Business stories in Atlanta

Nordstrom Rack is set to open a new 28,000-square-foot store at Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta on October 20. This expansion will enhance local shopping options with discounts on top fashion brands.

The Villa Vie Odyssey, a three-year residential cruise, has been suspended a year early, leaving passengers to find their own way home. The company cites skyrocketing fuel costs as a primary reason for the abrupt end of the voyage.

The long-anticipated deal for an Audi factory in Middle Georgia has finally been secured, marking a significant development for the region's economy. President Trump attended a rally where Audi's CEO discussed the implications of this investment.

Audi plans to build its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Middle Georgia, investing $4 billion and creating 4,500 jobs. The facility will produce 200,000 vehicles annually, primarily SUVs, pending final board approval.

N/A options at Southern Belle and Georgia Boy: tropical Amoreena (in coupe), blueberry-tinged Purple Rain, China Town Tea, and Watermelon SugarPhotograph by Ben Rollins As I waited for the multicourse dining experience that is Georgia Boy, staged inside chef Joey Ward’s Poncey-Highland restaurant, S

A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed against Southern Company following a data breach that exposed information from approximately 400,000 utility accounts. The lawsuit claims inadequate protection of customer data and seeks damages and a jury trial.

The owners of Elvis Presley's music catalog have filed a lawsuit against Anthropic for using 274 of his songs to train AI models without permission. They are seeking $41.1 million in damages, claiming copyright infringement and asserting that Anthropic's business model relies on such violations.

Anthropic, the AI startup known for its Claude models, has filed for an IPO that could value the company between $1.5 trillion and $2 trillion. This move marks a significant milestone in the company's rapid growth and positions it as a major player in the AI industry.

Loggers in Oregon express skepticism about President Trump's expected repeal of the Roadless Rule, citing larger issues like fuel prices and inflation. They argue that while access to more timber is beneficial, it won't resolve the industry's pressing challenges.

The metro Atlanta region achieved an all-time high in labor force and employment in September, according to the Georgia Department of Labor. Despite this growth, the unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.5%.

Southern Co., the parent company of Georgia Power, is being sued after a cyberattack exposed the personal data of 400,000 customers, including 300,000 Georgia residents. The lawsuit claims the company failed to adequately protect customer information and seeks various damages.

Ranchers in Harney County, Oregon, face mounting challenges due to persistent drought and soaring diesel prices, impacting their livelihoods. Despite rising calf prices, ranchers like Katie Baltzor find it difficult to keep their businesses afloat as costs continue to rise.

Audi AG is set to invest $4 billion in a new manufacturing plant in Peach County, Georgia, creating approximately 4,500 jobs. The facility will focus on producing SUVs for the North American market, with operations expected to begin in 2031.

Lithonia Lighting has issued a recall for over 11,500 lights with adjustable tilt-arm mountings due to a joint failure risk. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 13 incidents of the mountings breaking, although no injuries have occurred.

Airbnb has introduced new house rules to streamline expectations for hosts and guests. The updates include seven standard rules and options for 'reasonable requests' to enhance the guest experience.

A Nightmare on Highland at Amore e Amore, Poncey-Highland Amore e Amore’s space is decked out for Halloween.Photo by Brandon Amoto. Running through the end of October, the beloved Italian restaurant Amore e Amore will transform into its spooky seasonal incarnation, dubbed “A Nightmare on High

A price war between two gas stations outside Atlanta led to prices dropping as low as 97 cents per gallon, causing significant traffic congestion. Meanwhile, Meta has introduced new subscription plans limiting hyperlink posts on Facebook, raising concerns among users and businesses.

eBay is cutting approximately 1,000 jobs, or about 9% of its workforce, marking the online marketplace's second round of layoffs this year as it looks to streamline operations and focus on key areas of growth.

A fire at a Bitcoin data center in Treutlen County has resulted in serious injuries to two individuals, who were airlifted for treatment. The incident highlights safety concerns in tech facilities.

A new tariff proposal threatens to raise prices for musical instruments, impacting American musicians across the country. This could affect the affordability of essential instruments like saxophones and tubas.

Hyundai's Metaplant in Bryan County is expanding its wastewater permit to support an increase in vehicle production to 200,000 units. This development is part of the company's ongoing investment in the region.

A new analysis reveals that median-income renter households now need 16 years to save for a down payment and closing costs for a starter home, double the time required in 2019. This increase is attributed to rising home prices, inflation, and stagnant incomes.

Several Trump merchandise stores have closed this year due to declining sales and waning consumer interest. With Trump's approval ratings dropping, store owners are struggling to maintain profitability.

Beef cattle producers are voicing their frustrations with the Trump administration's recent decision to raise beef import quotas. This policy change, coupled with ongoing challenges like drought and a shrinking beef herd, has led to increased prices and tighter margins for farmers.

Aragon, Spain is becoming a hotspot for American tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, who are investing billions in data centers. This shift is reshaping the local economy and landscape amid ongoing drought conditions.

Hooters has permanently closed its locations in Kennesaw and Conyers, leaving only two remaining in the metro area. The closures are linked to the company's bankruptcy filing and a brand restructuring by its original founders.

Carnival Cruise Line will implement dynamic pricing for drink and Wi-Fi packages starting December 1, adjusting costs based on demand and season. This change aims to provide more flexibility and align pricing with the type of cruise booked.

The Fayetteville Chick-fil-A Dwarf House will close on November 6 for a remodel, set to reopen next year as a Truett's location. This change reflects the brand's commitment to honoring founder S. Truett Cathy's legacy with specialty menu items and memorabilia.

Ritz Crackers has introduced a gluten-free version of its iconic product, catering to consumers with gluten allergies and sensitivities. The new Ritz Gluten Free Crackers will be available at select retailers starting this month, with a nationwide rollout planned for February 2027.