks, or government buildings

If you’re visiting Atlanta, a stop at Walter’s gives you a more local, street‑level feel of downtown than you might get from only seeing Centennial Olympic Park or the tourist attractions along Marietta Street.

Quick Reference: Planning Your Visit to Walter’s Clothing Downtown

Use this simplified overview as a planning checklist:

TopicWhat to Keep in Mind
LocationCentral Downtown Atlanta, walkable from Five Points MARTA and GSU
Transit AccessBest reached by MARTA rail or bus; driving possible with nearby decks/lots
ParkingUse public decks/surface lots; expect higher prices on game/event days
Best Time to GoDaytime during the week or Saturday; check hours before going
What They SellSneakers, streetwear, jerseys, and casual apparel
How to Shop SmartKnow your sizes, bring a budget, ask staff about fit and alternatives
Neighborhood FeelBusy urban core with students, workers, locals, and tourists
Safety BasicsStay aware, stick to well‑lit streets, secure belongings, call 911 for emergencies

If you’re in Atlanta and you care about sneakers, sports gear, or streetwear, a stop at Walter’s Clothing in Downtown Atlanta can be a memorable part of your route through the city’s core—especially if you plan your transportation, timing, and parking before you go.