Retail Therapy

A Little Retail Shopping Helps!

I know, I know, your child is in Athens to attend college, but there is always something that he or she will need particularly at the start of the semester. It’s a good idea to order some things online and then have them ready to pick up when you need them. Lots of retail stores do this now, and will even bring your items out to your car for you. Target, Walmart, and Bed, Bath & Beyond can be extremely time-saving with these services. I’m going to break down the “where to shop” problem by suggesting places and areas near/around the University of Georgia or the bet retail therapy.

Downtown – With over 65 specialty retailers, this is where you will find fun boutiques and retailers selling all things UGA, vintage, and specialty. There are a couple of chain retailers like Urban Outfitters and American Threads, but some favorite stops are The Red Dress Boutique, Cheeky Peach, Fringe, Duke’s, and Indigo Child. Dynamite is a vintage store that students go to when looking for themed outfits for Greek life socials and date nights. For UGA gear, try The Red Zone, The Clubhouse, and Tailgate-Athens. Target is currently looking into opening a smaller-scale store here as well.

Epps Bridge Center – About a 12-minute drive from UGA, the Epps Bridge center is full of major retailers from Bed, Bath & Beyond to Dick’s Sporting Goods. In case you are unfamiliar, Bed, Bath & Beyond is a large store carrying almost every item imaginable for a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. They literally cater to college kids with dorm essentials and UGA gear. You can also register for special college discounts, coupons, and sale events through their website.  Best Buy is here too and is your one-stop-shop for all things electronic, phone-related, gaming, and computers. They also have their Geek Squad which helps with computer and electronic repairs. You can order items online and pick up in the store, and they also offer College Student Deals on their site. Walmart has one of its Supercenters here. Known for selling everything that you can imagine, this 24-hour store is the place to pick up almost anything. It can get crowded during the move in weeks, so be prepared. At Epps Bridge, you can also find Marshalls, Old Navy, Ulta, and many more popular shops.

Athens Marketplace – Near the Epps Bridge Center is the Athens Marketplace where you will find Target. Known by everyone I know as their “favorite place to shop”, you name it, Target has it. They have college room essentials, cleaning, and school supplies, toiletries and more. This Target does offer an optical store and groceries. You can also order things online and pick them up at the store. Office Depot is in the Marketplace, and they will offer special discounts for college kids throughout the year. JOANN Fabrics & Crafts, Discount Tire, and Starbucks are a few other stores found there. You will also find a Walmart Supercenter here complete with an Auto Care Center.

Georgia Square Mall – This traditional mall is grounded by Belk and JCPenney. Like a lot of malls, stores have come and gone, but if you are looking for a Foot Locker, Sephora (inside of JCPenney), Victoria’s Secret, or a Journeys, then you will find them here. Other than this mall, the best one is the Mall of Georgia which is about an hour from campus.

If you’re moving your Dawg in the Fall, expect lots of crowds and traffic. Everyone seems to hit the big retail stores at the same time, so be patient. Again, it’s another great reason to pre-order items.

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