Factory Outlet Shopping in Atlanta: Where to Go and How to Save More
Looking for factory outlets in Atlanta where you can score brand-name items at a discount? Atlanta and the nearby metro area offer several outlet centers, plus a few standalone factory-type stores, that are popular with both locals and visitors.
This guide walks you through where to find outlets around Atlanta, what to expect at each, tips for planning your trip, and how to get the most value while you shop.
What “Factory Outlet Atlanta” Usually Means
When people search for “Factory Outlet Atlanta”, they’re usually looking for one of three things:
- Large outlet malls featuring many national brands
- Single-brand factory stores (for example, a brand’s clearance or warehouse location)
- Discount/overstock centers that behave like outlets for home goods or furniture
Most true outlet malls are just outside Atlanta city limits, but they’re commonly treated as part of the Atlanta shopping experience because they’re within a reasonable drive.
Major Outlet Malls Serving the Atlanta Area
Georgia’s Best-Known Outlet Options Near Atlanta
Below is a quick comparison of the most popular outlet destinations that Atlantans typically visit:
| Outlet Destination | Approx. Distance from Downtown Atlanta | Type of Center | Typical Mix of Stores* |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Georgia Premium Outlets – Dawsonville | ~45–60 minutes north via GA-400 | Large outdoor outlet mall | Apparel, shoes, athletic wear, accessories, home |
| Tanger Outlets Locust Grove | ~35–45 minutes south via I-75 | Large outdoor outlet mall | Family apparel, footwear, housewares, accessories |
| Tanger Outlets Commerce | ~1 hr 15 min northeast via I-85 | Large outdoor outlet mall | Apparel, sportswear, home, accessories |
*Exact store lineups change regularly; check the center’s most current directory before you go.
North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville)
Although not inside city limits, North Georgia Premium Outlets is often what people have in mind when they say “factory outlets near Atlanta.”
Location (approximate for trip planning)
- Address: 800 GA-400, Dawsonville, GA 30534
- Drive: Generally 45–60 minutes from Midtown Atlanta, depending on traffic
What you’ll typically find
- Designer and mid-range apparel outlets for men, women, and children
- Athletic and outdoor brands popular with Atlanta’s active crowd
- Footwear outlets with running shoes, sneakers, and casual shoes
- Accessories and luggage outlets for travelers flying in/out of Hartsfield-Jackson
- A few home and kitchen stores, though the focus is fashion
Why Atlantans go here
- Many shoppers feel you can cover a lot of brands in one trip, especially for back-to-school, holiday shopping, or wardrobe refreshes.
- It’s along a common route to north Georgia mountains and Lake Lanier, so some people combine outlet shopping with a weekend getaway or day trip.
Tips for visiting
- 🕒 Go earlier in the day on weekends to avoid parking congestion.
- 🌦️ It’s an outdoor-style center, so check the weather and bring comfortable walking shoes.
- 💳 Many outlet stores run in-store promotions or additional percent-off clearance, so ask at checkout if any extra discounts apply.
Tanger Outlets Locust Grove (South of Atlanta)
If you’re in south Atlanta, Henry County, or traveling along I-75, Tanger Outlets Locust Grove is often the most convenient outlet stop.
Location
- Address: 1000 Tanger Dr, Locust Grove, GA 30248
- Drive: Around 35–45 minutes south of downtown Atlanta, depending on traffic
Typical offerings
- Family clothing outlets for adults and kids
- Shoe outlets (sneakers, casual, and dress)
- Accessories and specialty shops (bags, jewelry, sunglasses)
- Some home, bedding, or kitchen discount stores
Why Atlantans choose this outlet
- It’s directly off I-75, which makes it convenient if you’re:
- Driving to/from Macon, Florida, or the Georgia coast, or
- Living in or near Stockbridge, McDonough, or southside suburbs
Local tips
- 🚌 If you’re coming from Atlanta and don’t want to drive, check regional bus or shuttle options, but most people use a car.
- 📅 On peak travel weekends or holiday shopping periods, build in extra time for I-75 traffic.
Tanger Outlets Commerce (Northeast of Atlanta)
Tanger Outlets in Commerce is another popular “Atlanta outlet” option, especially for residents in northeast metro suburbs or anyone heading toward Athens or Greenville, SC.
Location
- Address: 800 Steven B Tanger Blvd, Commerce, GA 30529
- Drive: About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from central Atlanta via I-85 North
What to expect
- Clothing and shoe outlets similar to other Tanger locations
- Sportswear and activewear outlets that appeal to students and college towns nearby
- A mix of accessories, specialty, and home stores
When this outlet makes sense
- You live or stay in northeast metro Atlanta (Gwinnett, Barrow, Jackson County)
- You’re combining outlet shopping with a trip to Athens or passing through on I-85
Factory-Style and Discount Shopping Within Metro Atlanta
While large outlet malls sit outside the core, Atlanta proper and close-in suburbs still offer several outlet-like or warehouse-style shopping options, especially for furniture, home decor, and overstock.
Home Goods & Furniture “Outlet” Areas
These aren’t always labeled as official “factory outlets,” but Atlantans use them similarly to find discount home items:
West Midtown / Blandtown area
- Known for furniture warehouses, home decor showrooms, and overstock centers.
