Shopping—Big Time

On a windy Minnesota day in 1989, workers broke ground for what would become the largest retail and entertainment center in the nation, bringing a new crop of department stores to town, fresh designer labels, 10,000 jobs, and more shopping than Minnesotans had ever seen. No doubt Mall of America had its skeptics from the very beginning. Among them were those who doubted that Bloomington, Minnesota, could be a fashion hub, and others who assumed a big box retail center would fail miserably after the novelty wore off.

Now fifteen years after its 1992 opening, Mall of America is the number-one tourist destination in the Midwest, drawing more than 40 million visitors each year—a greater number than Disney World, Graceland, and the Grand Canyon combined. It’s a proven success. Love it or leave it, MOA has become a permanent part of the Twin Cities landscape, putting Minnesota on the map as a major shopping destination.

For locals, Mall of America has become a part of life, especially for those craving the latest trends in fashion. Whether you’re shopping for designer duds or the hottest fashionista fads, MOA makes it easy with several trend-right retailers under one roof. But which shops are worth the walk? Take a day to check out the ones we deem noteworthy, and if you follow our shopping path, you won’t waste a single step.

For selections by contemporary designers, high-end handbags, and, of course, shoes, there’s no better place to start than Nordstrom. Fashion followers will have a difficult time leaving empty-handed, especially after exploring the extensive collection of first-floor footwear. You could spend hours surveying the latest from Miu Miu, Tory Burch, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, and Betsey Johnson, among others. Nordstrom’s second-floor makeover has significantly expanded the amount of designer women’s apparel available to MOA shoppers. And with the recent addition of via C, located directly in front of the Chanel boutique, and both an Yves Saint Laurent and Chloé display on floor two, there are even more treasures to discover. Contemporary designers such as Milly, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tory Burch, Vince, and Tracy Reese adorn the labels of the flirty frocks and chic ensembles in this progressive area.

Head just outside Nordstrom’s first-floor mall entrance to Sisley (N190), a hip haunt for stylish twentysomethings  who don’t dig high-end designer prices and eschew trends. Women go for the boldly colored, Euro–chic dresses, skirts, and young professional wear, while stylish men go for Sisley’s collection of coats, slacks, and button-up dress shirts.

Aimed at a slightly edgier crowd, Metropark’s (N108) fluorescent green and orange moniker glows just down MOA’s North Garden from Sisley. As the retailer’s only location in the Midwest, the store boasts a killer collection of men’s and women’s graphic tees, funky hats (including stylish fedoras for girls and sporty screen-print hats for guys), plus jewelry and other apparel inspired by music, art, and fashion. MP is also known for premium denim collections in a variety of cuts and washes from True Religion, Rock & Republic, Obey, and other names. Handbags are also on-trend and name brand, including styles by Betseyville from the Betsey Johnson collection. Before you head out, take a break in the store’s small lounge and enjoy a music mag and an energy drink.