METAIRIE – Lakeside Shopping Center shared an update on the State of Lakeside, highlighting continued growth, reinvestment and ongoing development as the center continues to build on its momentum throughout 2026 and beyond.
As part of Lakeside’s long-term merchandising strategy, the center management shares it is evolving its retail mix to introduce exciting new brands and concepts that further elevate the shopping experience and better serve the needs of the New Orleans community.
“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.”
Retailers today have more insight than ever into who their customers are and where they are coming from, allowing brands to make more strategic decisions about where to locate. As off-price retail and e-commerce have grown, many retailers no longer need multiple locations across the New Orleans market to reach their customer base. Instead, they are increasingly prioritizing high-performing destinations that draw from a broader regional audience. Lakeside Shopping Center has continued to strengthen its position as that destination.
While a typical super-regional mall draws from approximately a 25-mile radius, recent third-party trade area analysis shows Lakeside attracting visitors from as far as 60 miles away. The center’s continued growth in regional reach—accelerated in part by shifts following Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic—underscores Lakeside’s role as the premier shopping destination for the Gulf South.
“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,” said Phillpott.
New Stores Coming to Lakeside
Lakeside shared news of several highly anticipated new store buildouts:
• Coach has opened in the Dillard’s wing across from Vuori.
• Gorjana, the popular fine jewelry brand, will open next to Café du Monde, later this year.
• Aritzia, a leading women’s fashion retailer, will occupy a 9,200 SF space in the main mall across from Kendra Scott, opening later this year.
• Clarks, the globally recognized footwear brand, will open in the Pottery Barn wing in early summer 2026.
• Chicken Salad Chick is set to open this spring in the Food Court.
Ongoing Renovations and Expansions
Several longtime Lakeside retailers are making significant investments in their stores. Footlocker and Zumiez are both undergoing renovations, reflecting their continued commitment to the Lakeside market and to providing an elevated customer experience.
Strategic Store Relocations
To support growth and improved store environments, several retailers will be relocating within the center:
• Zumiez will move into a portion of the former Royal Standard and Engraving Co. spaces.
• Foot Locker will expand into the neighboring space currently occupied by Zumiez, increasing its overall footprint at Lakeside by approximately 70% as part of a full store renovation.
o The expansion follows recent renewals and store expansions by Apple and Lululemon, further reinforcing Lakeside’s continued investment from leading national brands.
• The Engraving Co. has reopened in the P.F. Chang’s wing.
• The Royal Standard has reopened 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.
“Our customers and this community are at the heart of everything we do,” said Lisa Manzella, general manager of Lakeside Shopping Center. “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.”
As Lakeside Shopping Center looks ahead to the remainder of 2026 and beyond, the team shares the focus remains on growth, thoughtful merchandising and delivering a vibrant, welcoming environment for shoppers, retailers and the community.