Sugarloaf Mills: Your Atlanta-Area Outlet Mall Guide in Gwinnett County

If you live in the Atlanta metro area and want a full day of outlet shopping, dining, and entertainment under one roof, Sugarloaf Mills in Lawrenceville is one of the biggest and most accessible options nearby.

Although it’s just outside the city, Sugarloaf Mills is very much part of the greater Atlanta shopping scene, especially for Gwinnett County residents and anyone on the northeast side of town.

Where Sugarloaf Mills Fits in Atlanta’s Shopping Scene

Atlanta has a wide range of shopping options:

• Luxury malls like Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
• Regional malls like Perimeter Mall and Cumberland Mall
• Mixed-use districts like Atlantic Station, The Battery Atlanta, and Avalon
• Outlet-style centers like Sugarloaf Mills and North Georgia Premium Outlets

Sugarloaf Mills stands out as:

• A large, enclosed outlet-style mall with discounted national brands
• Located just off I-85 in Lawrenceville, convenient for Gwinnett and northeast Atlanta
• A combination of shopping, dining, and entertainment that can easily fill an entire afternoon or weekend day

If you’re comparing Atlanta options, think of Sugarloaf Mills as your value-focused, family-friendly outlet mall versus the more upscale, fashion-focused malls inside the Perimeter.

Location, Directions, and Practical Details

Address:
Sugarloaf Mills
5900 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Getting There from Atlanta

Sugarloaf Mills sits just northeast of Atlanta, near the I-85/Sugarloaf Parkway interchange.

From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta:

• Take I-85 North toward Greenville
• Exit at Sugarloaf Parkway (look for signs to Sugarloaf Mills)
• Follow signs directly into the mall complex

From Buckhead or Brookhaven:

• Take GA-400 North or local routes east to connect with I-285 East
• Merge onto I-85 North
• Exit at Sugarloaf Parkway and follow mall signs

From Duluth / Peachtree Corners / Norcross:

• Use Pleasant Hill Road or Sugarloaf Parkway eastbound
• Follow Sugarloaf Parkway until you reach the mall; it’s well-marked with signage

Parking and Accessibility

• Parking: Surface lots surround the mall; parking is typically free and plentiful
• Entrances: Multiple main and side entrances, including access near major anchor stores and entertainment venues
• Accessibility: The mall is single-level and enclosed, which many shoppers find easier for strollers, wheelchairs, and rainy or hot days

It’s useful to note your entrance and main anchor store when you park; Sugarloaf Mills is large and circular, and that helps you navigate back to your car.

What Kind of Mall Is Sugarloaf Mills?

Sugarloaf Mills is best described as a value-oriented outlet and entertainment mall:

• Outlet and discount stores from national brands
• Larger-format retailers and off-price fashion stores
• Multiple family entertainment options (like a cinema and activity venues)
• A mix of quick-service and sit-down dining

If you’re used to the more polished, luxury feel of Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza, Sugarloaf Mills has a more casual, outlet-focused atmosphere, with many shoppers coming specifically for deals.

Shopping at Sugarloaf Mills: What to Expect

The exact store mix shifts over time, but shoppers from the Atlanta area generally find:

Popular Categories

• Apparel & Footwear
  • Casual and athletic clothing
  • Workwear and basics
  • Outlet versions of national clothing brands
• Kids & Family
  • Children’s clothing and shoes
  • Toy and game shops
• Footwear & Activewear
  • Sneaker and sportswear chains
  • Outdoor and performance brands
• Home & Lifestyle
  • Home décor, kitchen, and bedding outlets
  • Specialty gift and novelty shops
• Value & Off-Price Retail
  • Off-price fashion and home stores that focus on discounts

For Atlanta-area residents, Sugarloaf Mills is especially useful for:

• Back-to-school shopping
• Outfitting kids and teens on a budget
• Seasonal wardrobe refreshes without paying full retail
• Picking up athletic gear if you live in Gwinnett or work along I-85

Dining Options: Quick Bites and Casual Meals

You don’t have to leave the property to eat. Sugarloaf Mills generally includes:

• A food court with fast-casual and grab-and-go options
• Sit-down restaurants around the exterior and near anchor areas
• Snack kiosks with pretzels, sweets, and beverages

Atlanta locals often combine a visit here with:

• Lunch at the food court while shopping
• Dinner and a movie, especially on weekends
• Quick snacks in between stops at outlet stores

If you’re coming from inside the Perimeter, it can be convenient to plan meals on-site so you’re not hopping back on I-85 during peak traffic.

