Currently in the midst of a $400 million facelift, Southdale Center will soon feature a fresh look of natural and new lighting, modern seating areas, gussied-up greenery, and a plush color palette that’s both contemporary and calming. Which makes sense; Southdale’s industry-shaping owners (Simon Property Group) have more than 40 brands lined up for long-awaited openings between now and the end of the year.
Here is what you can expect in the months ahead, along with all the other reasons why the country’s oldest mall is as relevant as it’s ever been.
Where to Shop
An influx of in-demand inventory from recent openings like Swarovski, Lululemon, Tory Burch and Breitling is just the beginning of what Southdale has in store (pun intended) for 2025. Trendsetters can expect such exclusives as Marc Jacobs and State & Liberty along with the latest brick-and-mortar locations of Janie and Jack, Tumi, Abercrombie & Fitch, Ambercrombie Kids, Pandora, Athleta, and Kendra Scott.
As if that wasn’t enough of an excuse to swing by the mall in the middle of the week, Simon Property Group has put a major push behind a luxury wing that’s set to open this summer and feature a dedicated valet area. Its spacious retail stalls set a considerable amount of square footage aside for its stores, including 6,000 for Moncler, 5,200 for Watches of Switzerland, 4,800 for Burberry, and 3,100 for Max Mara. Similar in spirit are such imminent next door neighbors as Coach and Kate Spade New York.
“We believe in Southdale,” Tom Hanchar, Simon Property Group’s vice president of leasing, told Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. “It has a great story of being the oldest mall in the country [and] how it reinvents itself. And we’re here to really make something that people from Minneapolis will be proud of.”
All this ribbon cutting arrives in a cutting-edge complex that already boasts such reputable brands as J. Crew, Apple, Banana Republic, Sephora and Macy’s. Also of note: the metro area’s most extravagant gym / coworking space (Life Time) and shops aimed at serious golfers (PXG), anime fans (Fragmented Nostalgia), and families (Troo Kidz, Legacy Toys).
As for how Simon Property Group expects their big plans to compete with online retailers, Jenny Harris — a regional vice president of marketing for the company — insisted “experience is the differentiator. Anybody can click a button online.”
Where to Eat
Named one of the 50 most beautiful restaurants in America by People, RH Rooftop Restaurant is as gorgeous as the 60,000-square-foot gallery selling lux housewares below it. Expect an equally over-the-top menu, whether you opt for shaved ribeye on charred garlic bread, a rich lobster roll, fries that feature truffles two ways (black truffles and truffle aioli), or a generous meat and cheese board starring hunks of Parmigiano Reggiano, piles of seasonal fruit and prosciutto, and a warm, crusty baguette.
For a more casual meal, look to the line-worthy burgers of Shake Shack, the dialed-in Mexican dishes of Cielto Lindo, the local breakfast and lunch favs of Rustica Bakery & Cafe, or a rarely seen mix of Mediterranean and Somali recipes (Madina Grill). Not to mention the Insta-worthy, Taiwanese-style bubble tea of Niko Niko Boba.
Where to Stay
Located just a five-minute walk from Southdale Center, and 10 miles from downtown Minneapolis and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Homewood Suites by Hilton asks you to settle in with its fully equipped kitchens, free daily breakfast, and fast WiFi. A full bar and a warm fireplace can also be found at the Lewis Lounge. Check out the latest special offers from Homewood Suites here.
