Macy's announced plans in February to close 150 stores over the next three years. At the time, the struggling retailer did not reveal where any of the closures would occur but did indicate that the first 50 closures would happen in 2024. In a move that seemed to confirm its fate, the company quietly listed its store and land at Northlake Mall for sale in May.
The Northlake Macy's has not been thoroughly renovated in many years, but the company spent $169,000 on what a permit labeled a "renovation" in 2017 that was really just the addition of the company's "Macy's Backstage" off-price shop-in-shop.
The retailer has, in recent years, closed several Atlanta area department stores, including those at North DeKalb Mall (2016), The Gallery at South DeKalb (2020), and Greenbriar Mall (2021).
Following the closure, the retailer will still operate several traditional mall department stores in metro Atlanta, including those at Lenox Square in Buckhead, North Point Mall in Alpharetta, Town Center at Cobb in Kennesaw, Mall of Georgia in Buford, Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody and The Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia.
In metro Atlanta, the company introduced "Market by Macy's," a small format store with locations in Snellville and Suwanee in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The roughly 30,000 square foot "boutique" Macy's stores have in recent months been renamed simply "Macy's."
ToNeTo Atlanta reported August 28 that Macy's will debut Atlanta's first "Bloomingdale's the outlet store" August 30 in Buckhead.
According to the Macy's website, Georgia and its 22 stores (including mattress and home stores) are currently tied for sixth by store count nationwide. Neighboring Alabama has just one store, and it - at Riverchase Galleria in Birmingham - has been listed for sale, indicating that it, too, will soon close. (The current Macy’s at the Riverchase Galleria was originally a Rich’s, which opened with the mall in 1986. The original Macy’s location at the mall opened in 1987 and is today occupied by Von Maur.)
The Northlake Macy's, originally a Davison's, has been an anchor in the Tucker area mall since its debut in 1971. When the mall opened, JC Penney and Sears were Northlake's other anchors. It was not until 1994 that Parisian was added to the mall. The Birmingham-based retailer remained in the mall until 2007, after which Kohl's opened in the mall in 2008 but closed in 2016.
Macy's closure would leave the mall without a true anchor following the closures of JC Penney (2020) , Sears (2018), Kohl's (2016), and before Kohl's, Parisian (2007).
ATR Corinth Partners, which purchased the mall (including the Kohl's and JC Penney "boxes") in February 2016, subsequently purchased the former Sears "box" and its overall 10.35 acre property in November 2017 for $8.3 million. The firm reportedly had an interest in also acquiring the Macy's box but ultimately bowed out of contention when the retailer significantly raised its asking price.
The mall celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021. (Click here to take a walk down memory lane at Northlake Mall.)
Today Emory Healthcare occupies the former Sears and has leased the former Kohl's, too. A new Primrose Schools at Emory Healthcare is nearing completion in a portion of the former Kohl's, with Emory expected to build out an expansion of its campus in the space in the coming months.
Elsewhere in the mall, EscovitcheZ Legendary Island Cuisine is slated to open in the former Lenscrafters next to Dugan's. The "upscale Jamaican and Caribbean food restaurant" opened its first and currently only other location at The Shoppes at Webb Gin in Snellville in October 2019. The new Northlake location is expected to feature a menu similar to, but not exactly the same as, the existing restaurant.
 |
| Progress at EscovitcheZ has been...slow |
Jim n Nick's Bar-B-Q is also expected to start construction soon on their new restaurant in an outparcel of the mall along Briarcliff Road. ToNeTo Atlanta first reported on the planned barbecue restaurant in April, but its progress slowed to a glacial pace as it moved through City of Tucker bureaucracy.
 |
| Stamp & Coin will move to this new outparcel building |
DeKalb County valued the Macy's land at $1.25M (10.99 acres) and the building at $3.75M (191,000 square feet over three levels). The property (4880 Briarcliff Road) reportedly sold in the $12M range, according to real estate sources.
