If you’ve lived in North Georgia for more than a minute, you know the "old" Kroger. It was that tiny, cramped spot at the intersection of GA-400 and Highway 53. It felt like a relic. But then, things changed. The current Kroger in Dawsonville GA, officially known as the Dawsonville Marketplace location, is a massive 123,000-square-foot beast that basically anchors the entire shopping district now.
Honestly, it’s less of a grocery store and more of a small city.
You’ve probably driven past it a hundred times on your way to the North Georgia Premium Outlets. Most people just think of it as a place to grab milk, but there’s a lot more going on under that giant roof than just produce and bread. From a full-scale Starbucks to a medical clinic and even a clothing section, it’s a weirdly comprehensive hub for the community.
Why the Dawsonville Marketplace Kroger Isn’t Your Average Grocery Store
Kroger calls these "Marketplace" stores for a reason. They aren't just selling apples. They’re selling patio furniture, sneakers, and kitchen appliances. When the store opened at 378 Marketplace Pkwy, it was a huge deal for Dawson County. It replaced the old, smaller location that has since been turned into a Launch Trampoline Park.
The scale is just different.
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You can walk in for eggs and walk out with a new pair of shoes and a vacuum cleaner. It sounds like a Walmart, but it feels a bit more "upscale" because of the layout. The Murray’s Cheese shop inside is actually legit—not just some plastic-wrapped cheddar, but real specialty stuff.
Essential Store Details
- Physical Address: 378 Marketplace Pkwy, Dawsonville, GA 30534.
- Main Store Hours: Generally open 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
- Pharmacy Number: (470) 375-1995.
- Fuel Center: Open early (around 5:00 AM) and closes late (11:00 PM).
People often get confused about the location because Google sometimes still shows the old address on Dawson Village Way. Don't go there. That’s the trampoline park now. The "new" one is much further south on GA-400, right in the heart of the newer development area.
The Fuel Points Game: What You’re Probably Missing
We all know about Kroger fuel points, but the Kroger in Dawsonville GA has one of the busiest fuel centers in the region. Since it’s right on the way to the mountains or the outlets, it stays packed.
Here is the thing: a lot of people don't realize you can stack points by buying gift cards. If you're planning to shop at the Outlets anyway, buying a gift card for Nike or Gap at the Kroger gift card rack first can net you 4x fuel points during certain promotions. That’s basically like getting a massive discount on your gas just for shopping where you were already going to shop.
The fuel center itself has 9 pumps, but it still gets backed up on Saturday mornings. If you can, go on a Tuesday. It's way quieter.
Health and Wellness (More than just Band-Aids)
One of the big draws here is The Little Clinic. It’s a walk-in medical clinic inside the store. It’s actually super handy for stuff like flu shots or physicals when you can't get an appointment with your regular doctor. They take most insurance, and you can usually book a spot online while you’re sitting in the parking lot.
Then there's the pharmacy.
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It’s got a drive-thru, which is a lifesaver when you have kids in the car or you're feeling like garbage and don't want to walk through a 123,000-square-foot store. Just be aware: the pharmacy hours are different from the store hours. They usually close earlier, often around 8:00 PM on weekdays and even earlier on weekends. Also, they take a lunch break—usually from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM—so don't show up then expecting service.
Grocery Pickup and Delivery: The Reality
The "Pickup" service (formerly ClickList) is a major part of the Dawsonville operation. You see those blue signs in the parking lot? That’s the spot.
You order on the app, pull up, and they bring it out.
Is it perfect? Not always. Honestly, during peak hours (like Sunday afternoons), there can be a wait. And sometimes the substitutions are... interesting. You might order a specific brand of organic kale and end up with a bag of spinach because they were out. But for the most part, it’s a huge time-saver if you’re trying to avoid the crowds.
Quick Tips for a Better Experience
- Check the Weekly Ad on Wednesdays: That’s when the new deals drop.
- Clip Digital Coupons: Use the Kroger app. If you don't "clip" them, you don't get the price. It's annoying, but it's how they do it.
- The Starbucks Trick: If the Starbucks at the Outlets has a line out the door (which it always does), the one inside this Kroger is usually much faster.
The "Old" vs. "New" Confusion
There is still some lingering confusion about the two locations. The "old" Kroger building at 78 Dawson Village Way North is gone—well, the store is gone, the building is now a trampoline park.
The "new" Kroger is the Marketplace.
Some local services and older directories still list the old phone numbers or addresses, so if you're calling for a prescription, make sure you're dialing the (470) area code for the Marketplace location, not the old (706) number unless it’s been specifically forwarded.
Navigating the Crowds
Because it’s located so close to the North Georgia Premium Outlets, this Kroger gets hammered on holiday weekends. Labor Day, Black Friday, and the weeks leading up to Christmas are chaotic.
If you're a local, avoid it on Saturdays.
The best time to shop is early weekday mornings or late at night. After 9:00 PM, the store is actually pretty peaceful, though they might be restocking shelves, so some aisles could be blocked with pallets.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Trip
To get the most out of the Kroger in Dawsonville GA, you should download the Kroger app before you go. It’s the only way to access the "5x Digital Deals" which can save you a ton on bulk items. Also, if you’re a frequent shopper, look into the "Boost" membership. It gives you free delivery and double fuel points, which actually pays for itself pretty quickly if you fill up a large SUV or truck regularly.
When you arrive, park near the pharmacy side if you only need a few things; it’s usually less congested than the main entrance near the produce. If you need the deli or bakery, head to the far left of the store. They have a massive selection of "Grab and Go" meals that are surprisingly good for a quick dinner when you’re too tired to cook after a long day.
Check your receipt before you leave the parking lot. With the digital coupons and "Buy 5, Save $5" deals, it's easy for one item to not scan right, and it's much easier to fix it at the customer service desk right then than to drive back later.