Shopping malls were once thought to be disappearing, especially after online shopping became popular. Even Time Magazine once declared that malls were “dead.” But one mall in Louisiana has proved that idea wrong. Lakeside Shopping Center has not only survived but continues to grow and attract more shoppers year after year.
How Lakeside Mall Is Still Growing
Located in Metairie, Lakeside Shopping Center is more than 65 years old. Despite the decline of many malls across the country, this one has remained strong. It keeps adding new and popular brands, which helps it stay relevant.
Recently, several well-known stores have opened or are planning to open at the mall, including Aritzia, Clarks, Coach, Gorjana, and Chicken Salad Chick. In 2025 as well, stores like Anthropologie, Vuori, Rowan, Garage, and Alo Yoga joined the mall. This steady flow of new brands keeps customers interested and brings in fresh foot traffic.
Strong Location Plays a Big Role
One of the biggest reasons for Lakeside’s success is its location. It sits at a busy intersection that is easy to access for people from different nearby areas. Shoppers come from a wide region, even as far as Baton Rouge and parts of Mississippi.
Because of this, the mall attracts a large and diverse group of visitors, which helps retailers perform better. A good location makes it convenient, and convenience often leads to higher sales.
Smart Management and Investments
Another key factor is the way the mall has been managed over the years. The owners, the Feil Company, have continuously invested in improving the property.
A major renovation in 2019, costing around $20 million, upgraded the mall with better lighting, higher ceilings, and modern store designs. These changes made the shopping experience more enjoyable and helped attract premium brands.
Good management also means carefully selecting which stores should be in the mall. If a store does not perform well, it may be relocated or replaced with a better fit. This keeps the overall quality of the mall high.
Changing Shopping Trends
Interestingly, younger shoppers are now returning to malls. Studies show that many people between 18 and 34 prefer in-person shopping experiences. After spending so much time online, they are looking for real-world interaction.
This shift has helped malls like Lakeside, which offer a lively and enjoyable shopping environment. Experts say that while many malls are struggling, a few high-quality ones are doing very well.
Why Lakeside Stands Out
Lakeside is among the top-performing malls in the country. It has very low vacancy rates and strong sales growth compared to other malls. The number of visitors per square foot is also high, which means the space is being used effectively.
Retail experts often say that success attracts more success. When a mall is busy and popular, more brands want to open stores there, and more people want to visit.
