Part 3 of our centennial series explores how the historic Sears building’s massive corridors were transformed into a vibrant modern marketplace, complete with a comprehensive retail directory.
Long before digital storefronts and same-day shipping dominated modern commerce, the sprawling 1926 Sears, Roebuck & Co. facility served as the ultimate mail-order empire, dispatching goods across the American South from its massive Atlanta distribution floor. Today, that legacy of exchange has been completely reimagined. Part 3 of our centennial series steps away from the upper-floor residences and onto the bustling ground level, exploring how the historic arcade and central halls now house a curated marketplace blending premier national flagships with independent local artisan collectives.
- From Warehouse Aisles to Open-Air Concourses: The structural framework originally engineered for heavy freight and catalog distribution was redesigned to welcome the public, replacing shipping docks with expansive walkways, natural lighting, and architectural sightlines that celebrate the building’s robust industrial past.
- National Flagships Meet Local Makers: The commercial marketplace successfully bridges global retail brands with independent regional artisans. Visitors walking the historic halls can explore everything from cutting-edge apparel flagships to specialty storefronts showcasing local Atlanta makers, artists, and creators.
- Preserving Industrial Integrity: Retailers operating within the historic envelope incorporate the building’s raw materials—such as exposed brick, polished concrete floors, and original steel columns—into their store designs, ensuring that every shopfront honors the 100-year legacy of the property.
Ponce City Market Retail Directory
To showcase the wide variety of shopping options available across the property, the commercial mix bridges global flagship brands, specialized apparel, home goods, and independent local makers:
- National & Global Apparel Brands: Major fashion labels and outfitters like J.Crew, Anthropologie, Madewell, Levi’s, Lululemon Athletica, Buck Mason, Reformation, Sézane, Coach Play, Nike, and Rye 51.
- Local Collectives & Artisan Markets: Multi-vendor spaces that serve as incubators for independent creators, including Citizen Supply (a central hub for local designers, hand-crafted goods, and regional artisans) and The Village Retail (showcasing products, apparel, and home goods from local Black entrepreneurs and makers).
- Home Goods & Design: High-end and contemporary home decor flagships such as Pottery Barn, Rejuvenation, and Casper.
- Beauty, Wellness & Specialty Shops: Specialty concepts including Glossier, Sephora, Gorjana (jewelry), Catbird, Archer Paper Goods, Posman Books, Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop, and Olfactory (fragrance).
- Active Lifestyle & Innovation: Outlets focused on movement and modern tech gear, including Forum Athletic Club and Rivian (featuring showroom and vehicle discovery spaces).
By merging modern commercial vibrancy with historic industrial scale, the retail hub ensures that the ground floor remains just as economically vital to Atlanta today as it was during its mail-order heyday.
Read Century on Ponce: Celebrating 100 Years of an Atlanta Landmark and Part 2: Residences to catch up on our series, and stay tuned as our centennial celebration continues with Part 4: Food Hall.