Ep. 58: Go Back to School in Style at MOA

[00:00:00] [SPEAKER_00]: For more than 30 years, it has been a retail leader and an international destination, and it remains the largest mall in the U.S. Not to mention it welcomes millions of guests from around the world. It's huge, but it's also so much more. In this podcast, you're going to hear the real stories of how it started and why it continues to thrive. You'll hear about challenges we faced along the way and what you can learn from them. We will feature guests and experts from all walks of life and business. And along the way, you'll learn about the world's most important.

[00:00:29] [SPEAKER_00]: laugh, learn, and maybe even change the way you look at things. So if you're a fan of the mall, a brand new visitor, an entrepreneur, or a dreamer, prepare to dive deep into so much more. This podcast is presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau.

[00:00:45] [SPEAKER_02]: Welcome to this edition of So Much More. I'm Dan Jasper, your host today. I'm joined by two of my favorite people in the world. I have Sarah Johnson, SJ we will go by.

[00:00:56] [SPEAKER_02]: She is, yes.

[00:00:57] [SPEAKER_02]: That's what we call her in the office. SJ is our Integrated Marketing Director here at Mall of America.

[00:01:03] [SPEAKER_02]: And also Sarah Rogers, who is the trend expert for Mall of America and has been for a long time, right, Sarah?

[00:01:10] [SPEAKER_05]: I have been blessed to be in this role for a long time.

[00:01:13] [SPEAKER_02]: And you've been awesome at it. Actually, I was telling Sarah right before we started recording

[00:01:17] [SPEAKER_02]: that she was one of the very first people I met when I started at Mall of America.

[00:01:22] [SPEAKER_02]: That's amazing.

[00:01:22] [SPEAKER_02]: I knew I found a home when I met her. It was awesome.

[00:01:26] [SPEAKER_04]: What a good first face to have, too.

[00:01:28] [SPEAKER_04]: It was awesome, right?

[00:01:29] [SPEAKER_04]: Thank you.

[00:01:30] [SPEAKER_02]: Well, where I was walking outside the other day, I saw some leaves falling down.

[00:01:34] [SPEAKER_02]: I feel a little bit of a nip in the air. The state fair is around the corner.

[00:01:37] [SPEAKER_02]: That can only mean one thing, that back to school is almost here.

[00:01:42] [SPEAKER_02]: And today's episode is on back to school shopping and everything that that entails.

[00:01:48] [SPEAKER_02]: And I figured who better to have on to talk about that than SJ and Sarah.

[00:01:52] [SPEAKER_02]: So welcome, guys. How are you doing?

[00:01:54] [SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, we're doing great. Thanks for having us.

[00:01:57] [SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, no, it's so good to have you.

[00:01:58] [SPEAKER_02]: Before we even start on the fashions on our table in front of us, for those listening,

[00:02:03] [SPEAKER_02]: we have a number of outfits that are displayed. We'll cover those in a little bit.

[00:02:06] [SPEAKER_02]: But I want to ask about your favorite back to school shopping memory.

[00:02:12] [SPEAKER_02]: And I'm going to look at SJ first. What's a fun one you have?

[00:02:16] [SPEAKER_04]: Oh, I feel like I think back to adolescence, probably like that five to like maybe eight or nine,

[00:02:21] [SPEAKER_04]: like when it feels really impactful.

[00:02:23] [SPEAKER_04]: I think of going to the mall with my parents, having that big moment, that big memory,

[00:02:27] [SPEAKER_04]: but it's the full experience. So it's like getting the Auntie Anne's like that pretzel.

[00:02:30] [SPEAKER_04]: But then it's like going to shop my favorite stores, making sure I'm getting the full experience.

[00:02:34] [SPEAKER_04]: So I get my backpack, my shoes, the whole thing.

[00:02:37] [SPEAKER_04]: So not like one specific memory, but like a cluster of memories over those years.

[00:02:41] [SPEAKER_04]: Fun. How about you, Sarah?

[00:02:43] [SPEAKER_05]: I think it would be shopping with my big sister.

[00:02:47] [SPEAKER_05]: And she was really the fashionista that I was following.

[00:02:51] [SPEAKER_05]: You know, everything that she had, I wanted it.

[00:02:53] [SPEAKER_05]: Oh, I love that.

[00:02:54] [SPEAKER_05]: And so I would just get it in a different color.

[00:02:57] [SPEAKER_05]: And I couldn't wait to get her hand-me-downs either.

[00:02:59] [SPEAKER_05]: She always had just great taste.

