Canadian retailer “Improve” is bringing its version of home improvement retailing to the United States at a new store in metro Atlanta.
The company is planning to locate a massive home improvement warehouse adjacent to I-285 in Doraville. A company employee at Improve’s headquarters in Canada identified the development as its “Atlanta Project.”
Improve billed itself as “totally unique to Canada,” when it opened its first store, located in Vaughn, a city in Ontario.
Improve says it leases or sells space to “more than 350 different home improvement companies that are the best within their category” in its Ontario store.
Luke Howe, Economic Development Director for the City of Doraville, said the City annexed an industrial area that includes the former site of a Georgia Pacific Box plant. The property was rezoned to attract businesses such as Improve, which ultimately selected the site for its new store.
“We’re thrilled with Improve and their concept,” Howe said. “The company projects it will create 500 to 1,000 jobs, and it will help revitalize an area that needs renewal.”
The warehouse-style facility will be open to the public and offer more than 400 home improvement services and products, including interior design, architectural and engineering services, HVAC systems, and products for kitchens and bathrooms, such as appliances, cabinets, windows, lighting, and flooring. Vendors such as designers, renovators and boutique retailers will offer select high-end products as well.
The company has launched a marketing campaign and web site (www.improveusa.com) to attract retailers and service providers to its metro Atlanta store.
The project was discussed in a Nov. 2, 2016 Doraville Planning Commission meeting where it was identified as “a new home improvement center approximately 320,000 square feet in size and would operate similar to the AmericasMart in Atlanta.”
The Planning Commission amended its Light Manufacturing District to allow a permitted use Home Improvement Center to diversify the City’s business sectors and expand the employment base in the community.
“Improve’s building design is contemporary and attractive, as well, and we think it can be a major catalyst for redevelopment in the area,” Howe added.
