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Wednesday, July 2, 2003 Where
everybody knows your name... By EMILY BALDWIN
No, it's not Cheers, it's Atlanta Market Finds. At AMF, as its patrons fondly refer to it, knowing their customers is a top priority. Cheryl Pembleton, owner of Atlanta Market Finds, and her employees make every effort to remember their clientele and what styles and designs they have liked in past shopping trips. Having small beginnings definitely helps a shop owner to understand the importance of each and every customer. AMF began in 1998 in a 1,200 sq. ft. house on Huddleston Road, since then it has faced three relocations and is now situated across the street from the original location, only now is located in a 14,000 sq. ft. building. This building is home not just to AMF, but also Atlanta Market Consigns, also owned by Cheryl, and Atlanta Designer Fabrics, owned and operated by Cheryl's parents Jim and Shirley Matteo. Atlanta Designer Fabrics has fabric design consultants on site to work with their customers, and starting the week of Aug. 11 they will be offering sewing classes to all interested persons. To sign up, call the fabric shop at 770-632-8800 for full details and to register. Another aspect about Atlanta Market Finds that draws in its customers is the variety of merchandise. Given one word to describe any given piece found in her store, Cheryl would probably say "unique." Mass merchandising is out of the question, and each room is themed to make shopping easier for her customers. Atlanta Market Finds "always has 'one-of-a- kind' items not found anywhere else," and new merchandise is put out daily. AMF also boasts the largest selection of Blue Sky Products in the south metro Atlanta area. Patrons of the store are not limited to Fayette County only, but come from all over the U.S. to see what new treasures they might find. Regular travelers to Florida often make a point to come through Peachtree City just to visit AMF. Every September or October, Cheryl says they have a sale to celebrate their anniversary in Peachtree City. This always draws a large crowd from all over the state and country with people bringing RVs and vans to load up. Cheryl says her inspiration is "the thrill of the hunt" for unique items at great prices to pass on to her customers. Atlanta Market Finds is listed in Atlanta Magazine as one of the "Top 500 Stores to Shop." AMF is also featured by BiggerBetterBargains.com as a store to visit. Atlanta Market Finds really is a treat to visit whether you're in search of something specific or just interested in browsing. Atlanta Market Finds and Atlanta Market Consigns are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. Call 770-486-6440. Atlanta Designer Fabrics is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and is closed Sundays. Call 770-632-8800.
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