The reported and most logical, but unconfirmed, buyer: Kroger.
ToNeTo Atlanta contacted Tammie Young-Ennaemba, "Corporate Affairs Manager for Kroger Atlanta" regarding what we'd heard and Kroger's would-be relocation to Northlake and were told: "there are no store plans in that area." We received no response to a follow-up email seeking clarification.
A new Kroger at Northlake would allow the grocer to dramatically enhance its offerings, significantly increase the size of its store, offer fuel and other amenities that the current Northlake store (3959 LaVista Road) lacks. To be clear, a new Kroger would almost certainly be built from the ground up. A move to Northlake would also allow the Cincinnati-based grocer to better compete with Publix in nearby Briarcliff Village shopping center, too.
Kroger earlier this month closed its similarly old "Greenhouse" location on Cobb Parkway near Vinings. (The grocer was in talks to open a new store in place of part of the Sears at Cumberland Mall in 2015, but those plans failed to materialize.) Kroger, which previously operated its regional headquarters from Parklake Drive near Northlake Mall, has reportedly long coveted the Macy's property at Northlake Mall and is among the most logical replacement tenants.
Costco, which had for years wanted to be at North DeKalb Mall, and is no longer involved in what is now the planned Lulah Hills development, later looked at Northlake, but ultimately passed on the project, according to a source familiar with the retailer's Atlanta plans.
Other businesses that could have interest in the Northlake Macy's include Lowe's Home Improvement and Dillard's, but ultimately Kroger makes the most sense.
Kroger has in years past closed/relocated early 80s era stores on Powers Ferry Road in Marietta (relo), South Cobb Drive in Smyrna (relo), Church Street in Decatur (relo), Chamblee Tucker Road near Tucker (relo/rebuild), Roswell Road in Sandy Springs (closed), Piedmont Road in Buckhead (closed), with the Northlake store among other a handful of similarly age stores still in operation in metro Atlanta.
What are your thoughts on the current state of Northlake Mall? Do you think a Kroger move to Northlake makes sense for the area? What other types of businesses would you like to see open in the Northlake area?
Please share your thoughts below,
52 comments:
This is the last remaining Davison’s location that has remained open as some form of Macy’s since 1971. All other Davison’s locations are long gone or converted to something else besides Macy’s.
There may be a little nostalgic sadness related to their closing and the sad state of the mall in general, but obviously none of this is surprising. I realize developers make money building new centers, but ultimately someone else goes downhill. Maybe better planning or maybe this is just the normal cycle of life.
A sports facility for softball/baseball would be amazing in this family-centric location. There is a shortage of such facilities in the immediate area.
Very sad news. We were regular Northlake Mall customers since moving to the ATL area in 1988. Still walk in the mall in inclement weather & shop at the Macy's there.
The entire Northlake area needs a significant uplift in shopping and especially restaurants and I mean quality restaurants not some off the wall option like a southern soul food place. Nothing wrong with soul food, grew up eating it, but the demographic in this area isn't really the right clientele. If the Northlake area wanted to grow up they could bit it's going to take a complete redevelopment of the Northlake Festival Plaza into an Avalon type of shopping experience.
So hey, what is the deal with that huge wooden staircase/lounging area that they put where a fountain used to be? Who hangs out on that thing? I think they should put a bunch of pickleball courts in the downstairs area, make it a gigantic pickleball complex.
I totally agree that the Northlake area needs a major upgrade. I think Northlake Festival area needs to be razed and rebuilt but may be difficult with the radio tower in the middle of the parking lot.
I think they originally envisioned Penney’s becoming one of those “We Work” type spaces. Then having that staircase area be some kind of “auditorium” for large gatherings, meetings for them and for Emory. Not sure it’s ever been used for that.
