2 Atlanta Publix grocery stores closing their doors Saturday

Shoppers have one day left to visit the Publix grocery stores at Atlantic Station and Shallowford Road before both locations close Saturday, ending nearly two decades of service at the midtown site.

Publix announced the closure of the two stores earlier this month, saying “many factors went into the decision.”

The closure has raised concerns among nearby residents, especially those who walk or rely on public transportation for groceries.

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“Once a day, you know, like, I come in on my lunch break,” said Joshua Randall, who described the Atlantic Station Publix as part of his daily schedule.

After the shop closed, he said he had to find another option.

Neighbors say the loss leaves Atlantic Station without a full-service grocery store within walking distance. Organizers have started a petition — now with more than 500 signatures — asking Trader Joe’s to consider the venue. The company would not confirm whether it is specifically looking at the location.

Satya Bhan, president of the Atlantic Station Civic Association, said the issue affects everyone who lives within walking distance of the store.

“Many of us don’t have cars. We have a very elderly population, and people in wheelchairs who have moved into this neighborhood specifically for easy access to grocery and retail,” Vann said.

Bhan said Channel 2’s Erin Rogers About 6,000 people live directly in Atlantic Station and talks are underway with several grocery chains.

“I understand that there are several grocers, at least five, that are currently in negotiations to bring a full-service grocery store back to Atlantic Station as soon as possible,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the Atlantic Station shuttle is being adjusted to help residents get to groceries.

“The Atlantic Station shuttle will now stop at the Kroger in Howell Mill to provide interim access to our neighbors,” Vann said, adding, “There will be a short gap. We’re trying to make sure the gap is minimal.”

Atlantic Station Management declined to confirm potential tenants but released a statement saying, “Our leasing team is focused on curating a tenant mix that complements and enhances the property.”

Residents affected by the closure still have several nearby Publix options.

Atlantic Station store customers can visit five Publix locations within a two-mile radius:

• Plaza Midtown, 950 W. Peachtree St. NW (1 mile)

• Howell Mill Village, 2020 Howell Mill Road NW (1.5 mi.)

• Ansley Mall, 1544 Piedmont Ave. NE (1.6 miles)

• Publix in Piedmont, 595 Piedmont Ave. NE (1.8 miles)

• Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, 2365 Peachtree Road NE (2 miles)

Shoppers using the Shallowford Road Publix have several nearby options within about four miles:

• Briarcliff Village Shopping Center, 2162 Henderson Mill Road NE (2.0 miles)

• Town Brookhaven, 104 Town Blvd., Brookhaven (2.7 mi)

• Chamblee Plaza, 5534 Peachtree Blvd., Chamblee (2.8 mi)

• Cambridge Square Shopping Center, 2010 Johnson Ferry Road NE (3.3 mi)

• Shamrock Plaza, 3870 N. Druid Hills Road, Decatur (3.6 miles)

• Toco Hills Shopping Center, 2969 N. Druid Hills Road NE (3.6 miles)

The Atlantic Station Publix will close at 7 p.m. Saturday, ahead of its usual 10 p.m. closing time. The Shallowford Road location will also be closed on Saturday.

Atlantic Station’s DSW will close on January 24. Vann said he was told during negotiations that a Nordstrom Rack was coming to the space.

Residents say they are hopeful the new grocery store will return.

“There’s a lot of demand for a full-service grocery store in Atlantic Station, and I think everybody should look at it very seriously,” Vann said.

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