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| BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Aug. 3, 1999 - Sales growth of more than five-and-a-half
percent in 1998 and projected 1999 sales of more than $850 million mark
the end of another tremendous year for Mall of America, which celebrates
its seventh birthday on August 11.
�Since its opening seven years ago, the Mall has accomplished extraordinary things,� said Maureen Bausch, Associate General Manager of Mall of America. �It continues to grow year after year, is an established member of the Twin Cities community and provides a strong economic impact locally and throughout the region.� In 1998, Mall of America generated its highest estimated economic impact of $1.565 billion for the state of Minnesota, including nearly $1.2 billion in new money from non-Minnesota residents. Sales for 1998 topped $808 million, up from $765 million in 1997. Focus on the Future In 1999, Mall of America introduced preliminary plans for Phase II, a unique expansion project that will provide a blend of state-of-the-art concepts in hospitality, entertainment, technology and attraction-based retail. Phase II will complement Mall of America as a first-class international destination, nearly doubling the Mall�s size. It will provide a wealth of opportunities for those on the cutting edge of retail, entertainment, hospitality and technology and will significantly enhance the economic impact to the region. Themed Retail Stores, Celebrities and New Rides During its seventh year, Mall of America continued to captivate and
entertain guests with exciting new attractions and retail stores.
In the past year, many superb retail stores have joined Mall of America,
including Barnes and Noble; Abercrombie Fitch Outlet; Abercrombie
Kids; Wet Seal; Arden B.; Mr. Rags; Origins; and Crabtree and Evelyn.
Several new concepts never before seen in the Twin Cities opened at Mall
of America, including Department 56;
The addition of Knott�s Camp Snoopy�s new attractions�the Froghopper, Ghost Blasters and Rock �N Wall�all helped in keeping the Mall�s landscape fresh, new, and worth visiting again and again. In addition, hundreds of nationally-acclaimed entertainers, such as Garth Brooks, Tricia Yearwood, Tyra Banks, Black Sabbath, N�Sync, and Donny and Marie Osmond thrilled and delighted Mall guests. Charity Charity events and non-profit organizations have been a staple of the Mall�s annual commitment to the community. Over the past 12 months, the Mall helped raise more than $1 million for local and national organizations, including Toys for Tots, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Minnesota Food Bank, area homeless shelters and many more. Seventh Birthday Party Mall of America�s seventh birthday bash will be one to remember, complete with flashing lights, drive-up weddings, live shows and Elvis. Live from Las Vegas, the longest running show in Las Vegas� history, will run five times daily (from Aug. 5th through the 11th) in the Mall�s Rotunda. It will feature impersonations of such celebrities as Elvis, Madonna, Tina Turner, Bette Midler, the Blues Brothers and the artist formerly known as Prince. Among the many other events and attractions at the week-long party will be drive-up weddings; Johnny Carson and Howard Hughes� vintage cars; a Las Vegas Ultra Lounge; sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority; and the unveiling of Mall of America�s first mascot, �Lucky.� Located in Bloomington, Minn., Mall of America is the nation�s largest retail and entertainment complex and attracts more visitors annually than Disney World, the Grand Canyon and Graceland combined. Since opening in August 1992, more than 270 million people have visited Mall of America (43 million in 1998). In addition to more than 520 stores, the Mall is home to the nation�s largest indoor theme park, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a 14-screen movie theater and a 1.2 million-gallon walk-through aquarium. |
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