GITNUXREPORT 2026

Atlanta Retail Industry Statistics

Atlanta's retail industry is experiencing strong post-pandemic growth across all major metrics.

Alexander Schmidt

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Atlanta retail employment averaged 214,500 jobs in 2023, up 1.8% year-over-year.

Statistic 2

Retail occupations in Atlanta MSA had 185,200 filled positions in May 2023, with median hourly wage of $15.42.

Statistic 3

Women comprised 52.3% of Atlanta's retail workforce in 2022.

Statistic 4

Average retail manager salary in Atlanta was $68,450 annually in 2023.

Statistic 5

Retail salespersons employment in Atlanta grew by 3.1% from 2022 to 2023.

Statistic 6

15.2% of Atlanta retail workers were part-time in 2023.

Statistic 7

Unemployment rate in Atlanta retail sector was 4.1% in Q3 2023.

Statistic 8

Cashiers in Atlanta earned average $14.28 per hour in 2023.

Statistic 9

Retail stockers and order fillers numbered 28,400 in Atlanta MSA 2023.

Statistic 10

Turnover rate in Atlanta retail was 45.6% annually in 2022.

Statistic 11

Retail trade employment in Atlanta MSA: 212,300 in 2022 average.

Statistic 12

First-line supervisors in retail Atlanta: 18,900 jobs, $22.15/hr median 2023.

Statistic 13

Black workers made up 38.4% of Atlanta retail employees 2023.

Statistic 14

Customer service reps in retail Atlanta: avg salary $41,200/yr 2023.

Statistic 15

Retail clerks employment up 2.7% in Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 16

22% of Atlanta retail jobs required high school diploma only 2023.

Statistic 17

Retail unemployment claims in Atlanta fell 15% in 2023.

Statistic 18

Retail meat cutters wage: $17.89/hr avg in Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 19

Personal care aides in retail beauty: 4,500 jobs Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 20

Seasonal retail hiring peaked at 35,000 in Atlanta Q4 2023.

Statistic 21

In 2022, Atlanta's retail sales totaled $42.5 billion, marking a 4.2% increase from 2021 driven by post-pandemic recovery.

Statistic 22

The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta MSA retail trade GDP contribution was $18.7 billion in 2021, accounting for 8.9% of the metro area's total GDP.

Statistic 23

Atlanta's retail sector saw a 15% growth in e-commerce sales from 2020 to 2022, reaching $6.8 billion annually.

Statistic 24

As of 2023, there were 12,450 retail establishments in the Atlanta metro area, a 2.1% rise from 2022.

Statistic 25

Atlanta retail market vacancy rate stood at 4.8% in Q4 2023, down from 7.2% in 2021.

Statistic 26

The average annual sales per retail square foot in Atlanta was $512 in 2022.

Statistic 27

Atlanta's retail industry attracted $1.2 billion in foreign direct investment in 2022.

Statistic 28

Retail construction spending in Atlanta metro reached $890 million in 2023.

Statistic 29

Atlanta's share of Georgia's total retail sales was 28.4% in 2022.

Statistic 30

The retail sector in Atlanta contributed $2.4 billion in state and local taxes in 2022.

Statistic 31

Atlanta retail sales totaled $42.3 billion in 2021, with 3.8% YoY growth.

Statistic 32

Retail sector represented 11.1% of Atlanta MSA private employment in 2022.

Statistic 33

Atlanta's power centers averaged 95% occupancy in 2023.

Statistic 34

Total retail square footage in Atlanta metro: 520 million sq ft in 2023.

Statistic 35

Atlanta retail NNN asking rents averaged $22.50 psf in Q4 2023.

Statistic 36

Retail bankruptcies in Atlanta dropped 22% in 2023 vs 2022.

Statistic 37

Atlanta's outlet malls generated $1.8 billion in sales 2023.

Statistic 38

Retail tourism contributed $3.2 billion to Atlanta economy in 2023.

