A Shopping Mecca
Mall of America (located in Bloomington) is the largest enclosed retail, dining and entertainment complex in the nation. Spanning over 4.2-million square feet, the mall features more than 500 stores, thrilling family attractions, great dining options and welcomes more than 40 million annual visitors.
Anchor stores include Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Sears. In addition to shopping, Mall of America also features Nickelodeon Universe the nation’s largest indoor amusement park covering seven acres and offering more than 30 rides and attractions. SEA LIFE Aquarium is another major attraction to be found at the mall. With an amazing 300 foot ocean tunnel, 30 display tanks and more than 10,000 sea creatures it is the perfect place for family fun.
Mall of America also houses more than 50 restaurants (from fast food to fine dining), Theaters at Mall of America – a 14-screen movie theater with VIP seating and Moose Mountain Adventure Golf. IKEA, the Swedish home furnishings retailer, opened right across from the Mall of America in 2004. This 336,000-square foot, two-floor store features four model homes, more than 10,000 products, a Sweden Shop, a Swedish restaurant and an Exit Bistro.
Even more shopping opportunities abound in Bloomington, where there is never sales tax on clothing. Non-seasonal and mainstream shops are generally open seven days a week, 362 days a year (closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter). Area Bloomington shopping districts celebrate year-round (even in the coldest winter days) with special events from art fairs to street dances to sidewalk sales to parades.