[00:03:01] [SPEAKER_05]: But I also remember I come from a large family, four brothers and two sisters.

[00:03:07] [SPEAKER_05]: And so instead of taking us all shoe shopping, my mother used to take a piece of paper and etch our foot on the paper.

[00:03:14] [SPEAKER_05]: So she'd get the right size?

[00:03:15] [SPEAKER_05]: Amazing!

[00:03:16] [SPEAKER_05]: And take that paper to the store and then get us all shoes and bring them back.

[00:03:19] [SPEAKER_05]: And we would all be so happy.

[00:03:21] [SPEAKER_05]: Oh, I love that.

[00:03:22] [SPEAKER_03]: It worked.

[00:03:23] [SPEAKER_02]: Hey, that's great.

[00:03:24] [SPEAKER_02]: You got to do it.

[00:03:24] [SPEAKER_02]: You got to do it, right?

[00:03:25] [SPEAKER_05]: Yes.

[00:03:26] [SPEAKER_02]: I love that.

[00:03:27] [SPEAKER_02]: I have a couple of memories growing up.

[00:03:29] [SPEAKER_02]: One was when I was little, mom used to take us to Montgomery Ward.

[00:03:33] [SPEAKER_02]: Yes.

[00:03:33] [SPEAKER_02]: If you remember that.

[00:03:35] [SPEAKER_02]: And I often got hand-me-downs from my older brothers.

[00:03:38] [SPEAKER_02]: But when I was in seventh or eighth grade, I can't remember, there was a local neighbor kid my age.

[00:03:43] [SPEAKER_02]: I didn't know him well.

[00:03:44] [SPEAKER_02]: I mean, he was a friend.

[00:03:46] [SPEAKER_02]: And he said one day, let's go shopping downtown Minneapolis at Dayton's.

[00:03:51] [SPEAKER_02]: Ooh.

[00:03:52] [SPEAKER_02]: Ooh.

[00:03:52] [SPEAKER_02]: So we actually took a bus.

[00:03:54] [SPEAKER_02]: I'd never been on a bus before, a city bus.

[00:03:56] [SPEAKER_02]: Uh-huh.

[00:03:56] [SPEAKER_02]: And took the city bus downtown.

[00:03:58] [SPEAKER_02]: I thought he was like high-end New York kind of fashion guy, right?

[00:04:03] [SPEAKER_03]: Yes, yes.

[00:04:04] [SPEAKER_02]: And I was just along for the ride.

[00:04:06] [SPEAKER_02]: And it was so much fun.

[00:04:07] [SPEAKER_02]: I loved it.

[00:04:08] [SPEAKER_02]: I did.

[00:04:08] [SPEAKER_02]: I'd never been to Dayton's before.

[00:04:10] [SPEAKER_03]: Yes, yes.

[00:04:10] [SPEAKER_02]: It was very fun.

[00:04:12] [SPEAKER_02]: And one of the cool things about Mall of America is that we create those kind of back-to-school memories

[00:04:18] [SPEAKER_02]: for families of all ages every year at this time, don't we?

[00:04:22] [SPEAKER_05]: So, I mean, it's in full swing right now.

[00:04:24] [SPEAKER_05]: I'm seeing a lot of families out shopping.

[00:04:26] [SPEAKER_05]: They are.

[00:04:27] [SPEAKER_02]: A lot of families walking around with a lot of bags, right?

[00:04:30] [SPEAKER_02]: Yes.

[00:04:31] [SPEAKER_02]: Let's start off really quickly if we can, Sarah.

[00:04:33] [SPEAKER_02]: We have three outfits on the table in front of us.

[00:04:36] [SPEAKER_02]: Yes.

[00:04:36] [SPEAKER_02]: Let's start on the one in front of us.

[00:04:37] [SPEAKER_02]: Kind of describe this outfit, if you would, and what trends they represent for this year's

[00:04:42] [SPEAKER_02]: back-to-school shopping season.

[00:04:44] [SPEAKER_05]: Well, one of the big trends we're seeing are track pants.

[00:04:47] [SPEAKER_05]: Yep.

[00:04:48] [SPEAKER_05]: And you're going to see that at a lot of the great stores here at the mall.

[00:04:50] [SPEAKER_05]: But Addicted is one of the hottest stores.

[00:04:54] [SPEAKER_05]: And I have three pair of pants from that store because it is just buzzing with girls just

[00:05:01] [SPEAKER_05]: loving the fashion.

