Located in the heart of town, just off of West Paces Ferry, is Lucy’s Market, an Atlanta treasure that has captivated local residents since 2009. With an ambience as enticing as the food, Lucy’s Market has become Buckhead’s go-to, eclectic farmers market. Carrying locally farmed produce, small batch baked goods and walls of wine, jam and honey, Lucy’s specializes in Southern foods and gifts that make you feel as good as they taste.
When 30-year Atlanta resident and Lucy’s Market owner Kim Wilson realized her hobby could become her business, she took the leap and hasn’t looked back. “I grew up in a family of gardeners; growing things is in my blood. About 10 years ago I started growing vegetables in my backyard, and it has obviously become my passion, as well as my business.”
After leaving the corporate world, Kim never thought she would return to work, especially to something like Lucy’s, but she did, and she has a lot to show for it. She recalls, “It’s funny, but I started the market and selling vegetables because I had no desire to re-enter the corporate world, but I needed a way to support my children and do something that I was passionate about. They say ‘necessity is the mother of invention,’ and in my case, it couldn’t be more true.”
After more than six years in business, Kim has fostered a charming market full of smiling, helpful employees and loyal customers. She is often at the market, manning the register, helping design gift baskets or simply speaking with Lucy’s clients, and it’s this personal approach that makes every experience at Lucy’s so incredible. Kim says the best thing she’s achieved with Lucy’s so far is creating her Lucy’s family. “I am only as good as the people who work for me, and I would have never gotten to where I am without them. I feel proud that we have created a climate where we all work together and truly love our jobs. I think this is one of the main reasons our customers are so loyal. We all want to be here!”
And that couldn’t be more true. The friendly atmosphere at Lucy’s keeps customers returning again and again. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the goods at Lucy’s are unmatched; there is simply no one in town creating a unique shopping experience like Lucy’s offers. Clients can stop by the store and grab everything from a special hostess gift to the perfect, effortless dessert. Recently, Kim added a burgeoning collection of beautiful books to the market, where avid readers will find everything from the latest James Farmer book to the newest from Trisha Yearwood. The bright covers are stationed throughout the store and offer guests an added bonus to the produce.
Of course, we would be remiss not to mention Lucy’s amazing gift baskets. Filled to the brim with Lucy’s goodies, customers alongside employees create hand-curated baskets. Kim explains, “We work closely with our customers when we are making our gift baskets and consider what kind of occasion, what diet preferences are, everything. We want people who receive a basket from Lucy’s to feel special. Each of our employees really does take pride in the baskets we prepare.”
If you’re not in the immediate Atlanta area, never fear; coming very soon is a website completely devoted to Lucy’s baskets. “We are super excited to be launching our online gift basket site. We will be able to deliver Lucy’s baskets all over the United States.”
With farmers markets becoming more and more of the grocery norm, Lucy’s Market is definitely not to be missed. There, it’s not just about the produce or the books or the baked goods. It’s about the people. Kim says, “We really do have the best customers. I love that we have created a climate where people love to shop, and lots of times, just stop in to say hello.”
As customers, Atlanta residents can expect quality products and friendly customer service every time. “We want our customers to leave Lucy’s feeling happy; not just with their purchases, but with their entire experience at the market.”
Lucy’s Market is located at 102 West Paces Ferry Road in Atlanta. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at lucysmarket.com
