Atlanta GA Discount Malls: Where to Find Deals, Outlets, and Bargain Shopping in the City
Looking for an “Atlanta GA discount mall” usually means one of two things:
- You want a classic indoor discount mall or flea-market-style center, or
- You’re looking for outlet-style shopping where you can score brand names at lower prices.
Atlanta doesn’t have as many traditional “discount malls” as it once did, but there are still several places in and around the city where locals and visitors go specifically for bargain shopping, wholesale-style deals, and outlets.
This guide focuses on Atlanta and the immediate metro area, with practical details on where to go, what to expect, and tips for making the most of your trip.
What “Discount Mall” Means in Atlanta
In Atlanta, “discount mall” can refer to:
- Indoor flea-market-style centers with many small independent vendors
- Outlet centers offering brand-name goods at reduced prices
- Ethnic and international markets where clothing, accessories, and home goods are priced below typical retail
- Power centers or plazas packed with discount chains and off-price retailers
You won’t always see the words “discount mall” on the sign. Instead, look for:
- “Outlet”
- “Market”
- “Flea market”
- “Bazaar”
- “Outlet shops” or “off-price”
Key Discount & Outlet Shopping Areas Near Atlanta
1. Outlet Shoppes and Centers Close to Atlanta
These are the most popular choices for people who say they want a “discount mall” but really mean brand outlets.
Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta (Woodstock)
- Location: 915 Ridgewalk Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30188
- Distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 30–40 minutes north (traffic-dependent)
What you’ll find:
- National brands in an outdoor outlet mall layout
- Often lower prices than full-line retail stores
- Seasonal sales and clearance events
Typical types of stores:
- Clothing and shoes
- Athletic wear
- Luggage, accessories, and home goods
Best for:
- People willing to drive a bit north of Atlanta for name-brand outlets
- All-day value shopping with food options nearby
Tanger Outlets Locust Grove
- Location: 1000 Tanger Dr, Locust Grove, GA 30248
- Distance from Downtown Atlanta: Around 40–50 minutes south along I‑75
What you’ll find:
- Large outdoor complex with brand-name outlets
- Clearance sections and frequent promotions
Best for:
- Southside residents and visitors staying near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport who don’t mind a short drive
- Combining errands or road trips with outlet shopping
Tanger Outlets Commerce
- Location: 800 Steven B Tanger Blvd, Commerce, GA 30529
- Distance from Downtown Atlanta: Roughly 1–1.5 hours northeast
Smaller day trip from Atlanta, often used by:
- Families looking for back-to-school or holiday shopping
- Shoppers who want a quieter experience than city retail
Simple Comparison: Major Outlet Options Near Atlanta
| Outlet / Center | General Direction from Atlanta | Approx. Drive Time* | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta | North (Woodstock) | 30–40 minutes | Outdoor outlet |
| Tanger Outlets Locust Grove | South (Locust Grove) | 40–50 minutes | Outdoor outlet |
| Tanger Outlets Commerce | Northeast (Commerce) | 60–90 minutes | Outdoor outlet |
*Drive times vary significantly with Atlanta traffic.
Indoor Discount & Flea-Market-Style Shopping
If you’re imagining rows of small shops, negotiable prices, and a wide mix of merchandise, you’re likely thinking of a discount/flea-style mall rather than upscale outlets.
2. Flea Market & Bazaar-Style Centers in the Metro Area
These kinds of centers can change over time, but in the greater Atlanta area, you’ll typically see:
- Vendors selling clothing, accessories, shoes, electronics, and home goods
- Some stalls specializing in cell phone accessories, beauty products, and jewelry
- Food courts or food stalls with Latin American, Asian, or Southern comfort food
When searching from within Atlanta, watch for phrases like:
- “Flea market Atlanta GA”
- “Indoor market” or “bazaar”
- “Discount center” or “wholesale mall”
Because vendor mixes can change:
- Call ahead or check recent reviews to make sure the location is still active and open
- Expect cash-preferred or cash-only vendors in some spots
🔎 Tip: These markets are best for bargain hunters comfortable comparing quality and prices, rather than people seeking specific brands with return policies comparable to big-box stores.
Discount Chains & Off-Price Power Centers Inside Atlanta
You may not find a single “Atlanta GA Discount Mall” building with that exact name, but there are several shopping corridors inside the city where multiple off-price retailers cluster together, essentially creating a discount district.
