Fayette shoppers won't have

to travel to New York City to shop tony stores along the Avenue anymore.

The first stores to open at

The Avenue Peachtree City will welcome shoppers Thursday.

At 167,000 square feet, the

Avenue Peachtree City is Cousins Properties' third "Main Street"

inspired concept, which brings an open-air configuration to the traditional

mall atmosphere and has attracted such high profile merchants as GAP,

Banana Republic, Talbots, Williams-Sonoma, Bath & Body Works and Victoria's

Secret.

The project is 56 percent leased,

and many retailers are still inquiring about space, said Cousins spokesman

Lisa Simmons.

At the intersection of Ga.

highways 54 and 74, The Avenue Peachtree City features numerous national

and local merchants not currently available to shoppers in the area. Stores

set to open on or around March 29 include:

- Ann Taylor Loft

- Jos. A. Bank

- Banana Republic

- Ritz Camera

- Bath & Body Works

- Starbucks

- Bombay Company

- Stride Rite

- Chico's

- Talbots

- Claire's Boutique

-

The Children's Place

- GAP

- Victoria's Secret

- GapKids

- Yankee Candle

Other stores set to open in

the coming months include Williams-Sonoma, Kirkland's, Thomas Kinkade

Gallery, Atlanta Bread Company, Beard & Company, Marble Slab Creamery,

Mud Pies and Harry's in a Hurry.

Cousins' Lisa Simmons said

The Avenue will have a community-wide opening May 5 that will offer many

activities for shoppers and the community.

"Peachtree City is a perfect

location for our Avenue concept, which was born out of the idea that time-pressed

consumers need an attractive and convenient alternative to traditional

mall shopping," said Joel Murphy, president of Cousins' Retail Division.

Cousins' Avenue concept combines

a "village" approach that recalls the nostalgia of Main Street

with the excitement and convenience expected by today's discriminating

consumers.

The Avenue Peachtree City was

designed with architectural accents such as a sparkling fountain, lush

landscaping, park style benches and ornamental lampposts that complement

the "small town" feel of the surrounding communities. The project

also includes 12,000 square feet of loft office space, ideal for small

businesses whose employees enjoy the relaxed Peachtree City life-style

experience.

The office space is a new concept

for The Avenue developments.

"We felt the need was

there for the small businesses. It's a great opportunity with the parking

and the street-level retail," said Simmons.

The Avenue Peachtree City will

be a sponsor of the 25th anniversary season of the Frederick Brown Jr.

Amphitheater and will support numerous local charitable organizations

through its "Shop to Share" program. Hours are Monday through

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.