5 of Atlanta Georgia's Must-Visit Shops

The metro Atlanta Georgia area is home to 5.3 million people, according to the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, with an income that averages 13 percent higher than elsewhere in the U.S.

It's a welcoming area for businesses of all types, from the small mom and pop stores to chains who have found great success in the area. The best stores are ones you can't find anywhere else that the locals flock to when they think tourists aren't looking.

Thrift Stores

Value Village is Atlanta's largest thrift department store chain that does things a bit differently from your typical thrift store. Instead of having entirely donated items, these stores split their inventory between used items and overstock direct from manufacturers. It combines the best of both discount department stores and thrift stores, letting you pick up new items alongside thrifty bargains.

Consignment

Psycho Sisters is the place to find if you want unique, eclectic and alternative clothing options when you're searching for vintage and consignment boutiques. They have multiple locations spread throughout the metro Atlanta Georgia area, and they enjoy showing off an edgy look that doesn't always get represented well in the secondary clothing market. It's certainly a quirky store that's worth taking a look at when you're visiting the area.

Local Goods

Envy is a unique boutique run by a mother and daughter team who bring the best of Atlanta's local goods to their store. Their main focus is on bright and funky clothing, although there's also plenty of room for jewelry and other crafts made by the locals, too.

Gifts

Crystal Blue, located in Little 5 Points, brings you gifts from the more metaphysical side of things. They are a great source for incense, crystals, handcrafted goods, handmade soaps and other gifts showing the local flavor of Atlanta. They also go to mineral shows to find the best specimens for their store, so even if you aren't into the spiritual side of things, you're going to get plenty of interesting options for the rockhounds in your life.

Reinspiration is a gift store that centers around the concept of recycling. Everything in the store has some tie to this theme, from recycled glass gifts to reclaimed wood used in the construction of furniture and other gifts. This unique store gives you one-of-a-kind options to shop for, whether you're looking for something cute to bring home or the best gift you've ever given. They also represent local artists, giving Atlanta another great venue for showing off its local talent.

While finding unique stores is always an exciting prospect, be careful where you go and how you are sharing your information. Pick pocketing, shoulder surfing and credit card theft are higher around the holidays when stores are crowded and people are easily distracted. As long as you shop smart and safely, you're sure to come across some great finds.