From Nordstrom to the Apple Store; Hammer Made to Madewell. From pay phones to a smartphone app that puts the Mall directory in the palm of your hand—it’s hard to wrap our heads around how much shopping has changed since Mall of America opened in 1992. But there has always been one constant (along with the 47 stores that have been here as long as we have): the Mall’s philosophy of creating experiences.
In a place where the hottest boy bands perform in the Rotunda, kids scream down thrill rides, hungry patrons are transported to the rain forest, and brands like LEGO and Crayola are attractions as much as they are stores—it’s all about making memories in a place like no other.
A Gathering Place
“My father [Eskander Ghermezian] has been the visionary from the day he was born,” said Triple Five Group CEO, Don Ghermezian. “He didn’t know anything about retail when he got into retail. But he somehow knew: shopping is not just about retail. It was: ‘Let’s build a gathering place.'”
From day one, we billed ourselves as “the place for fun in your life.” We still work tirelessly to deliver on that mantra, and so much more. Concerts. Movie premieres. Fashion shows. Art displays. Weddings. Charitable walks. Cultural exhibits. We are, indeed, the gathering place our founders envisioned 25 years ago.
The Evolving Mall
We pride ourselves on evolving with you. Today you’ll find free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and touch-screen directories throughout the Mall. You can visit the hottest retail concepts, like Zara, TOMS and Anthropologie. And you can play at the most high-tech attraction destination, such as the nation’s first SMAAASH interactive arcade with indoor go-karting and virtual reality gaming.
What’s Next?
Soon, we’ll welcome a new state-of-the-art movie theater with cutting-edge audio technology and extra large screens. We’re counting the days until “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro opens Carlo’s Bakery—right next to Shake Shack. Nespresso and Evereve are among the new stores opening soon. More announcements are on the way (always!) and plans are already in the works for the next phase of the Mall.
We believe shopping will always be more fun in person, and we’ll continue to add new reasons for you to visit the Mall. We look forward to celebrating our birthday with you—this year, and for many more to come!