Simon finds new way to drive mall traffic

Simon Property Group is adding an unconventional experiential component to its Opry Mills mall in Nashville that should add even more traffic to the already popular shopping and entertainment destination.

Opry Mills will be home to the first mall-based Madame Tussauds wax attraction in the U.S. and as befits its location the entertainment venue will have a music theme. The nontraditional shopping center tenant becomes the 7th Madame Tussauds in the U.S. and the 22nd location worldwide. It will feature 50 characters instantly recognizable to music lovers such as Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, and Johnny Cash.

The choice of Madame Tussauds as a tenant is consistent with Simon Property Group’s desire to provide the best shopping and entertainment experiences for visitors, according to Gregg Goodman, president of The Mills.

"Simon properties are multipurpose entertainment destinations, offering far more than shopping options to guests. Because of this, we know Opry Mills will be the perfect home to the very first in-mall Madame Tussauds location,” Goodman said.

The addition of Madame Tussauds will add to an already compelling lineup of retailers and nearby uses that create a powerful destination only seven miles from downtown Nashville. Opry Mills, the largest mall in Tennessee, is within walking distance of the Grand Old Opry and the 2,800-room Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

The collection of tenants includes a familiar mix such as Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Coach, Cole Haan, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Forever 21, Nike Factory Store, Gap Outlet, Lucky Brand Outlet and Bass Pro Shops, as well as the state's first locations from The Limited Outlet and H&M. Other dining and entertainment options include a Rainforest Cafe, Aquarium Restaurant, Dave & Buster's, and Regal Cinemas Opry Mills Stadium 20 and IMAX.

"We couldn't be more excited to open the first Madame Tussauds in Tennessee in a little over a year," said Ben Thompson, senior marketing director new openings and acquisitions with Merlin Entertainment PLC, parent company of Madame Tussauds. "This fun and unique attraction will highlight milestone moments from historical to contemporary music — both from around the country and in Nashville."