The Atlanta Braves move to Cobb County won’t happen for another three years, but the area’s retailers are already anticipating a surge in business.
Business leaders in the Cumberland area, which will be home to a planned $672 million ballpark and adjacent $400 million mixed-use project of shops, bars and apartments, said they have experienced a boon in interest from retailers since the Braves relocation announcement in early November.
The news comes on the heels of increased interest in the area over the past eight years.
Cumberland Mall, one of the metro area’s oldest shopping centers, saw a dramatic increase in traffic after it underwent a restaurant facelift in 2006 with the addition of Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s Little Italy and Stoney River Legendary Steaks. Akers Mill Square, a nearby shopping center, re-invented itself with major restaurant chains, such as Zoe’s Kitchen, Corner Bakery and an expanded LongHorn Steakhouse.
But taking advantage of the Braves move will take work. For every Akers Mill Square, there are dozens of dated strip malls up and down Cobb Parkway that haven’t been touched by the retail fairy. And Cobb Galleria Centre, one of the first shopping centers many conventioneers and tourists may encounter, is struggling at 55 percent vacancy.
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