Shopping
Downtown Gadsden is a thriving retail and business district. Downtown Gadsden, Inc. was created to establish the central business district as a centerpiece for the city’s economic progress. Since then, 95 new businesses have opened and 398 building improvements have been completed. The new private-sector investment exceeds $26 million, stimulated by a public investment of more than $5.5 million. Now, the occupancy rate exceeds 90%.
Gadsden Mall has almost 500,000 square feet under roof, with 40 stores including three major department stores, a food court, carousel, and a 16-screen cinema.
Gadsden’s Commercial Development Authority is attracting additional retail stores to the city. The 300,000-square-foot Coosa Town Center is home to Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Shoe Depot, Petco, Rue 21 and more. Riverview Plaza has Hobby Lobby, Kirklands, Tuesday Morning and Super Dollar Tree, among others. Local “big box” stores include two Wal-Mart supercenters, Academy Sports, OfficeMax and Lowe’s.
Downtown Attalla has become a regional center of antique stores. Mountain Top Flea Market, also in Attalla, attracts more than 1,500 dealers with 2.6 miles of shopping.
With more than 100 establishments, dining options in Etowah County run the gamut from coffeehouse cafés, pubs, southern BBQ to international fare. For details, go to www.etowahtourism.com/dining.html.
