Like flowers, we too tend to assume a period of rebirth when spring rolls around each year. As we shed our winter skins, we turn to fresh manicures, fresh chops, and, above all, fresh wardrobes to revive us after a long season of parka weather. Luckily, the Twin Cities is prepped to accommodate your spring overhauls this year, with a variety of new and opening-soon stores sweeping across its many malls and shopping districts. Check out our list of notable openings to imbue your seasonal shopping with an air of freshness this spring.
OPEN NOW: Studiiyo
You might recognize this trendy urban shop from its flagship Studiiyo 23 location in Uptown (or maybe even its second location in Studio City, Los Angeles). Owner Moh Habib has officially extended his sneaker-focused retail experience to Edina, setting up shop at Nolan Mains in the 50th & France neighborhood, and changing the name to simply Studiiyo—derived from the Japanese phrase “iiyo,” meaning “no problem,” “it’s OK,” or “sure, go ahead.” Known as the top Nike and Jordan destination in Minnesota, the shop brings an upscale, artful vibe to 50th & France, melding the effortless cool of street-style fashion with the sophistication of modern Japanese design.
Provided by Studiiyo
OPEN NOW: New Balance Galleria/COMING SOON: New Balance Mall of America
There have been few comeback stories in fashion quite like that of New Balance—a brand that went from the “uncool” to the height of street-style fashion in less than a decade. The Galleria officially joined this sneaker revival by opening Minnesota’s first standalone New Balance location last fall, and Mall of America will soon follow suit with a New Balance concept store of its own (dates TBD). Shop the coveted trendy running shoes straight off the shelves at Galleria this spring to elevate your everyday style.
OPEN NOW: Inkwell Booksellers
The Twin Cities has long been known for its variety of independent bookstores and engaging literary experiences, and its newest bookstore-slash-cafe in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis is sure to extend that reputation. Inkwell Booksellers Co. now occupies the ground floor of Hencen apartments, and curates a selection of over 9,000 books across multiple genres, as well as locally made candles, apparel, and bookmarks. The conjoined cafe inspired by French coffee culture also serves up local favorites, including Wesley Andrews coffee and pastries from Rose Street Patisserie.
COMING SOON: Alo Mall of America
After opening its first Twin Cities location at Galleria last summer, Alo set its sights on Mall of America, with plans to open a 6,000 square foot store this summer. The cult-followed activewear brand is known for its “studio-to-street” concept, offering elevated athleisure that can seamlessly follow shoppers from the gym to everyday life. A former online-only brand until 2016, Alo’s second Twin Cities location marks a significant achievement in its rapid expansion, with over 50 stores now open across the United States.
COMING SOON: Skims Mall of America
If you’re looking to step into something a bit more comfortable, Los Angeles-based SKIMS will soon be your go-to. Co-founded by Kim Kardashian, the globally popular shapewear brand is set to gain its first physical location in Minnesota, with plans to open at Mall of America in the coming year (dates TBD). Renowned for its size-inclusive offerings and body-positive ethos, SKIMS offers a range of breathable shapewear, swimwear, intimates, and loungewear for men and women.
COMING SOON: The Fitting Room, 50th & France
A longtime staple of Minneapolis’ Kingfield neighborhood, The Fitting Room is officially moving to 50th & France, with plans to bring its biannual runway show EVOLVE to the neighborhood on May 3 for its soft opening weekend. The boutique assembles a range of handmade women’s clothing and accessories by independent designers, elevating local talent and bolstering the slow fashion movement.
Photo by Moments by Marki
COMING SOON: Luxury Wing Southdale
Southdale Center in Edina is amid an era of massive growth, with a slew of new store openings dotting the horizon this spring and beyond. Among these openings will be the mall’s new luxury wing, set to open in June. Think of it as the Rodeo Drive of Southdale Center—set apart and stocked with high-end designer stores and luxury brands. Among the confirmed brands will be Moncler, Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Gucci, and Burberry. Check out our recent blog on Southdale Center for an additional six store openings to be on the lookout for.
COMING SOON: Daiso
Lovers of Japanese culture will be delighted to hear that popular Japanese retail chain Daiso will soon gain a presence in Minnesota. Known for its affordable prices and quirky, innovative products—ranging from onigiri bath bombs to sofa armrest organizers—the diverse lifestyle store is sure to bring a unique cultural shopping experience to the Twin Cities. Daiso will hold its grand opening at Crystal Town Center mall on April 12, and has plans to open two additional Twin Cities stores this summer.