Too bad they never really moved forward with a total remodel on that building. The original pre-Federated Macys didn’t spend much and the current Macys Inc spent zilch on remodeling or upkeep here, save the Backstage. The store was neat back in the 70’s and 80’s as Davison’s, as that local management cared about their stores. When they converted to “Macys South” in the 90’s they stopped caring.
I was hoping for a food hall to replace the food court...
Remember to visit Challenges Games and Comics, which relocated to Northlake Mall a little over a year ago from North DeKalb Mall.
https://www.facebook.com/challengesgamescomics
Look att datt neybuhhood…izz yoo suh-proz’d?
That would be too drastic!
I work at Emory and yes a food hall would definitely be welcomed! The two food offerings are nothing short of disgusting!
Anonymous @ August 29, 2024 at 5:30 PM
That doesn't hurt your head typing that?
First McDonald's then Casey's,captain D now Macy's. Not the most exciting places but very sad they are gone. Been going to Northlake mall since 1972! Back when we had book stores and record stores a lot of losses for this area.. Very sad!
I really don't see any kind of 'Avalon' thing doing well there at all, as the surrounding demographics have nowhere near the wealth of the Avalon area. This area is not any Alpharetta/Milton. But I do think that if NL Festival was razed and replaced with a mix of houses and nice townhouses, those would sell out. It would probably need to be a gated complex. But there has been some of this type of 're use' in Doraville, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, where areas close to 285 have some new construction townhouses (and also some single family houses), and there is a demand for this. But I guess this might be a riskier, less profitable venture for developers? and it does mean replacing the potential business tax base with residences.
He’s having another stroke. I do hope he gets some help soon.
And before that Arbys, Taco Bell, Ruby Tuesday, El Chico, Fuddruckers, Piccadilly, Magic Pan, Bennigans, Sizzler, Italian Oven, Mother Tuckers, Sgt Peppers….
I live very close to this mall and sad to see how all the stores closed. I still shopped at this Macy's even though the selection was not great. Kind of ironic restaurants are opening there, an
exhibit is coming just as Macy's is closing. I'm ok with a new Kroger opening there if that happens. I suspect a new Northlake Kroger would take some business from Embry Hills Kroger. Overall Northlake Mall definitely had a good run.
A new Kroger retail store would make sense, as the existing one is tiny, ancient, and extremely limited. I would love to see a mixed store with retail AND Kroger regional management all in one site. Kroger needs a flagship Atlanta store where they can experiment with new ideas and refine practices. It needs to operate like the Cumberland Vinings Home Depot operates in the shadow of Home Depot corporate, scared to death that the bosses can show up at any moment. Yes I am evil. Northlake has huge potential if anyone can just figure out the winning mix.
We do not need anymore multifamily development. I agree with an Avalon type redo for The Festival. We need a Trader Joe’s!! And more upscale restaurants.
So sad to see Macy's leave our NLMall. It was a great draw for the neighborhood. Perhaps a nice breakfast restaurant could be added to the mall.
Worked at Sears 50 years ago when the mall was really bustling. Loved to eat lunch at The Commodity Exchange.
The only way an Avalon type development would work is gentrify the heck out of the area, which nobody wants.
Even if they move, Kroger will still be low-rent. Publix all the way.
Back in the 70’s, Davison’s had a restaurant. So did Sears and Penney’s.
So sad all these closings! What will we do now drive 20 miles to get food and entertainment when everything closes?
What restaurant was at Northlake festival that served pasta,? The ceilings were unfinished. I think it was on the same side that Jason's deli is.
there was an Everybody's pizza at NLF in 1984. Maybe it was the pasta place? there was also a Gadget's cafe (not pasta), also a Goldberg-type place called 'Bagel Eatery'. Later there was Black Eyed Pea. These places all could not make it when the area was much younger.
Was it called the Spaghetti factory,? Also, do you remember Soup and Salads, Shake and Steak across from Monterey ? How about the restaurant where Blue Ribbon Grill was you would pick up a phone at your table and place your order!
