Economic challenges and changing market conditions have impacted the retail marketplace in Atlanta. Online shopping, home deliveries, and lucrative offers have made it difficult for brick-and-mortar stores to survive the competition.
Some big names such as Joann Fabrics & Crafts and Belk also succumbed to these conditions and are gradually shutting down across various locations in Metro Atlanta.
Highlights
- Some retail stores announced a shutdown in February 2025 amidst the changing retail landscape and consumer patterns.
- The main reason behind the closures has been the falling foot traffic for a long time, which led to bankruptcy.
- The retail industry is in dire need of measures to save its vanishing offline presence.
Joann Fabrics & Crafts – End of an Era
The nationwide Joann Fabrics network has ended its operations with its 800 stores throughout the United States. Joann Fabrics, which has a history going back to 1943, executed this latest decision after the company’s second Chapter 11 bankruptcy case in January 2025. Among 18 stores scheduled for closing in Georgia, 7 are from Metro Atlanta.
Initially, Joann intended to close down 500 stores while maintaining operation of 300 locations. However, the brand later went entirely out of business because of asset sales and auctions. Joann’s closure deeply impacted its loyal customer base, which depended on the company for broad, affordable crafting materials.
Locations in Metro Atlanta Where Stores are Closing
- 965 N. Point Drive, Alpharetta
- 2255 Pleasant Hill Road, Ste. 200, Duluth
- 1630 Scenic Hwy. N., Ste. O, Snellville
- 1380 Dogwood Drive, Conyers
- 9439 Highway 5, Douglasville
- 250 Pavilion Pkwy., Fayetteville
- 540 A Lakeland Plaza, Cumming
“This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our team members, our customers, and all of the communities we serve,” said a spokesperson for Joann. The company operates clearance sale activities for its remaining inventory at heavily slashed prices during the liquidation period. The deadline for using gift cards is February 28, 2025, because the company operates a final sale policy with no return options.
Belk Store in Kennesaw Shuts Down
In February 2025, Belk closed its Town Center at Cobb store in Kennesaw. Belk bought Parisian brand and opened its store in 2007. This shop has been a local favorite for years.
The store at 400 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, had clearance sales and discounts before it closed permanently.
The retailer thanked its associates and customers for their support. It promised to help the employees affected by the closure.
Many stores at Town Center at Cobb have recently closed. This is due to challenges that traditional malls often face. Kennesaw shoppers can check out other Belk stores nearby for their fashion and home needs.
Atlanta consumers will most likely observe two main parallel trends: they will shop increasingly online and new stores will appear in place of the former retailers. The community, together with shopping centers, will need to embrace these trends by finding new uses for empty retail spaces and by providing training and job support services to unemployed workers.
The departure of Joann Fabrics and Belk puts an end to decades of retail history but creates prospects for development and innovation in the vibrant shopping sector of Atlanta.