Statistic 39

Atlanta retail market cap rates averaged 6.8% in 2023.

Statistic 40

Number of supermarkets in Atlanta metro area was 1,250 in 2023.

Statistic 41

Convenience stores in Atlanta totaled 2,840 outlets in 2023, generating $5.6 billion.

Statistic 42

Apparel and clothing stores numbered 1,120 in Atlanta MSA 2023.

Statistic 43

Shopping centers in Atlanta metro spanned 45 million sq ft in 2023.

Statistic 44

Big-box retailers like Walmart operated 78 stores in Atlanta area 2023.

Statistic 45

Independent specialty retail stores in Atlanta: 3,200 in 2023.

Statistic 46

Grocery chains Publix and Kroger held 42% market share in Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 47

Electronics retailers like Best Buy had 22 locations in metro Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 48

Home improvement stores (Home Depot HQ) totaled 65 in Atlanta area 2023.

Statistic 49

Drug stores like CVS and Walgreens operated 450 outlets in Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 50

Beer, wine, liquor stores: 1,100 outlets Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 51

Department stores: 45 locations in metro Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 52

Discount department stores like Target: 52 stores Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 53

Premium outlet centers: 3 major in Atlanta suburbs 2023.

Statistic 54

Ethnic grocery stores: 320 in Atlanta MSA 2023.

Statistic 55

Mall-based retailers: 4,200 tenants in Atlanta malls 2023.

Statistic 56

Warehouse clubs like Costco: 12 locations Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 57

Pet stores: 280 outlets in metro Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 58

Toy and hobby stores: 210 in Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 59

Total retail sales in Atlanta reached $45.2 billion in Q1 2024.

Statistic 60

Grocery store sales in Atlanta metro grew 5.8% YoY to $12.3 billion in 2023.

Statistic 61

Apparel retail sales in Atlanta surged 12.4% in holiday 2023 season.

Statistic 62

General merchandise stores sales hit $8.1 billion in Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 63

Atlanta luxury retail sales increased 7.9% to $2.4 billion in 2023.

Statistic 64

Food and beverage store sales per capita in Atlanta was $4,210 in 2022.

Statistic 65

Electronics and appliance sales declined 2.1% in Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 66

Health and personal care sales rose 6.7% to $3.9 billion in Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 67

Sporting goods sales in Atlanta jumped 9.2% YoY in 2023.

Statistic 68

Furniture and home furnishings sales totaled $4.2 billion in Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 69

Building material sales in Atlanta: $2.9 billion 2023.

Statistic 70

Gasoline stations sales $7.4 billion in Atlanta metro 2023.

Statistic 71

Bookstores and news dealers sales up 4.5% to $420 million Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 72

Florists sales totaled $285 million in Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 73

Motor vehicle dealers sales $15.6 billion Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 74

Miscellaneous store retailers sales $1.7 billion Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 75

Nonstore retailers sales exploded 22% to $7.9 billion Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 76

Office supplies sales $890 million Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 77

Used merchandise stores sales $650 million Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 78

Atlanta's omnichannel retail penetration reached 68% of total sales in 2023.

Statistic 79

E-commerce share of Atlanta retail sales projected to hit 25% by 2027.

Statistic 80

Sustainability initiatives adopted by 72% of Atlanta retailers in 2023.

Statistic 81

Contactless payment usage in Atlanta retail soared to 89% in 2023.

Statistic 82

Retail automation investments in Atlanta totaled $450 million in 2023.

Statistic 83

Experiential retail spaces grew 18% in Atlanta malls by 2024 projection.

Statistic 84

Atlanta retail projected to add 12,000 jobs by 2028.

Statistic 85

Ghost kitchens in Atlanta retail foodservice up 35% since 2022.

Statistic 86

Retail media networks revenue in Atlanta expected to reach $1.1 billion by 2025.

Statistic 87

AI-driven personalization used by 55% Atlanta retailers 2024.

