Southside

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

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.