[00:05:02] [SPEAKER_05]: And track pants in silky-like fabric you're going to see.

[00:05:06] [SPEAKER_05]: So, and that loose and wide leg is really popular.

[00:05:10] [SPEAKER_05]: Lots of colors to choose from as well.

[00:05:12] [SPEAKER_05]: I have green with white stripe in front of me as well as cream with navy stripe.

[00:05:17] [SPEAKER_05]: And then denim even, you know.

[00:05:19] [SPEAKER_05]: Denim is embellished as well.

[00:05:21] [SPEAKER_05]: They've got a great pair of wide leg jeans and that's really kind of the buzz is have wide

[00:05:26] [SPEAKER_05]: leg, loose leg pants this season.

[00:05:29] [SPEAKER_05]: That's the newness in fashion we're seeing a lot of even for boys.

[00:05:33] [SPEAKER_05]: But these jeans even have the racer stripe coming down the side, but they're also adorned with

[00:05:39] [SPEAKER_05]: ribbons.

[00:05:40] [SPEAKER_05]: And that's another trend that we're seeing.

[00:05:43] [SPEAKER_05]: That's why I wanted to pull those jeans for you because they really give you a double dose,

[00:05:47] [SPEAKER_05]: actually kind of a triple dose of what we're seeing because wide leg denim, you're seeing

[00:05:53] [SPEAKER_05]: stripes as well.

[00:05:54] [SPEAKER_05]: Okay.

[00:05:54] [SPEAKER_05]: And so that racer stripe like that you're seeing speaks to that and then the bow detail

[00:05:59] [SPEAKER_05]: too.

[00:06:00] [SPEAKER_02]: So is this more middle school, high school, college?

[00:06:03] [SPEAKER_02]: Kind of what age groups are we talking?

[00:06:05] [SPEAKER_05]: You're going to see just about every age wearing those track pants and blue jeans.

[00:06:11] [SPEAKER_05]: Okay.

[00:06:11] [SPEAKER_05]: So, and guys will have the option to do the wide leg too.

[00:06:15] [SPEAKER_05]: I went to Old Navy.

[00:06:16] [SPEAKER_05]: You'll see if you're listening, it's a beautiful olive green cargo pant, but it's made out of

[00:06:22] [SPEAKER_05]: the fleece, the sweatpants.

[00:06:24] [SPEAKER_05]: Nice.

[00:06:24] [SPEAKER_05]: Material.

[00:06:25] [SPEAKER_03]: Okay.

[00:06:25] [SPEAKER_05]: And that's for boys.

[00:06:27] [SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.

[00:06:27] [SPEAKER_05]: So all ages really are getting, because it's all about comfort this season.

[00:06:31] [SPEAKER_05]: So we're all going to go get some together is what I'm hearing.

[00:06:33] [SPEAKER_04]: It's for all ages.

[00:06:35] [SPEAKER_04]: Everyone, that's why I love them.

[00:06:37] [SPEAKER_02]: And there's a jacket or a top for the guy's outfit there too.

[00:06:41] [SPEAKER_02]: Describe that for us.

[00:06:42] [SPEAKER_05]: That's in a camouflage print.

[00:06:44] [SPEAKER_05]: And I really wanted to share that with you too as being one of the top trends.

[00:06:49] [SPEAKER_05]: And this is from Old Navy as well.

[00:06:51] [SPEAKER_05]: So, you know, really think about transitioning from this warm weather to some of the cooler

[00:06:55] [SPEAKER_05]: days and jackets come in real handy.

[00:06:58] [SPEAKER_05]: And this is, you know, from the boys department at Old Navy.

[00:07:01] [SPEAKER_05]: But you're going to see traditional camouflage this season, but also look for non-traditional.

[00:07:06] [SPEAKER_05]: I've seen that at Abercrombie and Hollister where you're going to see camouflage in a

[00:07:12] [SPEAKER_05]: brown print or a gray print.

[00:07:15] [SPEAKER_05]: So neutrals print as well and see more of the leaf in there than you might see in a traditional

[00:07:21] [SPEAKER_05]: camouflage.

[00:07:22] [SPEAKER_05]: So a lot of fun options this season.

[00:07:25] [SPEAKER_04]: It's fun to see stuff come back.

[00:07:26] [SPEAKER_04]: I think of, as someone in my 30s, it's fun to see the history repeat itself, but in a really

[00:07:32] [SPEAKER_04]: refreshed way.

[00:07:32] [SPEAKER_04]: Yes.

