A Step Inside the Ballard Designs Catalog
So, some of you may have guessed what my recent favorite find in Atlanta was–and for those of you still wondering: it was Ballard Designs- the stores!I’m starting to think you Atlantans have been holding out on the rest of us, because as many times as I’ve visited Atlanta, I never knew Ballard was there. I was just perusing the BD site a couple weeks ago & found out that out of the 5 Ballard Stores in existence, 2 of them are in the Atlanta area. (The other 2 retail stores are in FL, & one outlet is in OH. Click here for store location info.) So, for my recent trip last week, I had to get myself over there.We stopped first at the Atlanta location. They call this their “hybrid store” because it is a combination of both new, full-priced merchandise & a few catalog return & outlet items. The store is set up beautifully, as you’d expect, & it’s just like walking into their catalog. 
Here are a few of the pics. Sorry about the quality… I had to take these with my hidden camera sunglasses. (Not really–I was sneaking a few with my phone.) They had signs posted throughout the store stating that photography was not allowed. Hmmm–you’d think they’re afraid we’ll steal their ideas or something!
Here we are with the cute Mr. & Mrs. pillows I’ve always thought about making if I could think of somewhere to put them. Dave doesn’t look at all like I told him to “sit there & hold this pillow & look like you’re having fun,” does he?There really were some great deals. I ended up bringing home this Entomology Plaque Set I’ve liked for awhile. The original price for these was $39, and they’ve been marked down to $25 online. But, in the store, I got them for $15.99! 
I also bought this P.E. Collection Paper Tray for our library desk. It was still regular price, but I was planning to order this online anyway, so I saved myself the shipping costs.
I absolutely loved being able to see some of my Ballard favorites in real life, sit on some of the furniture, & feel the fabrics. After we left there, we drove about 20 minutes to the Ballard’s Backroom in Roswell. This location is more of an outlet/warehouse. It’s bigger than the Atlanta store & it’s full of scratch & dent items & catalog returns. 
There was everything from headboards & chalkboards to lighting & rugs. Lots of furniture & wall decor as well. There were a few things I might’ve brought home if I had had space in my truck, but I didn’t, so I had to let it go.Both these locations had a lot of great items & had truly discounted prices as well. If you are a Ballard fan within driving distance to Atlanta, I recommend you visit. Especially if you are planning to buy large ticket items. You may be able to save a bundle. Have you visited a Ballard Store? I want to hear about it!
March 15, 2011 @ 1:34 pm
Thanks for sharing….Oh, how I wish! Next time, I am in the ATL., it will be a stop for me!!!!
March 15, 2011 @ 1:40 pm
I love the dining room chairs in the first picture…swoon!
March 15, 2011 @ 2:16 pm
SO excited, we are going to ATL on Friday and you KNOW this is going to be one of my stops!!
March 15, 2011 @ 2:19 pm
Definitely keeping this on my list for when I make shopping trips to ATL!!! Absolutely love it!!! Glad to know about the Ballard's Backroom! Thanks for sharing!
March 15, 2011 @ 2:43 pm
You lucky girl! Nowhere even close here in the Midwest! Love your trip! xxoo Diana
March 15, 2011 @ 3:27 pm
I've never been, Julie, but I know that they are there in Atlanta. I always hope they might open up one of their outlets in one of our outlet malls here on Long Island. Could you imagine working in one of those stores? I would probably blow my whole paycheck on buying stuff!
March 15, 2011 @ 4:05 pm
I've been to the one in Ohio and it's sort of hit or miss but when it's good, it's for sure a hit!!! The best part of the store is its right next to Ikea, so the day always is good!
March 15, 2011 @ 4:39 pm
I am SO jealous! I love Ballards! Thanks for sharing!
March 15, 2011 @ 4:54 pm
YES!!! I live in TN but whenever we are near Atlanta, Ballard's is a MUST! I scored a great paper towel holder I had been drooling over, a throw rug, Christmas stockings for pennies, and several prints! I DREAM of going back! Thanks for the great post!
March 15, 2011 @ 7:39 pm
Oh sweet! That looks like a fun trip, like you got to visit a real-life catalog, haha. I literally laughed out loud when I saw your comment about the picture with your husband. TOO funny. 🙂
March 15, 2011 @ 8:22 pm
Us Atlantans ARE trying to keep it a secret so there is more fab stuff for us to choose from! Scored BIG time on the Tuscan Media Center – the hutch was 90% off, the console about 40% off so all in all got it for 1/3 original price. Amazing! I've gotten upholstered ottomans, starburst mirrors, lamps….its really wonderful!!!
March 15, 2011 @ 10:44 pm
wow! I am extremely jealous! Great scores!~~
Tana
March 15, 2011 @ 11:08 pm
As soon as I read this I went to their website and found SEVERAL things I Feel like I just absolutely NEED. Thank you for posting this!
March 16, 2011 @ 12:28 am
I was a regular at both stores when I lived in Atlanta. I came home with lots of cute things and good prices.
xo,
Sherry
March 16, 2011 @ 12:07 pm
Okay, so I live an hour and a half noth of Atlanta and Roswell and had NO idea these stores existed!!!! My daughter lives in North Atlanta…think I may need to pay her a visit! :0)There is also a PB outlet a little further north in the Dawsonville outlets!
Thanks so much for sharing this!
March 16, 2011 @ 8:39 pm
Ballard also has an outlet store in the Cincinnati area for those in the midwest. You are right….AWESOME! I have been there several times and can find some fabulous deals. Great ideas if nothing else!
March 18, 2011 @ 11:58 am
I live in metro Atlanta, but also just recently realized they were there! Went back in February and got the drying rack that I've been lusting after for a year. Half off! Yea!
July 17, 2011 @ 3:45 pm
I've only been to Atlanta once, for a wedding in July, of all times! From what I'm hearing, Atlanta is the design/antique capitol of the country! I need to find out more, next time I'm out east. Your Dave's a trooper, but not having fun! Your daughter on the other hand was game for anything, it appeared!