The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta: Your Guide to North Metro Atlanta’s Outlet Destination

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and looking for serious brand-name savings, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta in Woodstock is one of the closest full-scale outlet centers to the city. It combines national outlet brands, open-air walking, and suburban convenience just off I‑575.

This guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there from Atlanta, where to shop and eat, and practical tips to make your outlet trip smoother.

Where The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta Is and How It Fits Into Atlanta Shopping

Location:
The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta
915 Ridgewalk Parkway
Woodstock, GA 30188
(Just off I‑575, exit 9 – Ridgewalk Pkwy)

Although it carries the “Atlanta” name, the outlets are actually in Woodstock, roughly 25–35 miles northwest of Downtown Atlanta, depending on your starting point and traffic.

For Atlanta-area shoppers, it’s a common alternative to:

• Traditional malls like Lenox Square, Perimeter Mall, and Cumberland Mall
• Mixed-use shopping districts like Avalon in Alpharetta or Atlantic Station

If you’re specifically looking for outlet pricing (as opposed to regular retail), this is one of the main options on the north side of the metro.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

Driving from Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Because the center is right off I‑575, access is straightforward from most areas:

• From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  Take I‑75 North to I‑575 North. Exit at Ridgewalk Parkway (Exit 9) and follow the signs to the shopping center.

• From Buckhead / North Atlanta:
  Take GA‑400 North to the I‑285 West connector, then I‑75 North → I‑575 North → Exit 9.

• From East Atlanta / Decatur / Stone Mountain:
  Use I‑285 West around to I‑75 North → I‑575 North → Exit 9.

• From South Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson, College Park, East Point):
  Take I‑75/85 North through Downtown, then stay on I‑75 North → I‑575 North → Exit 9.

🕒 Typical drive times (without heavy traffic):

Traffic in Atlanta can vary widely; weekend afternoons and weekday rush hours can add significant time, especially along I‑75.

Parking and On-Site Access

• Parking: Generally free surface parking, with multiple lots surrounding the center.
• Layout: Outdoor, open-air mall style with walkable lanes between stores.
• Some lots are closer to specific sections (fashion vs. athletic vs. food), so note where you park if you plan to carry bags back to the car mid-trip.

What You’ll Find: Stores, Brands, and Typical Outlet Mix

Specific tenants can change, but shoppers commonly find:

Fashion & Apparel

A mix of mid-range to premium brands, often including:

• Casual & Everyday Clothing: outlets for brands similar to Gap, Old Navy, American Eagle, and similar chains.
• Premium / Designer Labels: factory outlets for popular designer names (e.g., Coach, Michael Kors–type brands, depending on current lineup).
• Children’s Clothing: kids-focused outlets alongside general apparel stores with children’s sections.

For Atlanta residents, this can be a practical way to stock up on school clothes, work basics, or wardrobe updates at lower-than-mall prices, especially during sale weekends.

Athletic & Outdoor

You’ll usually find:

• Athletic footwear and apparel outlets (think major athletic brands).
• Outdoor / lifestyle wear for hiking, casual weekends, and travel.

People from around Atlanta often combine a trip here with gearing up for:

• Hiking in North Georgia
• Youth sports seasons
• Gym and fitness wardrobe updates

Shoes & Accessories

Expect:

• Shoe outlets covering dress shoes, casual shoes, and sneakers.
• Handbags, luggage, and accessories from national outlet brands.

This can be helpful if you’re prepping for:

• Business travel
• College move-in
• A vacation where you want new luggage or carry-ons at a discount

Home, Fragrance, and Specialty Shops

The center usually includes:

• Home goods and décor outlets
• Cosmetics and fragrance shops
• Sunglasses, jewelry, and watch brands

This is a common stop for Atlanta-area shoppers around the holidays or before big life events (weddings, new apartments, etc.), when you want deals on gifts and home items.

Food, Snacks, and Breaks While You Shop

While this isn’t a restaurant destination on the level of a major entertainment district, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta typically offers:

• Fast-casual restaurants and quick-service chains
• Food-court style options for a fast meal between stores
• Coffee, sweets, and snack stops for grab-and-go treats

If you’re making a half-day trip from Atlanta, it’s reasonable to plan to:

• Eat lunch on site, then continue shopping, or
• Shop for a few hours and then drive a short distance to Downtown Woodstock for more local dining options

When to Go: Best Times for Atlanta Shoppers

Weekdays vs. Weekends

• Weekdays (especially mid-morning to mid-afternoon):
  Often the least crowded. This can be a good time if you work nontraditional hours, are visiting Atlanta on a flexible schedule, or can take a weekday off.

