Wish Atlanta is closing later this year. Here’s why.

One of Atlanta’s storied style and culture hubs is closing its doors later this year.

Wish Atlanta, the Little Five Points luxury streetwear and sneaker boutique, will permanently close on Dec. 28. Founder Lauren Amos told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution it’s a choice that arose, not out of business challenges, but “monumental life changes,” for her and business partner/CEO Julie Hogg.

“I’m sad and I’m happy. It’s like we are all sad and we’re all happy. This isn’t easy. This wasn’t an overnight decision,” she said.

In 2004, Amos was a recent graduate of the now defunct Atlanta College of Art.

She also worked as a manager at Wish, which at the time was a retail shop popular with Atlanta’s club scene and had Seattle-based owners. Her college sweetheart and future husband, Tyler Clayton, would DJ in a booth above the cash register.

The owners felt their fledgling business could use a local’s touch. They offered it to Amos, a Columbus, Georgia, native. She accepted, and reopened the space in 2006.

In the two decades since, Wish grew into a successful retail business, where fashion, art and music were celebrated. Simultaneously, it grew into a destination for international streetwear brands and fashion houses embracing Atlanta’s creative class.

One of the country’s few women-owned and operated streetwear boutiques, it’s been a launchpad for homegrown minority designers, some who started off as cashiers.

It’s a store also known for community-driven events and collaborations with brands such as Nike and Adidas, while also celebrating Atlanta music legends such as Outkast and a new generation of athletes including Angel Reese.

So, why is it closing?

Three years ago, Clayton passed away from lung cancer. He and Amos worked closely together on Wish. “They were both the love of my life,” she said.

Both Amos and Hogg found themselves re-evaluating their lives after losses. Wrestling with the decision for years, it felt like now was time to end it.

“This is not a result of us not making money. This is not a result of somebody stealing. This isn’t a result of the greater industry,” Amos said.

“This has really been a personal decision for us.”

In the 22 years since Amos took over, Wish has grown into a successful retail business, where fashion, art and music are celebrated. (Courtesy of Wish Atlanta)

Ultimately, deciding when to close Wish gave Amos and Hogg anxiety, but both women feel good about ending on a positive note. These next few months should be about celebrating the who, what and why Wish matters to Atlanta.

“As we reflect on all that Wish has accomplished, I think about the people who made Wish what it became,” Hogg said in a statement. “Every artist and brand, every team member, and every customer, they are the reason Wish has meant so much to Atlanta and to our team.”

Amos owns the building at 447 Moreland Avenue NE — the former L5P Carnegie Library — and its neighboring property. She has no immediate plans for what could fill the space. Though it’s too soon to say what could go in there, it won’t be a repeat.

“I hope a young, cool, creative person comes in and creates something new, not another carbon copy of Wish, but something totally exciting that keeps people talking about Atlanta,” she said.

Wish’s closing will not affect Amos’ other luxury boutique ANT/DOTE on the Westside. Amos isn’t going anywhere, and will continue her work with the Lauren Amos Fashion Project at the High Museum of Art. However connected, those are separate entities, Amos said. Wish should be the focus.

To that end, they’re working on setting up support systems and resources for Wish’s “family” post-closing.

“They’re the reason we exist. And so we have plans to take care of the staff as much as possible,” Amos said. “There’s been a lot of tears over that.”

For longtime patrons, Amos wants to make one thing clear: Wish isn’t another Atlanta institution being priced out or pushed aside. After 22 years, its owners are choosing when and how to say goodbye.

It’s their decision.

In its last months, Amos and Hogg are honoring Wish, its staff and community that embraced the boutique for more than two decades.

Plans for exactly how Wish will celebrate its legacy and last days are still in the works, Amos said. It’s a rare instance where a local business made an impact and can close on its own terms.