Southdale center announced Wednesday that three new stores will open this fall.
Sperry Top-Sider will open a 2,156 square foot store. Many Twin Cities' shoe retailers sell the Sperry brand, but the Southdale store will be the first in Minnesota.
Vera Bradley, known for handbags, luggage and backpacks, will open a 2,300 square foot store. A second Vera Bradley retail location opened in Mall of America in 2011.
Kay Jewelers, with 15 locations in Minnesota, rejoins the Southdale mix after a two year absence. "it's a mainstream acquisition but a good one, " said Jim McComb, a Twin Cities retail analyst with the McComb Group.
McComb expects more new tenant announcements from Southdale with Simon Property Group at the helm. Mall giant Simon of Indianapolis purchased the center in 2011. Since then, they've improved the mall's marketing, visibility and sightlines, said McComb. "The past few owners haven't had the capital necessary to make the improvements," he said. "Simon has saved the mall."
Southdale, the nation's first enclosed shopping center, opened in 1956. With more than 100 specialty stores, it is anchored by Macy's, Herberger's and JC Penney.