• Weekends:
  Expect heavier crowds, more families, and busier parking lots, especially:

  • Saturday from late morning through late afternoon
  • Holiday weekends and major sale periods

Peak Sale Periods

If you’re driving from Atlanta mainly for savings, the most active times tend to be:

• Back-to-school season (late July–August)
• Holiday season (November–December)
• Long weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.)
• End-of-season clearances (many stores run extra promotions)

These times can offer strong discounts but also crowded stores and lines, so plan accordingly.

Planning Your Trip from Atlanta: Practical Tips

1. Make a Store Priority List

To avoid wandering and backtracking:

• Check the outlet’s current store directory ahead of time (via their official channels).
• List your top 5–10 stores so you can park strategically and move efficiently.

This is especially useful if you’re coming from farther parts of metro Atlanta like Decatur, Stockbridge, or Suwanee, where the round-trip time is longer.

2. Time Your Drive Around Traffic

Atlanta traffic patterns to consider:

• Weekday mornings: Heavy inbound toward the city; outbound to Woodstock is often lighter after the early rush.
• Weekday late afternoon/evening:
  • Going north to Woodstock between roughly 4–7 p.m. can be slow.
  • Coming back south toward Atlanta during this window can also be congested.

If possible, many locals aim for:

• Leaving Atlanta before 10 a.m.
• Heading back before 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m.

3. Dress for an Outdoor Layout

The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta is an open-air center, so plan for:

• Heat and humidity in Atlanta summers
• Chilly or windy conditions in winter
• Rainy days with uncovered walks between some stores

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing make a big difference, especially if you’re there for several hours.

4. Budget and Payment

Most outlets accept:

• Major credit and debit cards
• Cash at many locations
• Store-specific gift cards

If you’re visiting Atlanta from out of town, notify your bank about travel as you might with any trip; the outlet stores process many out-of-area cards, especially from tourists.

How The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta Compares to Other Options Around the City

If you’re deciding whether it’s worth the drive from your part of Atlanta, it helps to think about what kind of shopping trip you want.

The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta is a good fit if:

• You’re focused on discounted brand-name shopping
• You want multiple apparel, shoe, and accessory brands in one stop
• You’re okay with an outdoor layout and a bit of a drive

If you’re mainly interested in:

• Luxury luxury (high-end designer boutiques)
• Upscale mall environments
• Heavier dining and entertainment options

…you might be better served by places like Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, or Avalon, which feel more like lifestyle centers than outlet complexes.

Many Atlanta residents use The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta in addition to these other centers:

• Outlets for bulk shopping and deal hunting
• In-town malls for fashion browsing and full-price new arrivals

Accessibility and Family-Friendliness

The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta is generally designed to be family-friendly:

• Wide walkways that work for strollers
• Common areas where kids can take breaks
• Rest areas and seating for older shoppers

If you’re traveling from Atlanta with kids:

• Bring snacks and a water bottle for younger children.
• Plan designated rest or play breaks—walking the entire center can be tiring.

Accessibility considerations often include:

• Accessible parking spaces near anchors and main entrances
• Ramps and level walkways appropriate for wheelchairs or mobility aids

If you have specific accessibility needs, it can be helpful to contact the center’s management office ahead of your visit for the latest details.

Nearby Areas Worth Knowing If You’re Coming from Atlanta

If you’re making the trip from Atlanta and want to extend it beyond shopping, consider:

• Downtown Woodstock: A short drive from the outlets, with local restaurants, coffee shops, and a small-town main street feel.
• Parks and green space: Woodstock and surrounding Cherokee County have parks and trails if you want a walk or picnic after shopping.

This can turn a shopping trip into more of a day outing, especially for families or visitors staying in the Atlanta area who want to see more of the northern suburbs.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Shoppers

The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta offers:

• A major outlet center convenient to north metro Atlanta
• Brand-name apparel, shoes, accessories, and home goods at discounted prices
• Easy car access via I‑575, with free parking and an open-air layout

For Atlanta residents or visitors, it’s especially worthwhile if you:

• Plan your trip around typical Atlanta traffic
• Prioritize a short list of must-visit stores
• Time your visit to match big sales or quieter weekday periods

Used this way, it can be a practical and efficient addition to your overall shopping options in and around Atlanta, Georgia.