Traders in Stobswell are facing months of disruption because of gas main replacement work.
The southbound lane of Albert Street will be closed for between eight and 10 weeks from February 8 as SGN carry out work to replace mains in the area.
Residents and businesses received letters this week telling them of the planned closure.
It says the work will begin between February 8 and the 19.
Although motorists will still be able to travel north up Albert Street, many business owners in the area fear the disruption will mean many people avoid the shopping centre entirely while the work is under way.
This, they believe, could cost them vital passing trade.
Mohammed Arshad, owner of Rice and Spice Mini Fruit Market said: “I’ve been here since 1984 and know there is nothing I can do.
“If they have got to do the work then it has to be done but we will lose business.”
Raymond Murray of The Knitting Pin, just down from the junction with Dura Street, said yesterday he had little doubt the closure would affect business.
He said: “I just came in and saw the letter this morning so haven’t really had a chance to digest it yet.
“But obviously if they are going to close the road then it is going to affect business.”
Mustapha Aoubala, owner of the Marrakesh takeaway, said: “It will affect business – 100%.
“We would be very happy if they finished the work early.”
Staff at Pam’s Flowers, situated on the corner of Balmore Street and Albert Street, said the work comes at a particularly bad time of year for them.
One employee said: “People will come in the other way but it will still affect us.
“Right before Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day too.”
However, some shop owners were less concerned about the impact of the road closure because their businesses are less reliant on passing trade.
Sean Fraser, owner of Balloons Made For You, said: “A lot of what we do is on the internet so I couldn’t really say if it will have much of an effect.
“It’s not something I’m overly concerned about but we will have to see what happens.”
Lesley McGoldrick, who runs Homebrew Supplies, added: “We’re quite a specialised shop so it shouldn’t affect us too much.”