[00:07:33] [SPEAKER_04]: It's how I feel about all the good items in front of us right now.

[00:07:36] [SPEAKER_05]: It's funny that you say that because I always say fashion is cyclical.

[00:07:39] [SPEAKER_05]: So it does come back around, but usually there's a little nuance that has changed.

[00:07:46] [SPEAKER_05]: And that's what makes it a little more modern.

[00:07:48] [SPEAKER_05]: But sometimes you can, you know, find something that you've held on to for a while and work

[00:07:54] [SPEAKER_05]: it like you just bought it yesterday.

[00:07:56] [SPEAKER_02]: I like that.

[00:07:57] [SPEAKER_02]: Fashion has bypassed me my entire life.

[00:08:00] [SPEAKER_02]: It's never been cyclical.

[00:08:01] [SPEAKER_04]: You can start now.

[00:08:02] [SPEAKER_04]: We'll go with that.

[00:08:09] [SPEAKER_02]: Vans is that a hot brand.

[00:08:10] [SPEAKER_02]: Why don't you tell us, sir, if that's a hot brand?

[00:08:12] [SPEAKER_02]: It is.

[00:08:13] [SPEAKER_02]: And then SJ, talk about their involvement, if you would.

[00:08:15] [SPEAKER_02]: Absolutely.

[00:08:15] [SPEAKER_05]: Vans is definitely a hot brand.

[00:08:18] [SPEAKER_05]: I even have their backpack, the checkerboard.

[00:08:21] [SPEAKER_05]: But they've got so many different colors and styles for you to choose from, a little

[00:08:26] [SPEAKER_05]: smaller, a little bigger, for him, for her.

[00:08:30] [SPEAKER_05]: And they've got a great selection of sneakers in different colors.

[00:08:33] [SPEAKER_05]: And that's what a lot of back-to-school people are looking for, is fun options in their sneakers.

[00:08:40] [SPEAKER_05]: Love it.

[00:08:40] [SPEAKER_02]: SJ, what's their involvement with our campaign?

[00:08:42] [SPEAKER_04]: Absolutely.

[00:08:42] [SPEAKER_04]: So Vans is our presenting sponsor for our back-to-school campaign.

[00:08:45] [SPEAKER_04]: They are fantastic.

[00:08:46] [SPEAKER_04]: So you'll see them involved across all the different mediums that will be presented

[00:08:49] [SPEAKER_04]: in.

[00:08:50] [SPEAKER_04]: But they're just good overall.

[00:08:51] [SPEAKER_04]: And it's been funny, even from the Olympic standpoint, I saw a lot of Vans integration.

[00:08:55] [SPEAKER_04]: So to your point, Sarah, about them being very trendy and hot right now, they're

[00:08:58] [SPEAKER_04]: everywhere.

[00:08:58] [SPEAKER_04]: So we're excited to have them participating with us.

[00:09:01] [SPEAKER_04]: Absolutely.

[00:09:01] [SPEAKER_02]: Were there break dancers wearing them?

[00:09:02] [SPEAKER_02]: I'm just curious.

[00:09:03] [SPEAKER_02]: I want to know.

[00:09:05] [SPEAKER_05]: I miss that.

[00:09:07] [SPEAKER_05]: At the Olympics, I watched a lot of it, but I miss the break dancers.

[00:09:10] [SPEAKER_02]: Do you want to see some?

[00:09:12] [SPEAKER_02]: Oh.

[00:09:12] [SPEAKER_02]: Well, no.

[00:09:13] [SPEAKER_05]: Yeah.

[00:09:14] [SPEAKER_02]: I would break a hip.

[00:09:15] [SPEAKER_03]: If you've got moves like that.

[00:09:17] [SPEAKER_03]: I'm 64.

[00:09:19] [SPEAKER_02]: You'd have to call an ambulance or a talent scout, one of the two.

[00:09:23] [SPEAKER_02]: I'm not sure.

[00:09:27] [SPEAKER_02]: But what else do we have going for back-to-school, SJ?

[00:09:30] [SPEAKER_02]: We have a campaign going.

[00:09:32] [SPEAKER_02]: We do.

[00:09:33] [SPEAKER_02]: We just are wrapping up our summer of games, which if you've been down in the atrium north

[00:09:37] [SPEAKER_02]: entrance at Mall of America, there's a big track on the floor and stuff and award podiums.

[00:09:43] [SPEAKER_02]: And I see so many people, A, running races.

[00:09:45] [SPEAKER_03]: Yes.

