Three months after Zara posted Mall of America hiring announcements on major job sites, the world’s largest fashion retailer and America's biggest mall are ready to confirm the news that will delight everyone and surprise no one: Zara is opening its first Minnesota store at Mall of America.
Zara is planning a two-story, 30,000-square-foot store in the new north wing of the mall, near JW Marriott. Zara will offer apparel and accessories for women, men, and kids.
Long at the top of wish lists for Minnesota shoppers, Zara is a big get for the mall, which built its latest addition with hopes of attracting luxury retailers. Deals with the Guccis of the world failed to solidify, which meant the wing opened last fall without any confirmed stores, and sat vacant throughout the holidays— save for the new hotel and a few fast food restaurants.
The new Culinary on North third-floor food court is beginning to fill up: Piada Italian Street Food and Melt Shop are among the newcomers, and Shake Shack—with its cult-like following—will open in June. Most of the mall’s recent debuts have been food or entertainment related, like the new FlyOver America, and Crayola Experience, opening in May. With Zara, and the announcement last week that Anthropologie will also open at MOA, the momentum shifts back to shopping.
“Zara is a global retail leader and we are very excited to have them as a partner at Mall of America,” said Liz McLay, senior vice president of leasing at Mall of America, in a statement. “As another first-to-market concept at MOA, this worldwide brand is a testament to the continued demand for flagship concepts in the Twin Cities.”
Both Zara and Anthropologie will open in time for the holiday season.