Entertainment and Things To Do Besides Shopping

Sugarloaf Mills is more than just retail; it’s also a regional entertainment hub for Gwinnett County.

Typical attractions include:

• Movie theater – Large multiplex showcasing new releases, commonly used by local families and teens
• Activity venues – Often including things like arcade-style entertainment, indoor fun centers, or interactive attractions

Because the offerings can change, many Atlanta families:

• Check showtimes and attraction hours before leaving home
• Plan a half-day of shopping plus a movie or activity, especially in summer or on rainy days

When to Go: Timing Your Visit from Atlanta

Traffic and crowds can vary quite a bit depending on the day and time, and that matters if you’re driving from the city.

Typical Patterns

• Weekdays (daytime): Generally lighter mall traffic; easier parking and shorter lines
• Weekday evenings: Moderate, especially when people stop by after work or school
• Weekends: The mall and parking lots can get busy, especially Saturday afternoons
• Holidays and sales weekends: Expect heavy traffic on I-85 North and around the mall

Tips for Atlanta Residents

• If you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, try:
  • Late morning on weekdays, avoiding rush-hour on I-85
  • Early weekend mornings before the midday crowd builds
• If you live in Gwinnett, Sugarloaf Mills can be a quick, convenient stop after work or school, especially via Sugarloaf Parkway

Sugarloaf Mills vs. Other Atlanta Malls

For an Atlanta shopper, it helps to understand where Sugarloaf Mills fits compared to other local centers:

If your main goal is saving money and finding deals on recognizable brands, Sugarloaf Mills is often more appropriate than the higher-end malls closer to central Atlanta.

Family-Friendliness and What Parents Should Know

Many metro Atlanta families consider Sugarloaf Mills a kid-friendly destination because:

• It’s fully enclosed, which helps in hot summers and rainy weather
• There are multiple children’s clothing stores and toy retailers
• Entertainment venues and a cinema provide non-shopping options

Parents often:

• Bring strollers—the mall is generally stroller-friendly with wide walkways
• Plan one longer visit instead of multiple shorter trips, since Gwinnett traffic can be busy
• Use the mall as a one-stop spot for school clothes, shoes, and a treat or movie

If you’re visiting from inside the Perimeter with younger kids, it can be helpful to:

• Park near the entrance closest to your first planned stop (for example, the cinema or a specific anchor store)
• Build in breaks at the food court or seating areas since the mall’s loop layout can involve a lot of walking

Safety, Security, and General Comfort

Like most major malls in the Atlanta area, Sugarloaf Mills typically:

• Has on-site security presence
• Uses visible cameras and patrols
• Follows standard mall hours and rules (for example, rules about unsupervised minors during evenings)

Reasonable steps for visitors include:

• 🔒 Lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables visible
• 📍 Make a mental note of your parking location and nearest entrance
• 👥 If teens are visiting, set clear meeting points and pickup times

Atlanta residents often appreciate that the mall is well-lit and highly trafficked, especially during standard shopping hours.

Planning a Trip to Sugarloaf Mills from Atlanta

Here’s a simple way to structure your visit if you’re coming from the Atlanta area:

1. Decide your focus:

   • Outlet clothing?
   • Kids’ items?
   • Movie plus a meal?

2. Check hours and any special events at the mall before you go.

3. Pick your time window based on where you live:

   • Inside the Perimeter: avoid peak I-85 rush (typically early mornings and late afternoons on weekdays).
   • Gwinnett / northeast suburbs: late afternoon or early evening is often manageable.

4. Plan parking:

   • Choose an entrance near your first destination—an anchor store, the food court, or the cinema.

5. Wear comfortable shoes:

   • The mall is large and loop-shaped; you’ll likely walk more than you expect.

6. Map out key stores in advance if you have specific brands in mind, so you can work around the loop efficiently.

Is Sugarloaf Mills Worth the Trip for You?

For many people in the Atlanta area, Sugarloaf Mills is worth visiting if:

• You’re looking for outlet and discount shopping on national brands
• You live or work in Gwinnett, Norcross, Duluth, Suwanee, or along I-85
• You want a single destination with shopping, food, and entertainment in one enclosed space
• You’re doing seasonal or back-to-school shopping and want to stretch your budget

If you prioritize luxury labels, designer boutiques, or a high-end environment, you may be better served at Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, or Avalon. But if your focus is value, variety, and convenience on the northeast side of Atlanta, Sugarloaf Mills is one of the most practical and popular choices in the region.