[00:09:45] [SPEAKER_02]: And B, taking photos as if they're a gold medalist, which is awesome.

[00:09:49] [SPEAKER_03]: I love it.

[00:09:50] [SPEAKER_02]: So, as we wrap that up and start our back-to-school, can you tell us how that's going and what guests

[00:09:55] [SPEAKER_02]: have to look forward to?

[00:09:56] [SPEAKER_04]: Absolutely.

[00:09:56] [SPEAKER_04]: So, thank you for recapping a little bit of our summer campaign, which is really fun.

[00:10:00] [SPEAKER_04]: And sad to see it go, but excited for the fresh, new, like you said, the weather, the

[00:10:03] [SPEAKER_04]: transition.

[00:10:05] [SPEAKER_04]: So, this back-to-school season, we're really focusing on the experience.

[00:10:08] [SPEAKER_04]: Like what we talked about at the beginning of this is how can Mall of America set ourselves

[00:10:11] [SPEAKER_04]: apart from other locations, not only in the Twin Cities, but also in our drive market?

[00:10:15] [SPEAKER_04]: What makes people want to come here versus other places?

[00:10:18] [SPEAKER_04]: So, it's, you know, teacher deals.

[00:10:20] [SPEAKER_04]: It's deals overall for our just general guests as well.

[00:10:22] [SPEAKER_04]: So, we want to not only, I mean, we really value our teachers just generally.

[00:10:26] [SPEAKER_04]: So, those are separate entities.

[00:10:28] [SPEAKER_04]: But then we also have really wonderful just deals, which we'll talk about later on from

[00:10:31] [SPEAKER_04]: our Insiders and Loyalty Program to a variety of other elements.

[00:10:35] [SPEAKER_02]: I love that.

[00:10:37] [SPEAKER_02]: And we're going to talk about teachers really quickly.

[00:10:39] [SPEAKER_02]: That's all right.

[00:10:40] [SPEAKER_02]: Even though it's run by our foundation, we do something really cool through our foundation

[00:10:44] [SPEAKER_02]: for teachers.

[00:10:45] [SPEAKER_02]: Can you, do you have the details on that or what we do with mystery tickets for them?

[00:10:50] [SPEAKER_04]: Yes.

[00:10:51] [SPEAKER_04]: So, we have our teacher appreciation.

[00:10:53] [SPEAKER_04]: So, this year, we're doing it a little bit different and distributing across the state.

[00:10:56] [SPEAKER_04]: Typically, we're a hub, which we are for the Twin Cities, but we'll also be in our drive

[00:10:59] [SPEAKER_04]: market in different ways for teachers to be able to pick up bundles of our mystery tickets

[00:11:03] [SPEAKER_04]: to Nickelodeon Universe.

[00:11:05] [SPEAKER_02]: And they can use those as incentives for students if they're well-behaved in class or if they

[00:11:09] [SPEAKER_02]: read a bunch of books or whatever.

[00:11:11] [SPEAKER_02]: The teachers then have this free gift to give to kids.

[00:11:14] [SPEAKER_03]: Oh, that's awesome.

[00:11:15] [SPEAKER_02]: Isn't that amazing?

[00:11:16] [SPEAKER_02]: Last year, we gave away thousands and thousands and thousands of them.

[00:11:19] [SPEAKER_02]: The foundation, the Mall of America Community Foundation does this.

[00:11:23] [SPEAKER_02]: And they also host a big event for teachers in the spring as well, which I think is awesome

[00:11:27] [SPEAKER_02]: as we talk about back to school.

[00:11:28] [SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.

[00:11:29] [SPEAKER_03]: Absolutely.

[00:11:30] [SPEAKER_02]: It's so much fun.

[00:11:31] [SPEAKER_02]: We love our teachers.

[00:11:32] [SPEAKER_02]: You know, our team put together a survey as well.

[00:11:35] [SPEAKER_02]: I know SJ, you helped with this and our PR team did.

[00:11:39] [SPEAKER_02]: And we surveyed a bunch of consumers about their back to school shopping habits.

[00:11:44] [SPEAKER_02]: And the one persona that kept popping up the highest was the savvy shopper that people are

[00:11:51] [SPEAKER_02]: looking for a deal.

[00:11:53] [SPEAKER_02]: Sarah Rogers, are there places for deals here?

[00:11:57] [SPEAKER_02]: And is that a trend that you're seeing as well, that people are concerned and they want

[00:12:01] [SPEAKER_02]: to get the best value for their money?

