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Ali Shops Blog

Posts Tagged ‘MOA’

Valentine’s Day, MOA Style

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

And what have you done so far today? Five crazy couples boarded the Ferris wheel early this morning at Mall of America’s Nickelodeon Universe and simultaneously got hitched in motion. The quintuple wedding was officiated by a pastor from the mall’s Chapel of Love. (He remained grounded and used a microphone.)

The couples noshed on Bruegger’s bagels before the ceremonial ride. There were no reports of motion sick brides or grooms.

To celebrate the nuptials–and what is apparently also National Ferris Wheel Day–Ferris wheel rides are free all day at MOA.

Meet Maria Rivolta

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

I had the pleasure to meet Argentinian jewelry designer Maria Rivolta at her namesake store at Mall of America today. She’s engaging and chic—in a gray and black, Calvin Klein-inspired, understated way you might not expect from someone whose jewelry is known for color. But Rivolta loves a pop of color or shine. And she likes her jewelry to be fun, fashionable, and delightfully affordable. Meet her at the store (first level, outside Bloomingdale’s) from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, and save on two of her favorite enamel designs.

Diana Exhibit @ MOA

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Tonight, I got to preview Diana, A Celebration, the exhibit opening Saturday, Feb. 4 at Mall of America. I was totally impressed. So much of the advance talk has been about Princess Diana’s 1981 royal wedding dress, with its 25-foot train–that I had no idea how much more the exhibit had to offer: a look at Princess Diana’s childhood, her charity work around the world and a collection of 28 dresses she wore through her years in the public eye. Fascinating to see how the fashions changed and her sophistication evolved. Sad to recall how abruptly it all ended.

Mall of America campaigned hard to get the exhibit, which travels to just a couple of cities each year, and always returns to Diana’s family estate, Althorp, in England for a summer display. (William walked Kate through these very artifacts before their own wedding.) Tune in to myTalk107.1 at 11:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, when exhibit handler Nick Grossmark will talk about Diana’s impact on fashion and share more behind-the-scenes tidbits with me on Shop Girls.

The exhibit is on the fourth floor (across from Hooters). Once inside, you’ll forget where you are, and remember where you were for a couple of the most-watched events in modern history. Tickets start at $23.50 for adults and $13.50 for children. Purchase them at guest service desks throughout the mall and the exhibition box office. Diana: A Celebration will be at MOA through June 10.

Win VIP MOA Parking + $25

Saturday, December 10th, 2011

Some retail destinations promote their selection or sales this time of year. At Mall of America, all that’s a given. The issue is getting to it. Thus, the “12 Days of Parking” promotion. MOA is reserving 12 front row parking spots for the 12 days leading up to Christmas. I’m giving them away today-Saturday, Dec. 10–on Shop Girls. A dozen listeners will be guaranteed VIP parking for next Saturday, Dec. 17. Each winner will also receive a $25 mall gift card. (And we all know you could spend that thing four or five times over in the minutes you’ll save searching for a parking spot.) Listen to win, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today on myTalk107.1.

P.S.: You’ll get another chance to win Tuesday in our shopping e-newsletter, Swag.

Cleaning Up Movember

Monday, November 28th, 2011
Bless you, Kiehl’s, for turning your Mall of America grand opening into a grand clean up of Movember, the national grow a moustache in November movement which has hurt our eyes (and relationships?) with many a creepy patch of upper lip facial hair. On Wednesday, the last day of the month, for one day only, Kiehl’s will offer complimentary moustache shaves for men from 4 to 7 p.m. And for every shave, Kiehl’s will donate $50 to the Minnesota AIDS Project. Ladies, dragging your mustachioed man into the store adds up to another $50 donation by Kiehl’s.
A Barbershop Quartet will create the mood and food and drink will be served. The first 160 customers in the store on Wednesday will receive a complimentary full-size product. And participate in raffles throughout the day. Mall of America, first floor, north side, 952-854-9541

Kiehl’s MOA Opening

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

Love it when a respected brand brings its A-game to Minnesota. Kiehl’s opens at Mall of America today, and this will be an apothecary store like none of its others nationwide. Highlights include a complimentary photo booth (with pics displayed on a projection screen facing out into the mall), a men’s shave bar for grooming tips and demos, and a recreation of the Statue of Liberty—a nod to Kiehl’s New York roots—commissioned by the artist Shepard Fairey. Of course, the full product line will be available, including the new Midnight Recovery eye treatment (I’m on night two and have high hopes), Rosa Artica, Kiehl’s first foray into serious anti-aging products and a limited edition Creme de Corps with packaging designed by Jeff Koons.  Stay tuned for details on a grand opening event in just a couple of weeks. First floor, north side

ECCO Opening

Monday, October 31st, 2011

Danish shoe brand ECCO, known for stylish comfort, will open its 1,000th store Friday at Mall of America. The store will feature ECCO’s complete line of men’s, women’s, sport, golf and outdoor/performance footwear. The retail space–second level, north side–is inspired by ECCO’s Scandinavian heritage with sleek, modern design. ”We are excited to be entering Mall of America as a true shopping destination for consumers from all over the US and the world,” ECCO USA President Dave Quel said in a statement. The first 50 customers will receive a gift bag with purchase.

Black Friday Midnight Madness

Friday, October 28th, 2011

In the constant quest to get shoppers excited and make the evening news, both Target and Mall of America announced today their plans to open at midnight on Black Friday. It actually seems more civilized than 3 or 4 a.m. I’d rather stay up late than crawl out of bed in the middle of the night to shop.

Black Friday hours have been creeping earlier for years. Last year, several chains, including Sears and Gap, were open on Thanksgiving Day. Premium Outlets, including Albertville, has opened at midnight the past few years–creating traffic jams in the process.

Target says the decision to open four hours earlier than last year was based on customer demand. Mall of America has 70 of its 500-plus retailers signed on for the midnight opening. It will be interesting to see what the deals are like: longer hours could actually help retailers create more of a party atmosphere–putting the emphasis on the event of shopping, rather than the blockbuster deals that have become synonymous with Black Friday. But it would have to be a really excellent party. Discounts are the reward for staying up late or rising extra early, and it won’t be easy to change that.

P.S.: Macy’s announced on Monday that its stores will open at midnight on Black Friday as well.

Will you shop at midnight?

Kiehl’s at MOA

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

Kiehl’s is coming! The beloved 160-year-old apothecary brand will open its first Minnesota store next month at Mall of America. The signs are up–first floor, north side.

MK in MN

Monday, September 12th, 2011

Michael Kors opened Friday at Mall of America, first level, outside Bloomingdale’s. The store is shiny and sleek, but smaller than I imagined and more like Coach than I expected. The focus is on bags – and there are lots worth coveting. Clothes were relegated to the back corner, and all from the more affordable Michael Michael Kors collection. Don’t get me wrong – those are the pieces I can afford and they look great, but I’d probably shop for them first at Macy’s, where they’re likely to be on sale. I was expected a broader brand experience from MK’s first Minnesota store. The only items from the high-end Collection are a few bags. Perhaps MK is just being practical. Clearly, the company has some faith in this market – a second Michael Kors store will open at Southdale in November.


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