LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) – Sawmill Square Mall will see the addition of a leading national craft chain early next year.

On Friday, representatives and mall leaders from the city of Laurel and Jones County announced that Hobby Lobby will move to the mall in the first or second quarter of 2025.

A mall representative said the store will be added to the south end of the mall.

Along with the addition of Hobby Lobby, the representative announced that changes will be made to accommodate the expansion and contribute to the potential growth of Sawmill Square.

“We would like to thank the owners of Sawmill Square Mall for continuing to invest in Laurel,” said Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee. “I know people have talked about what the mall used to be and what it is now and what it looks like… But I’m glad they’re still investing in Laurel.

…And this will be a big part of the puzzle. Because the mall is a centerpiece, a central point for shopping in Laurel… And this will add to the offerings that we have in Laurel.”

A member of the county board of supervisors expressed gratitude to the mall on behalf of the board, saying the two parties are working together to provide new opportunities for the citizens of Laurel and Jones counties.

The announcement was made during a news conference at the mall at 9:30 a.m. following the Jones County Chamber of Commerce’s First Friday networking event.

Updates will be added when new information is available.

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