It was “Spaghetti? - Oh!!’s”
I remember Souper Salads (3900 Lavista). I think it later became Lepeep. The Steak and Shake was across from Pizza Inn. Monterrey moved from NLF into the Pizza Inn. The Steak and Shake became Showbiz Pizza, then a Dairy Queen, then a bank. I still can't find anything about a spaghetti place in the area. There was Italian Oven (where Kacey's is).
This is not the same area but do you remember Danvers on Buford hwy? And what was the restaurant at Sam',s Club parking lot,? Was it called Flavors?? On Clairmont Rd.
There’s so much empty space at Northlake Festival, Macy*s should just open one of its small format stores over there when they close Davison’s.
No but I remember Dairy King on Rt. 19 in Canonsburg, PA!
I do remember the Danver's at 3011 Buford Hwy, close to N. Druid Hills. In the Sams parking lot, I do remember a restaurant. I could have sworn it was an Everybodys. But I'm only finding reference to Bonanza at 2915 Clairmont. We need to pool all our resources, and all readers need to get a newspapers.com account to nail this down. It can be a hassle finding restaurants at no longer existing addresses...
The Sam’s was a Kmart. The restaurant in the Sam’s parking lot was a Texas Roadhouse
In the 80s, there was a restaurant in the old Kmart parking lot (now Sam’s Club) that sat closer to Peachtree Creek that was called “People’s.” I used to love the barstools- they were carved wood that looked like regular legs.
I'm not certain if the texas roadhouse was on the same parcel as these older restaurants. But I found what I needed in 1981 ajc: 2915 Clairmont was 'People's' restaurant. I barely remember it. It was on the northwest portion of the lot, whereas I think TR was closer to I85. And the People's had previously been Bonanza. As a side note, at least for a while in the early to mid 70s, the Days Inn had a restaurant, 'Tasty World'. Since we lived not far away, we never stayed at Days Inn and never ate there (but did get ice cream at the nearby HoJo's once or twice).
So the People’s/Bonanza was where McDonalds is now? Or across the street? 2915 Clairmont doesn’t appear to be anything now, on the map it comes up right near the bridge over the creek.
the bonanza/peoples was at the northwest corner of the lot, which has been re-asphalted. So now it is just parking spaces. And it may have extended north into the woods a bit. You can see it on historicaerials. The Mcdonalds lot previously had a gas station I'm pretty sure.
I like the idea of a Trader Joe’s!
I like the idea of pickle ball courts!
A food hall would be nice!
This is/was the most upscale clothing store in the Tucker/Northlake area. I went frequently and bought great clothing at amazing prices. It's a huge loss for the community. It's difficult to attract national brands like Macy's to invest in an area. Due to inflation and poor economy, it seemed many just don't have the extra money these days to support a store like Macy's. Jim N Nick's is a great add!
I liked The old food court because it was large and had large windows with lots of light coming in. I wish they would replace the food court and also Serve breakfast there. That would be something new to try, A breakfast And lunch food court. This type of food court would serve many different people on weekdays and weekends. For example, Retirees, employees from Emory, people that live in the area apartments and townhomes and the Guests from the nearby hotels. I would love to see Publix or Kroger there or even a small Village type Walmart. It would sure Improve on what’s there Now.
How about Arby's (again), or a Lettuce Entertain You eatery like one in Chicago? (Maybe not there anymore)
it’s a shame north lake is overrun with urban thugs and Tucker won’t do anything about it
The only semblance of places to shop for clothing are Target, TJMaxx and Goodwill. The planners have missed the mark by making us travel to the Forum, Perimeter or Lenox. A nice Talbots, Dillard, Loft, JJill,etc would be so welcome. This area still has women who need to shop closer to home.
Macy's forgot those who helped in building the brand -
You’re full of shit. There are no “thugs” at Northlake, unless you just call all blacks “thugs.”
Post a Comment