By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

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 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.