L.L.Bean will open its first Georgia location as a retail anchor at Lulah Hills, the sweeping redevelopment of the former North DeKalb Mall in Decatur, developers announced this week.
What’s planned at Lulah Hills
The outdoor outfitter has committed to a 15,000-square-foot store in the mixed-use project, which spans 78 acres and is being converted into a combination of shops, restaurants, apartments, townhomes and public green space. The L.L.Bean location joins several retailers and eateries already announced for the site, giving shoppers new options within a short drive of Atlanta’s eastern suburbs.
- Store size: 15,000 sq. ft.
- Development size: 78 acres
- Target opening for first phase (including L.L.Bean): 2027
Other tenants listed for Lulah Hills include Publix, Anthropologie, Design Within Reach, Herman Miller, Firepit Pizza Tavern, Honeysuckle Gelato, Les Mains Nail Bar and solidcore. Nearby additions and improvements highlight the broader neighborhood investment: Refuge Coffee is preparing to open in a renovated former gas station, the existing AMC theater is receiving new recliner seating and interior upgrades along with a refreshed MacGuffins Bar, and Marshalls recently completed interior improvements while remaining open during construction.
Why it matters locally
The arrival of a national retailer such as L.L.Bean represents both commercial validation for the Lulah Hills project and practical benefits for residents. The store will provide a nearby destination for outdoor gear and apparel, and it is likely to bring new jobs and foot traffic to the redevelopment and surrounding businesses. For many younger shoppers, the brand’s canvas tote has become a fashion staple after gaining popularity on social media platforms for personalized embroidery and styling—an example of how national trends can influence local retail demand.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Development name | Lulah Hills (former North DeKalb Mall) |
| Site area | 78 acres |
| L.L.Bean store size | 15,000 sq. ft. |
| Projected first-phase completion | 2027 |
What residents should know
Developers say the first phase of the mixed-use site, which will include L.L.Bean and other retailers, is expected to open in 2027. That timeline suggests construction and interior work will continue across the property over the next year. Nearby businesses have already begun to refresh and reposition for increased activity, which may bring short-term construction impacts alongside longer-term benefits such as greater retail choice and increased neighborhood amenities.
For residents and visitors, the growing tenant roster means more local options for dining, shopping and services without traveling into central Atlanta. The project also underscores an ongoing trend of transforming old mall sites into denser, mixed-use neighborhoods designed to combine housing, green space and commerce.
As Lulah Hills moves toward opening its first retailers, city planners, developers and prospective employees will be watching the project’s rollout and the potential for new revenues and neighborhood change in Decatur and surrounding communities.
