The Ultimate 2025 Directory: What’s New At The Gallery At South DeKalb (MARTA Hub, New Owners & Retail Revival)
The Gallery at South DeKalb, a historic and vital retail hub in the Atlanta metro area, is currently undergoing a significant transformation, making its 2025 directory a must-see for shoppers and community members. Located at 2801 Candler Road in Decatur, Georgia, this mall is not just a place for retail therapy; it is a cultural and community cornerstone that is being revitalized by new ownership and a major public transit investment.
As of late 2025, the mall is buzzing with activity, driven by a new strategic vision from Namdar Realty Group and the highly anticipated construction of the South DeKalb Transit Hub. This article provides the most current, in-depth directory, a look at the key anchors, and all the essential details about the future of this iconic 800,000-square-foot shopping destination.
The Complete Gallery at South DeKalb Directory & Store List (2025)
The Gallery at South DeKalb, which first opened its doors in 1968, has continually adapted to serve its diverse customer base, particularly the large African American consumer community in the DeKalb County area. The current directory reflects a strong mix of national brands, local boutiques, and essential services. This list highlights many of the major retailers and local favorites that make up the mall’s vibrant ecosystem, categorized for easy navigation.
Fashion, Apparel, and Footwear Retailers
The mall remains a top destination for the latest in urban fashion and athletic gear, featuring several key national and regional chains.
- DTLR: A major retailer offering the hottest apparel and footwear brands, including Nike and Jordan.
- Foot Locker: A long-standing anchor for athletic shoes and sportswear.
- SNIPES: Another key player in the sneaker and streetwear market.
- Rainbow Apparel: Providing a wide selection of affordable, trendy clothing for women.
- D&K Suit City: A well-known anchor specializing in men's suits and formal wear.
- A to Z Kids: Catering to children's apparel and accessories.
Jewelry, Accessories, and Specialty Stores
From custom pieces to everyday essentials, these specialty stores enhance the shopping experience.
- Rochelle's Jewelry: A popular local jeweler.
- SK Leather: Offering quality leather goods and accessories.
- Fragrance & Gifts: A go-to for perfumes, colognes, and unique gift items.
- RR Embroidery: Providing custom embroidery and personalization services.
Health, Beauty, and Services
The Gallery provides essential services and beauty supplies that cater directly to the community.
- Chapel Beauty: A major beauty supply anchor.
- Primetime Barbershop: A community staple for men's grooming.
- New Square (formerly Skillz): A space for entertainment or specialty retail.
- Newstand: For magazines, newspapers, and convenience items.
Restaurants and Food Court Options
The food court and dining options offer a mix of regional favorites and quick-serve restaurants (QSRs).
- Piccadilly Cafeteria: A long-time anchor and local favorite for Southern comfort food.
- American Deli: Located in the Food Court, famous for wings and subs.
- Auntie Anne's: Serving freshly baked soft pretzels and lemonade.
- Quick Serve Restaurants: Various other specialty and quick-serve options are available throughout the food court area.
The Retail Revival: Namdar Realty Group’s Vision and New Ownership
A pivotal moment in the mall's history occurred in December 2021 when The Gallery at South DeKalb was sold to Namdar Realty Group for approximately $19.3 million. This acquisition marked the end of the previous ownership tenure and ushered in a new era focused on revitalization. Namdar Realty Group, a company known for owning and operating retail properties across the United States, has promised a significant "retail revival" for the 71-acre property.
The new ownership's strategy is centered on filling vacant storefronts—including former anchor spaces like Macy's—and attracting new, high-quality tenants to enhance the shopping experience. The goal is to jumpstart the mall's commercial activity and potentially explore mixed-use development opportunities, similar to their plans for other properties in the region. This focus on strategic leasing and property enhancement is crucial for maintaining the mall's status as a top shopping destination in the southeastern Atlanta area.
Community stakeholders, including the many Black business owners who operate within the mall, have been actively engaged in discussions about the future, ensuring the redevelopment plans respect and build upon the mall's deep cultural roots and its role as a Black-owned business incubator. The vision is to make The Gallery at South DeKalb a modern, comprehensive lifestyle center while preserving its historical and cultural significance in Decatur, GA.
The South DeKalb Transit Hub: A Game Changer for Accessibility (Opening 2026)
Perhaps the most significant development impacting the mall and the surrounding community is the construction of the South DeKalb Transit Hub by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). This project, which has been awarded a substantial $25 million grant, is a massive investment in public infrastructure that will dramatically improve accessibility to the mall.
The new MARTA transit hub is being built right next to The Gallery at South DeKalb on Candler Road and is expected to be a "game changer" for the region. Currently, the location is served by four popular MARTA bus routes (Routes 9, 15, 17, and 186), but the new hub will provide a dedicated, modern facility.
Key Features of the MARTA Hub:
- Dedicated Transfer Space: A safe and efficient area for catching or transferring buses.
- Modern Amenities: Including public restrooms, which are essential for a transit facility.
- Fare Purchase: Convenient locations for buying MARTA fare.
- Timeline: The transit hub is currently projected to open in 2026, aligning with the mall's retail revival efforts.
The integration of a major MARTA facility is a powerful driver for foot traffic and economic development, ensuring that hundreds of thousands of potential customers from the primary and secondary markets have easy access to the mall's retail, dining, and service offerings. This synergy between the Namdar Group's retail strategy and MARTA's infrastructure project positions The Gallery at South DeKalb for a strong future as a premier destination in the Atlanta metro area.
Essential Visitor Information and Mall Hours
For those planning a visit to the historic Decatur shopping center, here is the essential information you need to know about The Gallery at South DeKalb.
General Mall Hours (Subject to Change):
While individual store hours may vary—especially for anchor tenants and restaurants—the general operating hours for the common areas of the mall are typically:
- Monday – Tuesday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: Hours vary; often 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (check for holidays)
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
It is always advisable to check the official website or call ahead for specific store hours, particularly for major retailers like DTLR or Piccadilly Cafeteria, which may operate on extended schedules.
Location and Contact:
- Address: 2801 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30034.
- Phone: Contact information is typically available on the official mall website.
The Gallery at South DeKalb stands as a symbol of community resilience and economic potential. With the strategic investments from Namdar Realty Group and MARTA, the mall is set to cement its legacy as a vibrant shopping, dining, and community engagement hub for decades to come.
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