Tucker’s Reasonable Rents Attract New Merchants

Many of the merchants who have settled in Tucker in the last few years have been attracted by the reasonable real estate prices and the convivial atmosphere.

Joe Zimmerman at was originally located on Chattahoochee Avenue in the wholesale decorator district of northwest Atlanta. When his landlord tripled his rent after 14 years, Zimmerman took advantage of the lower rents in Tucker. “It took me just moments to decide it was time to move,” he said.

After looking for a year and a half, the store at the corner of Brockett Road and Lawrenceville Highway became available and he was able to re-open. Featuring unique eclectic furniture and accessories, the store specializes in iron works that include fences, trellises, benches and special order designs created by the artisans who have worked with him for years. “I’m grateful to be here. I’ve built a regular clientele and I’m delighted to be in a friendly neighborhood that’s close to my home.”

Another antiques store is the recently opened Old Tucker Mill, owned by Jeff Gold and his wife and also located on Railroad Street. Gold, who was formerly in construction, said the building needed an extensive renovation and had been vacant for two years. Originally used as a cotton gin, a sawmill and a gristmill, Gold has kept the back of the building as a warehouse where he does furniture refinishing and custom bathroom sinks and cabinets. The front of the store offers used, antique and vintage furniture and accessories.

Larry Schupbach at the got excited when he found his building on Railroad Street in August of 2009. One of a dying breed, Schupbach has always been a shoe repairman and is providing a much needed service to Tucker. “I got a great deal on the building and it allowed me to double the size of the shop that I previously had around Northlake," he said. "I wanted to be close to my home and to be close enough to Northlake so my Atlanta customers would find me. I love the small town feeling of Tucker and I am proud of the bright, open space I’ve been able to create here.”

Heather Gulden opened Tucker Pet Supply because of the rent, the location and because she knew that the unique holistic supplies she provides are not carried by any of the larger pet stores nearby. The store is located on Main Street next to the barber shop. Specializing in healthy products, her pet foods have no corn, soy or any of the known animal allergens. She also has a line of raw foods for pets. Gulden has homeopathics for natural health care that includes calming treats, hip and joint vitamins and solutions for problems caused from the various food, environmental and seasonal allergies.

“My partner and I opened just six months ago," Gulden said. "The community seems to be grateful to have the wellness section for their pets and the knowledge we’re able to provide.”

Learn more about Tucker’s new merchants in a forthcoming article.