Discount Mall Shopping in Atlanta: Where to Find Deals, Outlets, and Bargain Centers

Looking for a “discount mall” in Atlanta usually means one of three things:

1. A large outlet center with brand-name stores at reduced prices
2. An indoor swap-meet–style market with independent vendors
3. A cluster of discount stores and liquidators in one area

Atlanta has versions of all three, but they’re spread around the metro rather than in one single “Discount Mall Atlanta” location. This guide breaks down the main options, what you’ll find at each, and how to pick the right spot for your budget and schedule.

Quick Overview: Main Discount & Outlet Destinations Near Atlanta

1. Outlet Malls Near Atlanta (Best for Brand-Name Discounts)

There is no huge, traditional outlet mall right in downtown Atlanta, but several big outlet centers ring the metro area. These are the closest thing to a “discount mall” if you’re looking for brand-name or designer bargains.

North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville)

Location: Near GA-400 North, Dawsonville, GA
Distance from central Atlanta: About 45–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic

What it’s like:
A large, open-air premium outlet center with many national and fashion brands. This is a common day-trip option for Atlanta residents hunting for clothing, shoes, and accessories at reduced prices.

Typical finds:

• Discounted clothing from major brands
• Athletic and casual shoes
• Handbags, luggage, and accessories
• Some home goods and kitchenware

Best for:
Shoppers who want brand outlets in one place and are willing to drive out of the city.

Tanger Outlets (Locust Grove & Commerce)

Tanger Outlets – Locust Grove

• Location: Just off I-75 South, Locust Grove, GA
• Distance: Roughly 35–50 minutes south of Atlanta by car

Tanger Outlets – Commerce

• Location: Near I-85 North, Commerce, GA
• Distance: Roughly 70–90 minutes northeast of Atlanta by car

What they’re like:
Both Tanger locations are open-air outlet malls with a mix of clothing, shoe, and accessory brands, plus occasional home and specialty stores.

Typical finds:

• Clearance and outlet merchandise from national chains
• Seasonal markdowns and promotional sales
• Apparel for adults and kids, sportswear, and basics

Best for:

• Southside residents or travelers on I-75 (Locust Grove)
• Northeast metro residents and those heading toward the Carolinas (Commerce)

2. Indoor Discount Markets and “Bazaar-Style” Centers in Metro Atlanta

Many Atlantans searching for “Discount Mall Atlanta” are really thinking about indoor markets or mixed-vendor plazas—places where multiple small businesses operate under one roof or within one complex.

These spaces often offer:

• Low-priced clothing and shoes
• Phone accessories and electronics
• Beauty supplies, jewelry, and accessories
• Household items, small home décor, and gifts
• Sometimes tailors, alterations, or repair services

They change more frequently than official outlet malls, so specific store lineups may vary. When planning a visit, it’s useful to:

• Search the center’s name plus “Atlanta” on a map app
• Check recent photos and reviews to see what’s currently open
• Confirm hours of operation before you go

3. Discount Shopping Corridors in Atlanta

While you may not find one giant building labeled “Discount Mall Atlanta,” some corridors and neighborhoods function like extended discount districts, with clusters of bargain-friendly shops.

Buford Highway

Area: Runs through Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, and beyond

What makes it a “discount mall” experience:
Buford Highway is known for its international grocery stores, specialty markets, and small retailers. While not an outlet center, you can find:

• Affordable clothing and household goods
• Import stores with lower-priced items
• Discount groceries and bulk foods
• Small electronics and accessories shops

Best for:
People who want a cultural and food experience along with bargain hunting. It’s common to pair shopping with a meal at one of the many restaurants along the corridor.

Southside Discount Strips (Old National Hwy & Surrounding Areas)

Certain stretches in South Fulton and Clayton County feature:

• Liquidation stores
• Discount furniture and mattress outlets
• Low-cost apparel and shoe stores
• Beauty supply stores and small specialty retailers

This setup can feel like a spread-out discount mall, where you drive from storefront to storefront in the same general area instead of walking indoors between shops.

Tips:

• Plan your route: focus on one or two shopping centers in the same corridor
• Bring a car with enough storage if you expect to buy furniture or large items
• Expect a range of quality; inspect items carefully, especially at liquidators

4. Thrift Stores, Liquidation Centers, and “Hidden” Discount Spots

If you’re flexible on brands and are mainly trying to save money, Atlanta’s thrift and surplus scene can be as valuable as any traditional discount mall.