Statistic 88

Buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) at 42% of sales Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 89

Retail crime losses in Atlanta: $1.2 billion estimated 2023.

Statistic 90

Pop-up shops increased 28% in Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 91

Social commerce sales projected $2.5 billion Atlanta by 2026.

Statistic 92

Zero-waste retail initiatives in 31% of Atlanta stores 2023.

Statistic 93

Retail analytics software adoption: 76% Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 94

Curbside pickup accounted for 35% grocery sales Atlanta 2023.

Statistic 95

Metaverse retail experiments by 12 Atlanta brands 2023.

Statistic 96

Retail sales growth forecast 3.5% annually for Atlanta to 2028.

Sources
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Atlanta's retail scene isn't just bouncing back; it's booming and innovating, with $45.2 billion in sales kicking off 2024 as post-pandemic recovery fuels everything from a surge in e-commerce to experiential shopping spaces.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2022, Atlanta's retail sales totaled $42.5 billion, marking a 4.2% increase from 2021 driven by post-pandemic recovery.
  • The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta MSA retail trade GDP contribution was $18.7 billion in 2021, accounting for 8.9% of the metro area's total GDP.
  • Atlanta's retail sector saw a 15% growth in e-commerce sales from 2020 to 2022, reaching $6.8 billion annually.
  • Atlanta retail employment averaged 214,500 jobs in 2023, up 1.8% year-over-year.
  • Retail occupations in Atlanta MSA had 185,200 filled positions in May 2023, with median hourly wage of $15.42.
  • Women comprised 52.3% of Atlanta's retail workforce in 2022.
  • Total retail sales in Atlanta reached $45.2 billion in Q1 2024.
  • Grocery store sales in Atlanta metro grew 5.8% YoY to $12.3 billion in 2023.
  • Apparel retail sales in Atlanta surged 12.4% in holiday 2023 season.
  • Number of supermarkets in Atlanta metro area was 1,250 in 2023.
  • Convenience stores in Atlanta totaled 2,840 outlets in 2023, generating $5.6 billion.
  • Apparel and clothing stores numbered 1,120 in Atlanta MSA 2023.
  • Atlanta's omnichannel retail penetration reached 68% of total sales in 2023.
  • E-commerce share of Atlanta retail sales projected to hit 25% by 2027.
  • Sustainability initiatives adopted by 72% of Atlanta retailers in 2023.

Atlanta's retail industry is experiencing strong post-pandemic growth across all major metrics.

Employment Data

  • Atlanta retail employment averaged 214,500 jobs in 2023, up 1.8% year-over-year.
  • Retail occupations in Atlanta MSA had 185,200 filled positions in May 2023, with median hourly wage of $15.42.
  • Women comprised 52.3% of Atlanta's retail workforce in 2022.
  • Average retail manager salary in Atlanta was $68,450 annually in 2023.
  • Retail salespersons employment in Atlanta grew by 3.1% from 2022 to 2023.
  • 15.2% of Atlanta retail workers were part-time in 2023.
  • Unemployment rate in Atlanta retail sector was 4.1% in Q3 2023.
  • Cashiers in Atlanta earned average $14.28 per hour in 2023.
  • Retail stockers and order fillers numbered 28,400 in Atlanta MSA 2023.
  • Turnover rate in Atlanta retail was 45.6% annually in 2022.
  • Retail trade employment in Atlanta MSA: 212,300 in 2022 average.
  • First-line supervisors in retail Atlanta: 18,900 jobs, $22.15/hr median 2023.
  • Black workers made up 38.4% of Atlanta retail employees 2023.
  • Customer service reps in retail Atlanta: avg salary $41,200/yr 2023.
  • Retail clerks employment up 2.7% in Atlanta 2023.
  • 22% of Atlanta retail jobs required high school diploma only 2023.
  • Retail unemployment claims in Atlanta fell 15% in 2023.
  • Retail meat cutters wage: $17.89/hr avg in Atlanta 2023.
  • Personal care aides in retail beauty: 4,500 jobs Atlanta 2023.
  • Seasonal retail hiring peaked at 35,000 in Atlanta Q4 2023.

