Submitted Photo Iconic retailers such as Target, Barnes & Nobles, Victoria’s Secret, Hallmark Gold Crown, Sears and J.C. Penney are matched with up and coming retailers Ulta Beauty, KJ’s Fresh Market, Apricot Lane and Carter’s OshKosh B’gosh at Dakota Square Mall.

Throughout Minot and across North Dakota, Dakota Square Mall has earned a stellar reputation as a family friendly destination.

From hosting Splashdown Dakota Super Slides, the largest indoor water park in the Midwest region, to providing holiday themed photo opportunities for families and pets by J.C. Penney, Dakota Square Mall is a thriving center for the Minot community that employs an estimated 800 people.

For 37 years, Dakota Square Mall has adjusted with the times by providing the latest trends while never losing sight of the needs of its community.

Chuck Massey, the general manager of Dakota Square Mall, expressed great excitement about the shopping experience at Dakota Square Mall.

“I think when people come in the mall, they are excited about the variety of retailers to choose from,” Massey said. “They can see everything from apparel retailers, locally owned boutiques, sporting goods, dining options and entertainment. It’s all encompassing and that’s what I believe people feel and sense when they come into the mall.”

Iconic retailers such as Barnes & Nobles, Victoria’s Secret, Target, Sears and J.C. Penney are matched with up and coming retailers Ulta Beauty, KJ’s Fresh Market, Apricot Lane and Carter’s OshKosh B’gosh.

With so much retail success, Massey credits Dakota Square Mall owners CBL and Associates, for attracting popular retailers to the growing venue.

“CBL and Associates have been very proactive in developing relationships with retailers,” Massey said. “They want to attract retailers with strong reputations for customer service. The owners also believe it’s important to employ local residents who execute great customer service as well. A great example would be Scheels. Everyone recognizes this store for its consistent practice of excellent customer service skills.”

Since 2012, CBL and Associates have owned Dakota Square Mall and according to Massey, their commitment to investing in the mall’s future remains strong.

“As long term owners, they have plans to continue working with retailers and create opportunities for future developments,” Massey said. “Part of their vision is to reinvent and redevelop this shopping mall.”

Established in 1980, Scheels has the unique distinction of being one of the founding stores of the expanding mall.

Known for providing top-tier sporting goods in conjunction with highly sought after brands, shoppers continue to frequent the popular establishment.

For shoppers who prefer indoor adventures, retailers such as GameStop, Gorilla Games and AMC Dakota Square 9 formerly known as Carmike Cinemas Stadium 9.

During 2016, Carmike Cinemas Stadium 9 transitioned to AMC Dakota Square 9. Although the name of the movie theater has changed, Massey said the high quality service and popular demand remains the same.

“Our movie theater is a staple in the community,” Massey said. “It’s one of the most popular destinations in the entire northwestern part of the state. Not only is it popular in the winter time when it’s cold and there’s not much to do, it also maintains its popularity all year. From first dates to families coming together to enjoy their favorite films, the movie theater remains a great place to go.”

As malls across the U.S. struggle to keep their stores open, Massey along with CBL and Associates are bucking this trend.

While keeping an eye on the future and their ears toward customer demand, Dakota Square Mall is making critical moves that continue to create employment for residents and expand retail opportunities for shoppers.

“One of the biggest trends we’re seeing in the last 30 years includes pop-up stores,” Massey said. “This gives unique retailers an opportunity to try some short term stores at the mall while creating some urgency for their product and introduce customers to something new. A good example of that would be Jax & Henley, they’ve done a terrific job at bringing needed products to the community that other retailers are not carrying. Their designer handbags have been well received.”

Established in 2016, Jax & Henley is becoming the hot-spot for glamorous and affordable handbags.

Inside the newly opened store are designer brands by Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Tory Burch and numerous other brands.

In addition to the success of pop-up shops are the popular vendors.

As patrons stroll across the common areas, they can purchase customized T-shirts and cookware, specialty swords and martial arts paraphernalia along with a variety of fragrances and accessories.

“Vendors offer customers a very focused and unique opportunity for different products,” Massey said. “They create a lot of interest and variety that keeps the shopping experience fresh and exciting.”

Another exciting addition to Dakota Square Mall is the introduction of KJ’s Fresh Market.

Featuring the combination of organic, natural and clean label food, KJ’s Fresh Market puts an emphasis on locally grown produce.

In conjunction with KJ’s Fresh Market is Bruno’s Pizza, the newest addition to Dakota Square Mall’s food court.

“The food court is a huge draw and popular attraction of the mall,” Massey said. “We seat nearly 400 visitors and sometimes there’s not enough seats, especially during the weekends. Our goal is to provide a wide variety of food products. The newest member of our food court is the retailer Bruno’s Pizza. They’ve done a terrific job.”

Providing a menu of salads, pasta and desserts, Bruno’s Pizza continues to win over shoppers with their award winning pizza and calzones.

As Dakota Square Mall continues to evolve, Massey alongside CBL and Associates have plans to maintain its devotion to Minot-area families and community causes.

“Families really enjoy our Easter photo program, which is located within our mall court just outside of J.C. Penney,” Massey said. “We also try to do unique things such as ‘Pet Photo Night.’ To solidify our sense of community, we’ve worked to create educational opportunities with Minot State University and develop partnerships with Trinity Health and local animal shelters. At all times of the year, we’re always looking for ways to increase community participation.”

To learn more about Dakota Square Mall, visit online at www.shopdakotasquare.com.