Mall of America turns 25
It was 25 years ago today the Ghermezian family taught American shoppers to play.
The Ghermezians and their Triple Five development company had already set a new standard for enclosed shopping centers with their West Edmonton Mall. But on August 11, 1992, on the former site of Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, Minnesota, they and managing agent Simon created a whole new ball game.
The 4.2-million-sq.-ft. (now 5.6 million -sq.-ft.) property proved that mall guests would clamor for roller coaster rides as well as big bargains. As Camp Snoopy gave way to Nickelodeon Universe and new attractions such as Sea Life Aquarium, Crayola Experience, and Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy, Mall of America continues to serve as the pace car for experiential retail.
“It’s the intersection of the best in retail, entertainment, and dining, and above all, a place for friends and family to gather and make memories,” said MOA senior VP of marketing, Jill Renslow.
More than a billion guests have visited the internationally known institution, which counts some 12,000 employees, 520 stores, and 50 dining establishments.
Adhering to its “bigger is better” philosophy, Mall of America began celebrating its 25th year with a Boyz to Men concert in February. That’s been followed by nighttime light shows, a birthday lounge pop-up, and a summer concert series.
Today’s birthday festivities at the mall will include assaults two world records (most conical birthday hats worn and most cupcakes decorated).
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