Employment Data Interpretation

Atlanta's retail sector, while steadily adding jobs and seeing unemployment claims fall, is a study in contrasts: it's propped up by a part-time, predominantly female workforce with a notoriously high turnover rate, all while managers and specialists manage to carve out a decent living amidst the churn.

Market Overview

  • In 2022, Atlanta's retail sales totaled $42.5 billion, marking a 4.2% increase from 2021 driven by post-pandemic recovery.
  • The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta MSA retail trade GDP contribution was $18.7 billion in 2021, accounting for 8.9% of the metro area's total GDP.
  • Atlanta's retail sector saw a 15% growth in e-commerce sales from 2020 to 2022, reaching $6.8 billion annually.
  • As of 2023, there were 12,450 retail establishments in the Atlanta metro area, a 2.1% rise from 2022.
  • Atlanta retail market vacancy rate stood at 4.8% in Q4 2023, down from 7.2% in 2021.
  • The average annual sales per retail square foot in Atlanta was $512 in 2022.
  • Atlanta's retail industry attracted $1.2 billion in foreign direct investment in 2022.
  • Retail construction spending in Atlanta metro reached $890 million in 2023.
  • Atlanta's share of Georgia's total retail sales was 28.4% in 2022.
  • The retail sector in Atlanta contributed $2.4 billion in state and local taxes in 2022.
  • Atlanta retail sales totaled $42.3 billion in 2021, with 3.8% YoY growth.
  • Retail sector represented 11.1% of Atlanta MSA private employment in 2022.
  • Atlanta's power centers averaged 95% occupancy in 2023.
  • Total retail square footage in Atlanta metro: 520 million sq ft in 2023.
  • Atlanta retail NNN asking rents averaged $22.50 psf in Q4 2023.
  • Retail bankruptcies in Atlanta dropped 22% in 2023 vs 2022.
  • Atlanta's outlet malls generated $1.8 billion in sales 2023.
  • Retail tourism contributed $3.2 billion to Atlanta economy in 2023.
  • Atlanta retail market cap rates averaged 6.8% in 2023.

Market Overview Interpretation

Atlanta’s retail sector is thriving with such vigor that its stores are practically bursting at the seams, pulling in billions in sales and investment while stubbornly refusing to vacate its premises, all because the city has masterfully blended a brick-and-mortar resurgence with a digital shopping spree.

Retail Segments

  • Number of supermarkets in Atlanta metro area was 1,250 in 2023.
  • Convenience stores in Atlanta totaled 2,840 outlets in 2023, generating $5.6 billion.
  • Apparel and clothing stores numbered 1,120 in Atlanta MSA 2023.
  • Shopping centers in Atlanta metro spanned 45 million sq ft in 2023.
  • Big-box retailers like Walmart operated 78 stores in Atlanta area 2023.
  • Independent specialty retail stores in Atlanta: 3,200 in 2023.
  • Grocery chains Publix and Kroger held 42% market share in Atlanta 2023.
  • Electronics retailers like Best Buy had 22 locations in metro Atlanta 2023.
  • Home improvement stores (Home Depot HQ) totaled 65 in Atlanta area 2023.
  • Drug stores like CVS and Walgreens operated 450 outlets in Atlanta 2023.
  • Beer, wine, liquor stores: 1,100 outlets Atlanta 2023.
  • Department stores: 45 locations in metro Atlanta 2023.
  • Discount department stores like Target: 52 stores Atlanta 2023.
  • Premium outlet centers: 3 major in Atlanta suburbs 2023.
  • Ethnic grocery stores: 320 in Atlanta MSA 2023.
  • Mall-based retailers: 4,200 tenants in Atlanta malls 2023.
  • Warehouse clubs like Costco: 12 locations Atlanta 2023.
  • Pet stores: 280 outlets in metro Atlanta 2023.
  • Toy and hobby stores: 210 in Atlanta 2023.

