The Gallery at South DeKalb — Attraction in Panthersville

During the mid 1980's through the 1990's I would often shop at South DeKalb mall. When I had my 1982 blue Toyota Corolla 4 speed stick shift to when I traded it in on my brand new Nissan Sentra 5 speed stick shift that I purchased from Conyers Nissan during the 12 years that I was employed with acuity brand lighting company formerly called Lithonia lighting. When riches department store was there. I got my photos taken inside there by a professional photographer the yr of 1985. I paid 255.00 for that photo shoot. I also, remember my coworkers and friends name Janice Maddox and I Mary E Jefferson went to this mall, and she paid to get my ears pierced. I also remember buying a lot of expensive perfumes for myself and cologne for my boyfriend Anderson Stinson. When my son Cedric Jefferson and my youngest sister Pamela Denise Jefferies came to live with me. I would takes them Christmas shopping here because, I opened up a Christmas savings for them at my credit union was ibew local 613 downtown Atlanta. Sometimes I would buy Cedric's school clothes at JCPenney and Pam's school clothes at Sears and I would let them look around in other stores There as well. Macy's was another one of my favorite stores. We would buy clothes, shoes and coats and perfume and cologne from there as well. 30 yrs ago South DeKalb mall looks like a gost town now I've been there to get my driver's license renewed several yrs ago. Georgia is my home state it's not the same as it Was . A lot of stores and businesses have closed. I pray that the Lord blesses all of my investments and accomplishments God Almighty you created me to prosper and be successful abundantly. No weapon formed against me shall prosper I worked hard for my money and paid 85% of all the bills at my apartments and townhouse My car payment and insurance policy as well. Lord I know nothing last forever most of all of my friends, coworkers and family have been passed away....

While shopping at the Chapel Beauty I had the unfortunate experience of needing to use the restroom. I’d shopped there often. I,d hope I would not have a problem being “cleared” to use the restroom (I know they assume everyone is a thief...I always feel unwelcome there as with similar stores). I’m a senior, I made my emergency known politely, and presented my cart to a clerk with the few items I had selected to purchase. To my surprise the clerk said sorry we don’t have a restroom. As an old school shopper I realized that this was once a JC Penny store, that has large men/women restrooms with many stalls in them, I had shopped here years before it was Chapel Beauty. When I expressed that, and practically begged to use the restroom, a second person came and told me with attitude to go use the mall restroom & that I could not use theirs. I headed quickly down to the mall restroom in a panic fighting tears and anger I didn’t know if I was going to make it in time but I made it. I later sat in the courtyard and prayed & cried. I then went to the security office to file a complaint. The lady was sympathetic but pretty much said Chapel Beauty is a big customer there and they’re not required to consider my feelings or support my request. And since that time I have just refused to support them with my money. I like that they have so much to choose from and I know they can’t miss my little dollars and I know a lot of the other beauty supply stores are the same....but I just have to put my foot down somewhere and Chapel. Beauty at South Dekalb Mall is it for me. I can say “I’m...

The mall is no longer. All black vendor kiosks have disappeared. We welcome all as a community, not if black business owners can no longer survive or afford to showcase their businesses to make a living. Its a shame...this mall was it in the 80s and 90s and catered to all all. Now its too many jewelry shops -gold and silver left and right. Really, who needs that much of the same items. Really! Passing by I have heard some of the most rudest employees in many of the stores, many of an Indian culture but yet we don't think b4 spending our dollars. Black Wall St at Sonecrest is awesome, support them! Don't buy from those who don't treat you with respect or appreciate you or your business. Stores are closed and space just wasted the last few years. If it was not for the Tag/ DMV offices the mall would have closed. Piccadilly is not as clean and food isnt às appetizing while prices increased. Now staff work for tips. Most are canned veggies served, just buy your own for those prices. Fiid court is a joke w so little to offer and again no blk owned eateries... Wow! We miss the original SD Mall. Richs, Pennys Susans Wigs, staples of SD. Sad to see the loss of all the black kioske owners and our young folk who had a variety of job opportunities in their own neighborhood. No more, no more. Such a loss though we understand change is coming...