KEY TAKEAWAYS: Lakeside Shopping Center announced new retailers and renovations as part of its long-term growth strategy through 2026. New stores include Coach, Gorjana, Aritzia, Clarks and Chicken Salad Chick. Foot Locker and Zumiez are renovating stores, with Foot Locker expanding its space by about 70%. The mall draws shoppers from up to 60 miles away, reinforcing its role as a regional retail destination.   Lakeside Shopping Center is adding several new retailers and continuing renovations as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position as a regional shopping destination across southeast Louisiana and the Gulf South. Officials with the mall announced the updates as part of a “State of Lakeside” overview highlighting new store openings, retailer expansions and ongoing investments planned through 2026. The Metairie shopping center said it is evolving its tenant mix to attract brands that increasingly view Lakeside as a key entry point into the broader Gulf South market. “Years ago, we were asking retailers to consider Lakeside for their first store in the New Orleans market. Today, many brands are choosing Lakeside for their first location in the entire Gulf South,” said Tricia Phillpott, regional director of retail leasing for The Feil Organization. “It’s a reflection of how the center has grown into a true regional destination and why we remain so optimistic about Lakeside’s future.” Mall officials say retail analytics and shifting consumer behavior are influencing how brands choose locations. As off-price retail and e-commerce have expanded, many retailers have reduced the number of stores they operate within individual metro areas, instead focusing on high-performing centers that draw customers from a wider region. According to the company, recent third-party analysis shows Lakeside attracting visitors from as far as 60 miles away. Typical super-regional malls draw shoppers from roughly a 25-mile radius. Lakeside said its growing regional reach has been accelerated in part by changes in shopping patterns following both Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic. “As a super-regional shopping center drawing visitors from across a 60-mile radius, we are focused on curating a thoughtful mix of sought-after brands and distinctive retailers that enhance Lakeside’s appeal and keep the center vibrant, relevant, and aligned with what today’s shoppers want,” Phillpott said. New retailers planned Several new stores are opening or preparing to open at the mall. Luxury fashion brand Coach has already opened a location in the Dillard’s wing across from Vuori. Fine jewelry retailer Gorjana is expected to open later this year next to Café du Monde. Women’s fashion retailer Aritzia plans to open a 9,200-square-foot store in the main mall across from Kendra Scott later this year. Footwear company Clarks is also planning a store in the Pottery Barn wing, with an opening scheduled for early summer 2026. In the food court, Chicken Salad Chick is expected to open this spring. Renovations and relocations Some existing tenants are also investing in renovations or expanding their space at the mall. Foot Locker and Zumiez are both renovating their stores. Zumiez will relocate into part of the former spaces previously occupied by The Royal Standard and The Engraving Co.. Foot Locker will expand into Zumiez’s current location, increasing its overall footprint by about 70% as part of a full store renovation. Mall officials said the move follows recent lease renewals and store expansions by Apple and Lululemon. Meanwhile, The Engraving Co. has reopened in the P.F. Chang’s wing, while The Royal Standard has relocated next to Restoration Hardware. “These relocations allow retailers the opportunity to expand, reconfigure, and enhance their store presence while energizing key areas of the shopping center,” mall officials said. Lisa Manzella, general manager of Lakeside Shopping Center, said the investments reflect the mall’s long-term focus on serving the local community. “Our customers and this community are at the heart of everything we do,” Manzella said. “The families and shoppers who visit Lakeside every day are the reason we continue to invest in the center and bring in new retailers. We want Lakeside to remain a place where the community can gather, shop, and discover brands they love for years to come.” Celebrating more than 65 years in operation, Lakeside Shopping Center is one of Louisiana’s largest retail destinations. The mall spans more than 1.2 million square feet and includes more than 100 stores, anchored by Dillard’s, Macy’s and JCPenney. ...read more read less