Retail Segments Interpretation

Atlanta’s retail landscape reveals a populace meticulously segmented, where one can buy a gallon of milk, a power tool, a cocktail dress, and a bag of kibble all within a few million square feet, yet still feel oddly bereft of a genuine department store.

Sales Performance

  • Total retail sales in Atlanta reached $45.2 billion in Q1 2024.
  • Grocery store sales in Atlanta metro grew 5.8% YoY to $12.3 billion in 2023.
  • Apparel retail sales in Atlanta surged 12.4% in holiday 2023 season.
  • General merchandise stores sales hit $8.1 billion in Atlanta 2023.
  • Atlanta luxury retail sales increased 7.9% to $2.4 billion in 2023.
  • Food and beverage store sales per capita in Atlanta was $4,210 in 2022.
  • Electronics and appliance sales declined 2.1% in Atlanta 2023.
  • Health and personal care sales rose 6.7% to $3.9 billion in Atlanta 2023.
  • Sporting goods sales in Atlanta jumped 9.2% YoY in 2023.
  • Furniture and home furnishings sales totaled $4.2 billion in Atlanta 2023.
  • Building material sales in Atlanta: $2.9 billion 2023.
  • Gasoline stations sales $7.4 billion in Atlanta metro 2023.
  • Bookstores and news dealers sales up 4.5% to $420 million Atlanta 2023.
  • Florists sales totaled $285 million in Atlanta 2023.
  • Motor vehicle dealers sales $15.6 billion Atlanta 2023.
  • Miscellaneous store retailers sales $1.7 billion Atlanta 2023.
  • Nonstore retailers sales exploded 22% to $7.9 billion Atlanta 2023.
  • Office supplies sales $890 million Atlanta 2023.
  • Used merchandise stores sales $650 million Atlanta 2023.

Sales Performance Interpretation

While Atlantans are clearly dressing up and dining out (as evidenced by surging apparel, luxury, and grocery sales), the true fashion statement of 2023 was staying in comfy clothes and shopping from the couch, where nonstore retailers saw explosive growth as electronics sales sadly gathered dust.

Trends and Projections

  • Atlanta's omnichannel retail penetration reached 68% of total sales in 2023.
  • E-commerce share of Atlanta retail sales projected to hit 25% by 2027.
  • Sustainability initiatives adopted by 72% of Atlanta retailers in 2023.
  • Contactless payment usage in Atlanta retail soared to 89% in 2023.
  • Retail automation investments in Atlanta totaled $450 million in 2023.
  • Experiential retail spaces grew 18% in Atlanta malls by 2024 projection.
  • Atlanta retail projected to add 12,000 jobs by 2028.
  • Ghost kitchens in Atlanta retail foodservice up 35% since 2022.
  • Retail media networks revenue in Atlanta expected to reach $1.1 billion by 2025.
  • AI-driven personalization used by 55% Atlanta retailers 2024.
  • Buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) at 42% of sales Atlanta 2023.
  • Retail crime losses in Atlanta: $1.2 billion estimated 2023.
  • Pop-up shops increased 28% in Atlanta 2023.
  • Social commerce sales projected $2.5 billion Atlanta by 2026.
  • Zero-waste retail initiatives in 31% of Atlanta stores 2023.
  • Retail analytics software adoption: 76% Atlanta 2023.
  • Curbside pickup accounted for 35% grocery sales Atlanta 2023.
  • Metaverse retail experiments by 12 Atlanta brands 2023.
  • Retail sales growth forecast 3.5% annually for Atlanta to 2028.

Trends and Projections Interpretation

Atlanta's retail scene is betting big on a digital and sustainable future, rapidly embracing everything from AI to ghost kitchens, yet it remains anchored by the stubborn persistence of crime and the human craving for experience.

Sources & References

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