The Merchant at Krog Street Market: A Local’s Guide to This Atlanta Design Shop
If you love home décor, design-forward gifts, and Atlanta’s intown markets, The Merchant at Krog Street Market is one of those places you end up “just browsing” and somehow leaving with a bag in hand.
Located inside Krog Street Market in Atlanta’s Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward area, The Merchant blends home accessories, paper goods, and quirky gifts in a way that fits perfectly with the neighborhood’s creative, urban feel.
Where The Merchant Fits in Atlanta’s Shopping Scene
Within Atlanta’s home and design showrooms, The Merchant sits in a sweet spot:
- It’s more curated boutique than big-box store.
- It’s more accessible and casual than a formal design showroom.
- It’s ideal for finishing touches—think candles, pillows, small décor accents, art prints, and stationery—rather than large furniture pieces.
For many Atlantans, it’s a go-to stop when:
- You’re grabbing a hostess gift on the way to a dinner party.
- You want something stylish but not overly formal for your home.
- You’re exploring Krog Street Market and want to pick up a souvenir or locally inspired item.
Location, Parking, and How to Get There
The Merchant – Krog Street Market
Typically located inside Krog Street Market, near other retail stalls and food vendors.
Because stalls and layouts can shift slightly over time, it’s worth checking the market directory when you arrive to see exactly where The Merchant is currently placed.
Getting There from Around Atlanta
- From Midtown / Downtown:
Usually a short drive via Edgewood Avenue, Dekalb Avenue, or Freedom Parkway toward Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward. - From Virginia-Highland / Poncey-Highland:
Head south via Boulevard or Moreland Avenue, then cut over toward the BeltLine and Krog Street area. - By BeltLine:
Many locals walk or bike from the Eastside Trail. Krog Street Market is just off the BeltLine near the Edgewood Avenue access point.
Parking Tips 🚗
Parking around Krog Street Market can feel tight during peak times. Common options include:
- On-site paid parking: Lot or deck parking adjacent to the market.
- Street parking: Limited, often along nearby residential streets—watch signs carefully.
- Rideshare: A popular choice on weekends or evenings to avoid parking stress.
If you’re planning to buy larger items (like framed prints or multiple decorative pieces), driving or rideshare is usually easier than walking from MARTA.
What You’ll Find Inside The Merchant at Krog Street Market
The exact inventory changes frequently, but visitors typically encounter a mix of:
1. Home Décor and Styling Pieces
Expect a rotating assortment of design-forward home accents, such as:
- Throw pillows and blankets
- Candles and diffusers
- Small accent décor (vases, trays, decorative objects)
- Wall art and prints, often with clever sayings or local flair
- Glassware and bar accessories
The style generally leans modern, whimsical, and giftable, rather than ultra-minimal or traditional.
2. Stationery, Cards, and Paper Goods
This is one of the reasons many Atlantans specifically seek out The Merchant:
- Greeting cards (birthday, thank-you, congratulations, seasonal, etc.)
- Notebooks and journals
- Wrapping paper and gift bags
- Artful calendars and desktop accessories
If you live nearby, it can become your last-minute card stop whenever an event pops up on the calendar.
3. Gifts with Personality
The Merchant tends to stock fun, conversation-starting items that work well as:
- Host/hostess gifts
- Housewarming presents
- Small thank-you gifts
- Stocking stuffers and holiday treats
Items might include:
- Books with design, lifestyle, or humor themes
- Unique kitchen towels or bar tools
- Coffee table accents
- Locally or regionally themed products, depending on season
While the selection varies, the overall feel is stylish but playful, making it easy to find something for a wide range of tastes.
