L.L.Bean to open first Georgia store at major Atlanta-area development

“We’re always focused on bringing together brands that complement one another and create places where people genuinely want to spend their time. All new deals start with a conversation about what will make a community even stronger.” Natalie Abt, senior director of leasing at Edens, said in the release. “We’re grateful for the trust L.L.Bean has placed in us, and we’re excited to welcome retailers who share our commitment to creating vibrant, engaging destinations.”

An opening date for the new 15,000-square-foot L.L.Bean store was not announced, but the project is expected to be part of Lulah Hills’ second phase of retail openings in 2028.

Credit: sou

Credit: sou

North DeKalb Mall opened in 1965. For years it struggled to attract and retain major retailers amid the rise of e-commerce and consolidation in the retail sector. In 2021, South Carolina-based Edens acquired the 78-acre site at North Druid Hills Road and Lawrenceville Highway and set out to reinvent it as an outdoor shopping and dining destination, mixed with residential and green space.

Some 1,800 residential units are planned for the site in addition to about 320,000 square feet of retail. Residential development partner Crescent Communities is currently building a 303-unit apartment project called Novel Lulah Hills, and Empire Communities is developing 92 townhomes, with both projects slated to open next year.

Earlier this year, Edens announced other well-known tenants including Publix, Anthropologie, modern furniture companies Design Within Reach and Herman Miller, Firepit Pizza Tavern and Honeysuckle Gelato. The first phase of retailers is expected to open next year.

A Refuge Coffee location is expected to soon open in a former gas station, Edens said. An existing AMC Theatres location and Marshalls store have remained open amid renovations.