3. Camp Creek Marketplace (Southwest Atlanta)
- Area: East Point / Southwest Atlanta, near I‑285 and Camp Creek Pkwy
- Driving time from Downtown: About 15–25 minutes, traffic depending
What you’ll typically find:
- Large national discount retailers and off-price fashion chains
- Big-box stores, grocery, and fast food
- Convenient for people living or staying near the airport or southwest side
Best for:
- One-stop trips where you can hit multiple discount chains in one location
- Everyday essentials plus clothing, home decor, and shoes at lower prices
4. Howell Mill & Nearby Shopping (West Midtown)
- Area: Howell Mill Rd NW, near I‑75
- Driving time from Downtown: 10–15 minutes
What makes it “discount style”:
- Clusters of off-price retailers, discount home stores, and warehouse-style chains
- Good mix of value-first shopping plus restaurants
Best for:
- In-town residents who want to avoid a long drive to the suburbs
- Quick trips for bargain home goods, clothing, and accessories
5. Buckhead & Perimeter Discount Pockets
Although Buckhead is known for luxury shopping at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, the surrounding corridors—especially along Piedmont Rd and near Sidney Marcus Blvd—often include:
- Off-price fashion retailers
- Discount shoe and home-goods chains
Similarly, the Perimeter Mall area (Dunwoody / Sandy Springs) has several strip centers nearby with:
- Discount apparel
- Off-price home stores
- Warehouse-style outlets
These areas aren’t “discount malls” by name, but in practical terms, they function as high-density discount shopping zones for many Atlanta residents.
International & Specialty Discount Markets
Atlanta’s diversity shows up in its shopping options. Some international markets and plazas operate like discount malls, even if they focus more on groceries and cultural goods.
6. Buford Highway Corridor (Doraville / Chamblee)
- Area: Northeast of Atlanta along Buford Highway
- Driving time from Midtown: 15–25 minutes
What you’ll find:
- International supermarkets and smaller shopping centers
- Clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and household goods at value pricing
- Many independent shops tucked into plazas
While not a single “discount mall,” Buford Highway is where many locals go for:
- Lower-cost everyday items
- Unique goods from Latin American, Asian, and other international communities
Practical Tips for Discount Mall Shopping in Atlanta
Plan Around Traffic
Atlanta traffic can turn a short trip into a long one. To save time:
- Aim for weekday mornings or early weekend hours
- Avoid peak rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) on major interstates like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285
- If you’re visiting, factor in airport proximity—southside residents may prefer Locust Grove, while northside residents may choose Woodstock
Bring the Right Payment Methods
Many outlets and big chains accept all major forms of payment, but flea-market-style and independent vendor locations may:
- Prefer cash
- Charge a small fee for card usage
- Have limited ability to process returns
👍 Smart move: Bring a mix of cash and card, and confirm return/exchange policies before buying higher-priced items.
Compare Prices Before Buying
Because discount centers can mix closeouts, irregular items, off-season stock, and overstock, it’s wise to:
- Check tags carefully for damage or irregular sizing
- Use your phone to compare prices with typical retail
- Understand that some products may not carry the same warranty or return conditions as full-line stores
Parking and Safety
Most discount and outlet centers around Atlanta offer free surface parking. For a smoother experience:
- Park in well-lit, busier areas
- Avoid leaving visible valuables in your car
- If you’re unfamiliar with the neighborhood, try visiting during daytime hours
Accessibility and Public Transit
Some discount-heavy areas in Atlanta are more car-dependent, particularly the outer outlets (Woodstock, Locust Grove, Commerce). However, within the city:
- Corridors like Howell Mill Rd, Buckhead, and Perimeter may be reached or approached via MARTA buses
- Airport-area visitors staying near Camp Creek can often use hotel shuttles or short rideshares
If you rely on transit, look up:
- MARTA route maps and schedules for the specific center you plan to visit
- Nearby bus stops and whether there are sidewalks from the stop to the shopping area
How Locals Decide Where to Go
When Atlanta-area shoppers search for “Atlanta GA Discount Mall,” they generally narrow options based on:
Distance and traffic:
- Northside: Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, Perimeter area
- Southside: Tanger Locust Grove, Camp Creek Marketplace
- Intown: Howell Mill and Buckhead off-price clusters
Shopping goal:
- Brand-name deals: Head to outlet centers
- Bargain hunting / variety: Look at flea-style markets and international plazas
- Everyday discount shopping: Choose power centers with multiple off-price chains
Time available:
- A couple of hours: Intown or close-in suburbs
- All-day trip: One of the major outlet centers plus a meal or nearby attractions
Key Takeaways for “Atlanta GA Discount Mall” Shoppers
- Atlanta doesn’t have a single, famous building literally called “Atlanta GA Discount Mall,” but it offers multiple outlet centers, flea-style markets, and discount corridors that fill the same role.
- For brand-name savings, look to Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, Tanger Locains, and Tanger Commerce.
- For bargain and flea-market-style shopping, explore indoor markets and international plazas around the metro area, especially along major corridors like Buford Highway.
- Inside the city, focus on Camp Creek, Howell Mill, Buckhead/Perimeter, and similar shopping areas where off-price retailers cluster together.
- Always check current hours, vendor status, and policies before you go, as smaller discount centers and markets can change more frequently than large malls.
By matching what you’re really looking for—brand outlets, flea markets, or off-price chains—to the right part of Atlanta, you can find the discount shopping experience that fits your budget, your schedule, and your side of town.