How The Merchant Compares to Other Atlanta Home & Design Options
Atlanta has quite a few home and design showrooms spread across neighborhoods like Westside, Buckhead, Midtown, and Decatur. The Merchant at Krog Street Market stands out in a few specific ways:
| Feature | The Merchant at Krog Street Market | Typical Atlanta Design Showroom |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Home accents, gifts, cards, small décor | Furniture, large-scale design projects |
| Atmosphere | Casual, buzzy market setting | Standalone showroom or warehouse-style space |
| Ideal for | Gifts, finishing touches, décor accents | Whole-room makeovers, designer consultations |
| Time needed for a visit | 15–45 minutes | 1–2+ hours for full walk-through |
| Neighborhood experience | Part of Krog Street Market + BeltLine outing | Often a drive-to destination on its own |
If you’re tackling a full-home renovation or need custom furniture, you’ll probably pair visits to places like the Westside design district with smaller stops at shops like The Merchant for personality and layering pieces.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re just spending the weekend here, you can easily fold The Merchant into a broader Krog Street / BeltLine day.
Ideal Times to Go
- Weekdays, late morning to afternoon:
Often a bit calmer, good if you want space to browse thoughtfully. - Evenings and weekends:
Livelier, with more foot traffic from people grabbing food and drinks in the market or strolling the BeltLine.
If you dislike crowds, try earlier in the day. If you want maximum energy and people-watching, weekend afternoons are popular.
What to Pair Your Trip With
Because The Merchant sits right inside Krog Street Market, you can easily:
- Grab lunch or dinner from one of the food stalls.
- Walk the BeltLine Eastside Trail toward Ponce City Market or down toward Reynoldstown.
- Explore nearby neighborhoods like Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward, known for historic homes and tree-lined streets.
For many locals, The Merchant is part of a BeltLine loop: bike or walk, stop for food and shopping at Krog, then continue on.
Tips for Atlanta Locals
If you live in the city or nearby suburbs, The Merchant can fit into your regular routine in a few specific ways:
Keep it in mind for “gift emergencies.”
When you forget a birthday or need a last-minute hostess gift, Krog Street Market parking plus a quick run into The Merchant is usually faster than wandering a big-box store.Use it to refresh your space seasonally.
Rotating small décor (like pillows, candles, and art) is an easy way to keep an intown apartment or bungalow feeling fresh without a full redesign.Combine with errands or BeltLine exercise.
Many Atlantans pair a stop at Krog Street Market with grocery runs, gym visits, or BeltLine walks, turning The Merchant into a convenient “pop-in” shop.
Tips for Visitors to Atlanta
If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying in Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park, The Merchant at Krog Street Market is:
- A manageable, low-stress shopping stop—no need to trek to a giant mall.
- A good place to pick up small, packable items to take home.
- An easy way to experience Atlanta’s BeltLine culture, where food, shopping, and walking trails blend together.
Consider:
- Picking up Atlanta- or South-themed gifts—these are often easier to transport and more personal than souvenirs from a hotel gift shop.
- Spending time both inside the market and out on the BeltLine, where you’ll see a mix of locals walking dogs, families, and cyclists.
When The Merchant Is a Good Fit (and When It Isn’t)
Great fit if you:
- Want home accents rather than big furniture pieces.
- Need unique, design-conscious gifts.
- Enjoy browsing in a lively market setting instead of a quiet, formal showroom.
- Are already planning a BeltLine or Krog Street Market visit.
Less ideal if you:
- Need full interior design services or space planning.
- Are shopping for large furniture, rugs, or built-ins.
- Prefer a quiet, appointment-based showroom experience.
In those cases, you might use The Merchant more for finishing touches after you’ve already worked with a designer or larger showroom elsewhere in Atlanta.
Quick Summary for Atlanta Shoppers
The Merchant at Krog Street Market is best thought of as a design-savvy general store for home and gifts, tucked inside one of Atlanta’s most popular intown markets. You’ll find:
- Home décor accents to personalize your space
- Stationery and cards for any occasion
- Thoughtful, stylish gifts for hosts, friends, and family
- An easy stop during a Krog Street Market or BeltLine day
If you’re looking to add a little more character to your home—or to bring back a piece of Atlanta’s style from your visit—The Merchant is a practical, enjoyable place to start.