Sioux Falls Empire Mall Marks 50 Years Of Shopping Memories This September
The Empire Mall, this region's largest shopping complex and arguably the most beloved indoor walking track during South Dakota winters, is turning 50 years old this year.
And if you're like me, you were probably quite young when the Empire Mall first opened its doors to the public back in 1975. (Cue the old man alert), I was only 12 at that time! Yikes! I'm pretty sure I purchased my first pair of bell-bottoms from Jeans West in the mall back in the day!
Those of us who have lived in Sioux Falls for a number of years have seen the Empire Mall undergo more transformations than Madonna in the '80s. Believe it or not, when it first opened in September of 1975, it was called the Sioux Empire Plaza, and it had just 47 stores.
Read More: 1975: The First Stores in the Empire Mall
Today, the Empire Mall boasts over 140 retailers.
At its opening, the mall was anchored by department stores like Younkers and Herberger’s. RIP to both of you. You are missed, my friends.
But let’s talk classics. There have been so many iconic stores that once called the Empire Mall home, places like Sears, Dayton’s, Waldenbooks, Hal's, Young America, Musicland, Disc-Jockey, and Radio Shack. Yes, there was once a whole store just for batteries and wires. And who could forget ToyFair, Kinney Shoes, or Command Performance, because nothing says fashion quite like a salon haircut within a few steps from an electronics store.
And the crown jewel of the past? The original Midcontinent Theatres, three big screens inside the mall. That was luxury cinema back in those days, let me tell ya!
And let’s not overlook the legendary food spots over the years: JB's Big Boy, Wiener King (possibly the greatest name in hot dog history), Taco Bandito, One Potato Two, Bishop’s Buffet, and the ever-reliable A&W. Honestly, half the reason anyone went to the mall in the '90s was for the food court and free samples at Hickory Farms, right?
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According to Dakota News Now, to commemorate the Empire Mall's 50th anniversary, they’re teaming up with the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, September 24, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.
Fifty years of shopping, strolling, snacking, and sneaking in a movie or two, it’s a milestone worth celebrating.
The fun will continue with special retailer offers and more surprises during the anniversary bash. You can get the details at Simon.com, or just swing by the mall and pretend it's 1978 again to pick up that Lava Lamp for your bedroom.
Source: Dakota News Now
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Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns