Quick and Dirty Guide for Minneapolis (prices, shopping centers, money)

[queenswake]

Residents need to put their own views of MOA aside and think of how the place might be viewed as a first-time visitor. It's definitely worth a visit and one of the few true tourist attractions for the general population.

My main complaint is that it used to be a lot more interesting with a lot more unique stores. The last time I went (a few years ago), so many more of the typical clothing stores had moved in there. Remember the thrill of the two-level sporting good store where you could try out the equipment inside the store at the basketball court, etc? There was some store containing just bones and stuff about the anatomy. A chili store. Hologram store. There are still many unique stores, but it's sad to see it slowly overtaken by stores you see in any other mall.

[Soulstice]

Originally Posted by Haver

This is a fairly frequent topic so sometimes people are all on fire to help, and sometimes they're burned out on it for a bit so it helps to spend an hour or so checking out other threads in here.

Here's a thread from a month or so back with a lot of recommendations (a lot of them mine, but others agreed and I'm only quoting it because I didn't have to look hard to find it): //www.city-data.com/forum/minne...olis-week.html

I hear you. But when you don't frequent this board you don't exactly know what to look for. A lot of cities have a sticky at the top for visitors but since Minny didn't have one I just made my own thread.

Didn't mean to cause any extra burnout though, but I appreciate everyone's input. Keep it coming if you can!

[southernsmoke]

Is there something special about the IKEA by MOA? Since it's just a cheap chain furniture store, I'm trying to understand why people keep bringing it up...

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by southernsmoke

Is there something special about the IKEA by MOA? Since it's just a cheap chain furniture store, I'm trying to understand why people keep bringing it up...

I think it represents a connection to the motherland.

[Haver]

A lot of us are only 2 or 3 generations from it. The old country still calls pretty strongly up here.

[west336]

MOA is STILL the best mall I've personally ever been to (as a guy shopper with no real shopping agenda). I just don't know what else a mall can really offer besides boutiques, but guess what....MOA is NOT a boutique mall and it attracts clients with lots of money (not necessarily high-end either).

[Mr Maps]

Originally Posted by west336

I just don't know what else a mall can really offer besides boutiques,

maybe an indoor ski resort?

... or an all-weather tropical beach?

[GBCommenter]

Originally Posted by queenswake

Residents need to put their own views of MOA aside and think of how the place might be viewed as a first-time visitor. It's definitely worth a visit and one of the few true tourist attractions for the general population.

Agreed...I'm not personally a shopper so any mall is not an attraction for me personally. However, I can understand why one might want to see MOA. I'm sure things I find interesting would bore others to tears...seriously, I'm planning trips to go watch drum corps shows!

My main complaint is that it used to be a lot more interesting with a lot more unique stores. The last time I went (a few years ago), so many more of the typical clothing stores had moved in there. Remember the thrill of the two-level sporting good store where you could try out the equipment inside the store at the basketball court, etc? There was some store containing just bones and stuff about the anatomy. A chili store. Hologram store. There are still many unique stores, but it's sad to see it slowly overtaken by stores you see in any other mall.

Originally Posted by west336

MOA is STILL the best mall I've personally ever been to (as a guy shopper with no real shopping agenda). I just don't know what else a mall can really offer besides boutiques, but guess what....MOA is NOT a boutique mall and it attracts clients with lots of money (not necessarily high-end either).

Perhaps with the new Radisson Blu Hotel being built that will change. For the price point Radisson Blu's are at (Radisson Hotel supped up), people coming to visit MOA and staying there will be expecting something more than chains available at any other mall - at least I would imagine. However, therein lies the difficulty. I think MOA has really focused on the Midwestern traveler. Not to pick on my fellow Midwesterner's, as my shopping tendencies are pretty Midwestern, but traditionally Midwesterner's practical nature isn't as likely to drop $300 on a purse or pair of shoes just because of a name or because it's very fashionable - even if they have the money. They might spend it on family entertainment such as a waterpark, but not as much purely material things. Therefore, chicken or egg question hits: Will the Blu customer bring the high-end/unique stores to MOA, or other way around?

Originally Posted by Glenfield

I think it represents a connection to the motherland.

HAH! LOL...

Originally Posted by Mr Maps

maybe an indoor ski resort?

... or an all-weather tropical beach?

Maybe a rock climbing exhibit from Nick World to the theater?

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

Originally Posted by Mr Maps

maybe an indoor ski resort?

... or an all-weather tropical beach?

You expect that in a mall? Or you want the mall to be a giant gimmick? I know the "American Dream" may have those things but I think it's a waste of money, personally. We can ski outdoors here 4 or 5 months of the year, why would we want an indoor hill? Besides, the airport would have a problem with a 500' hill right next to their landing strips!

The MOA needs to do something new and creative when it expands (and I think it will and become the biggest mall in the world again). Stay AHEAD of the competition -- be a trailblazer.

[moving123456]

Originally Posted by queenswake

Remember the thrill of the two-level sporting good store where you could try out the equipment inside the store at the basketball court, etc?

You are thinking of Oshman's Supersports which was just one level. The Oshman's brand was purchased by another company in 2001, then merged with Sports Authority in 2003. Best Buy is now in their old MOA space.