- Some stores frequently run clearance or warehouse-style pricing on floor models and past-season items.
Chamblee / Doraville corridor (near Peachtree Industrial Blvd and Buford Hwy)
- Mix of furniture importers, outlet-style furniture barns, and rug warehouses.
- Good for bargain hunters willing to compare across multiple stores in a day.
South Atlanta / Forest Park area
- Industrial corridors sometimes host mattress outlets, appliance liquidation centers, and warehouse sales.
- These can change over time, so it’s wise to verify hours and terms before making a special trip.
Clothing & Shoe Discount Chains
Metro Atlanta also has a wide selection of off-price and discount fashion chains that function like mini-outlets for many shoppers, offering past-season or overstock merchandise at lower prices. These aren’t factory outlets in the strict sense but can be a practical alternative if you don’t want to drive to Dawsonville, Locust Grove, or Commerce.
Common patterns:
- Often clustered in busy retail corridors like:
- Cumberland / Cobb Parkway (near Truist Park)
- Perimeter Center (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs)
- Buckhead (Piedmont Rd, Lenox Rd area)
- Camp Creek Parkway near East Point and Atlanta’s southside
- Many Atlantans mix these stops with regular mall visits to compare outlet pricing versus standard retail.
Planning an Outlet Trip From Atlanta
Choosing the Best Outlet for You
Ask yourself:
Where are you starting from?
- North metro (Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell)? → North Georgia Premium Outlets is typically closest.
- South metro (Stockbridge, McDonough, Jonesboro)? → Tanger Locust Grove is usually fastest.
- Northeast (Lawrenceville, Buford, Gainesville)? → Tanger Commerce is a common pick.
What are you mainly shopping for?
- Designer and mid-range fashion: North Georgia Premium often has a broader mix.
- Family basics and athletic wear: Any of the Tanger locations typically work.
- Home decor or furniture: Consider Atlanta’s warehouse and furniture districts first before driving to a dedicated outlet mall.
How much time do you have?
- For a half-day trip, choose the closest outlet and focus on a few key stores.
- For a full-day outing, you can cover more of the property, eat onsite, and take breaks.
Smart Outlet Shopping Strategies in the Atlanta Area
Because outlet centers around Atlanta can be busy, a bit of planning helps you save time and money.
Before You Go
- Make a prioritized list of what you need (e.g., “running shoes, work clothes, kids’ jackets”).
- Check hours for the specific outlets you plan to visit; holiday or weekend schedules can differ.
- Look up store directories in advance so you know whether the brands you want are at that location.
Once You’re There
- 🅿️ Park strategically:
- Many Atlanta-area outlet visitors prefer parking near the cluster of stores they care about most to cut walking time.
- 🛍️ Compare within the same category:
- For example, check two or three shoe outlets to compare deals instead of buying at the first stop.
- 💵 Watch for stacked savings:
- Combine outlet pricing with:
- Additional percent-off clearance
- Multi-item deals (buy one, get something discounted)
- Combine outlet pricing with:
- 📱 Join store or mall email/text lists only if needed:
- Some centers offer same-day coupons or digital “savings passes” at guest services or online.
- If you don’t want ongoing emails, unsubscribe after your trip.
Getting There From Central Atlanta
Most outlet visitors use a car. A few quick routing notes:
- To Dawsonville (North Georgia Premium Outlets)
- Take GA-400 North; outlets are just off the highway.
- To Locust Grove (Tanger)
- Take I-75 South; outlets sit right off the interstate.
- To Commerce (Tanger)
- Take I-85 North and follow signs near Commerce.
Plan around rush-hour windows; Atlanta traffic can stretch a 40-minute drive into an hour or more during peak times.
When a Local Mall or Shopping District May Be Enough
If your main goal is simply to update your wardrobe or pick up a few items at a discount, it’s not always necessary to drive to a full outlet mall. Around Atlanta, consider:
Standard malls with strong sale sections, such as:
- Lenox Square (Buckhead)
- Perimeter Mall (Dunwoody)
- Cumberland Mall (Cobb)
Neighborhood shopping districts with both boutiques and chain stores:
- Atlantic Station (Midtown/Westside)
- Avalon (Alpharetta)
- The Battery Atlanta (Cumberland area)
By checking clearance racks and seasonal promotions, many Atlantans find that local sales can come close to outlet pricing, especially once you factor in gas, time, and food on an outlet trip.
Quick Summary: Finding Factory Outlets Around Atlanta
There is no single “Factory Outlet Atlanta” mall inside the city, but residents typically use three major outlet centers:
- North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville – GA-400 North)
- Tanger Outlets Locust Grove (I-75 South)
- Tanger Outlets Commerce (I-85 North)
Within metro Atlanta, you’ll also find:
- Furniture and home decor warehouses (West Midtown, Chamblee/Doraville, South Atlanta)
- Off-price fashion retailers along major retail corridors that offer outlet-like discounts
Choosing the right outlet center or discount area largely depends on where you’re staying in Atlanta, what you’re shopping for, and how much time you have for the trip. If you plan your route, prioritize key stores, and watch for layered discounts, outlet shopping can be a practical way to stretch your budget while you’re in or around Atlanta.