Thrift and Resale Stores

Across the Atlanta metro, you’ll find:

• Nonprofit thrift stores (benefitting charities or community organizations)
• Consignment and resale shops for clothing, furniture, and décor
• Vintage shops with curated pieces at higher but still lower-than-new prices

These are especially dense in and around:

• Intown neighborhoods like Little Five Points, East Atlanta, and West Midtown (often more curated or vintage-focused)
• Suburban strips in Decatur, Marietta, Norcross, and Gwinnett County (often larger general thrift or family thrift stores)

Best for:

• Budget-friendly home setup (furniture, dishes, décor)
• Unique clothing and style finds
• Students and new arrivals stocking up cheaply

Liquidation & Overstock Stores

These stores often buy returns, shelf pulls, or overstock from big retailers, then resell at discounted prices. Around Atlanta, you might see them labeled as:

• “Bin stores” (items in large bins, often one flat price per item by day)
• “Discount warehouse” or “overstock outlet”
• “Surplus” or “liquidation”

What to expect:

• Highly variable inventory – one week may be small electronics and toys, the next week may be housewares or seasonal goods
• Lower prices but no guarantees on warranty or completeness
• Sometimes no returns, so it’s important to inspect items closely

These are scattered across the metro, often in warehouse or strip-center areas.

5. How to Choose the Right “Discount Mall” Experience in Atlanta

When you’re deciding where to go, it helps to match your goal to the type of place.

If you want brand names at a discount

Head to one of the outlet malls near Atlanta:

• North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville) if you’re on the north side or don’t mind a drive up GA-400
• Tanger Outlets Locust Grove if you’re on the south side or traveling on I-75
• Tanger Outlets Commerce if you’re northeast or already headed that way

Pros:

• Consistent quality and recognizable brands
• Seasonal sales and promotions
• Clean, planned layouts

Trade-off: Longer drive from central Atlanta; more like a traditional suburban outlet trip.

If you want the lowest possible prices and don’t care about brand

Try:

• Indoor markets and discount centers across the metro
• Thrift stores and resale shops
• Liquidation or bin stores

Pros:

• Potentially very low prices
• Interesting and varied finds
• Good for people setting up a home on a budget

Trade-off: Quality control is on you; inventory can be hit-or-miss.

If you want an experience plus deals

Combining discount shopping with food or culture is easy in Atlanta:

• Spend a few hours along Buford Highway: shop at international markets and small shops, then stay for lunch or dinner
• Pair a thrift or vintage run intown with coffee shops or neighborhood attractions
• Turn a trip to North Georgia Premium Outlets into a full day by visiting nearby North Georgia attractions afterward

6. Practical Tips for Discount Shopping Around Atlanta

A few local-style pointers can make your “discount mall” outing smoother:

1. Plan around Atlanta traffic

• Weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) can add a lot of time, especially on I-75, I-85, GA-400, and I-285.
• For outlet trips, leave early in the morning or later in the evening when possible.

2. Check store hours and holiday schedules

Many discount centers and indoor markets:

• Close earlier on Sundays
• May have different hours around major holidays

A quick map/app check before you head out can prevent wasted trips.

3. Bring what you need to compare and test

• For electronics or accessories, bring your phone or a device to test cables and chargers when allowed.
• For clothing, wear something easy to change under or over if fitting rooms are limited.
• For furniture or large items, know your vehicle dimensions and have tie-downs or blankets ready.

4. Budget and payment methods

• Some smaller markets or individual vendors may prefer cash, even if big stores take cards.
• Set a rough budget beforehand; it’s easy to overspend when prices feel low on every item.

5. Inspect items carefully

Especially at:

• Flea-market style indoor centers
• Liquidation and bin stores
• Thrift shops for electronics or appliances

Check for:

• Missing pieces or damage
• Signs of heavy wear
• Return or exchange policies, if any

7. If You’re Visiting Atlanta and Short on Time

If you’re only in Atlanta for a short trip and want a discount-shopping experience:

• One half-day outlet trip:

  • Rent a car or rideshare to North Georgia Premium Outlets or Tanger Locust Grove if you want a classic outlet mall environment.

• Stay in-town and mix it up:

  • Spend a few hours along Buford Highway visiting markets and shops, then enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
  • Add a visit to an intown thrift or vintage corridor for unique finds rather than just chain outlets.

You won’t find a single building officially called “Discount Mall Atlanta” that covers everything, but with a bit of planning you can put together a custom discount-shopping circuit that fits your schedule, location, and budget.

8. Quick Decision Guide

Use this quick reference to pick your path:

• 🛍 I want brand-name clothes and shoes cheap:
  → Go to North Georgia Premium Outlets or Tanger Outlets (Locust Grove or Commerce).

• 💸 I want rock-bottom prices, any brand is fine:
  → Seek out thrift stores, liquidation/bin stores, or indoor markets in the metro.

• 🌮 I want deals plus great food and a local feel:
  → Spend time along Buford Highway with its mix of markets, small shops, and restaurants.

• 🚗 I don’t want to drive far from Atlanta’s core:
  → Focus on intown thrift and resale shops and nearby discount corridors instead of the large outlet malls.

By understanding how Atlanta’s discount and outlet landscape is laid out, you can choose the version of a “discount mall” that best matches what you’re hoping to find—whether you’re a local making a budget run or a visitor trying to stretch your travel dollars.