Atlanta market to feature new Williams-Sonoma format

Williams-Sonoma is spicing up its store format.

The retailer’s new store in Ponce City Market, Atlanta, features a direct opening to a dining venture by celebrity chef Jonathan Waxman. The adjacent restaurant, due to open in the fall, is being outfitted by Williams-Sonoma. A glass wall strategically placed between the restaurant and Williams-Sonoma will offer shoppers an exclusive view into the dining room, and also give them inspiration while they shop. The floor plan is the first in Williams-Sonoma’s history with an independent business.

“The partnership we’ve established with Jamestown (the national real estate investment and management company is the owner of Ponce City) for our Ponce City Market store is unprecedented,” said Williams-Sonoma president Janet Hayes. “This location represents a shared vision for a completely new retail experience that brings together the community to shop, cook, dine and be entertained. We’re thrilled with the opportunity to collaborate with chef Jonathan Waxman as well on his restaurant and for the excitement he will bring to our culinary program here.”

The new store has over 6,500 sq. ft. of retail space, including an expansive home showroom — its eighth to date — with a design center offering complimentary design services. The new location also features an extensive assortment of artisan-made regional food items.

Also, every Saturday shoppers are invited in for free technique cooling classes at a 12-seat cooking island in the center of the store. Younger aspiring cooks are invited to the store every Sunday for free “Junior Chef Classes.”