[00:12:03] [SPEAKER_05]: Yes.

[00:12:03] [SPEAKER_05]: I think everybody wants to get as many items as they can and spend as little as possible.

[00:12:10] [SPEAKER_05]: You know, there's so many things that you want to do with your income and you can definitely

[00:12:14] [SPEAKER_05]: do it here.

[00:12:15] [SPEAKER_05]: I, A, go to mallofamerica.com and just put in the search engine deals.

[00:12:20] [SPEAKER_05]: And that can help you, you know, figure out what stores or retailers are offering discounts.

[00:12:27] [SPEAKER_05]: But I've just seen in the store where there are promos going on.

[00:12:31] [SPEAKER_05]: I was just at Forever 21, buy four items and get 15% off.

[00:12:36] [SPEAKER_05]: I think it was in Van's store that if you bought the shoes and the backpack, there was an additional

[00:12:41] [SPEAKER_05]: saving.

[00:12:42] [SPEAKER_05]: So, so there are a lot of different ways.

[00:12:44] [SPEAKER_05]: I always recommend to my clients to sign up for email alerts from your favorite stores.

[00:12:50] [SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, that's a good tip.

[00:12:51] [SPEAKER_05]: And give them a separate, a different email than your business account or personal account

[00:12:55] [SPEAKER_05]: so you can just check it when you're going shopping and then find out what kind of, you

[00:12:58] [SPEAKER_05]: know, discounts or promotions that they have going on that particular day or weekend coming

[00:13:04] [SPEAKER_05]: up.

[00:13:04] [SPEAKER_02]: That's a good, that's a great tip.

[00:13:07] [SPEAKER_02]: SJ, you brought up Insiders a little bit earlier.

[00:13:10] [SPEAKER_02]: Can you kind of share what that is and how that might impact back to school shopping?

[00:13:15] [SPEAKER_04]: Absolutely.

[00:13:16] [SPEAKER_04]: So for those of you who aren't familiar, our Insiders program is our Mall of America loyalty

[00:13:19] [SPEAKER_04]: app.

[00:13:20] [SPEAKER_04]: So it runs through our Mall of America app.

[00:13:21] [SPEAKER_04]: So all you need to do is just download that.

[00:13:23] [SPEAKER_04]: But once you have the app, it's going to be 30% off select retailers.

[00:13:28] [SPEAKER_04]: So retailers such as Doc Martens, Madewell, Fabletic.

[00:13:30] [SPEAKER_04]: So specific only to premium and just members of our loyalty program.

[00:13:35] [SPEAKER_04]: So it's nice to not only as Sarah was mentioning, you know, go to the Mall of America website,

[00:13:38] [SPEAKER_04]: look around for our deals, but then also specific to being a loyalty member.

[00:13:42] [SPEAKER_04]: So get rewarded.

[00:13:44] [SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, I love it.

[00:13:44] [SPEAKER_02]: The real savvy shopper knows the specific brand values and coupons and stuff.

[00:13:51] [SPEAKER_02]: But then if you're an MOA Insider as well, you can get extra value for that.

[00:13:56] [SPEAKER_02]: And people are smart when they do that, right?

[00:13:59] [SPEAKER_02]: And then that saves them some money to buy some really good food here or to go on a ride or

[00:14:04] [SPEAKER_02]: two, right?

[00:14:04] [SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.

[00:14:05] [SPEAKER_02]: Then you can go do something really fun when you're done shopping.

[00:14:08] [SPEAKER_05]: That's right.

[00:14:09] [SPEAKER_02]: You know, one thing I do see when I walk through the mall, and we've been extremely busy this

[00:14:13] [SPEAKER_02]: summer, which is so much fun and tons of families here, is that they are getting their back to

[00:14:20] [SPEAKER_02]: school shopping done, but they're also enjoying some of the attractions and stuff.

[00:14:24] [SPEAKER_02]: I have a question for you guys.

[00:14:26] [SPEAKER_02]: When you come or maybe when you see guests, what do you see them doing beyond shopping for

[00:14:32] [SPEAKER_02]: school clothes?

[00:14:33] [SPEAKER_02]: What else do you see them enjoying here at the mall?

[00:14:36] [SPEAKER_05]: You had mentioned those pretzels.

[00:14:38] [SPEAKER_05]: Oh, I love those.

[00:14:40] [SPEAKER_05]: That's insane.

[00:14:40] [SPEAKER_05]: Cittabons too.

[00:14:41] [SPEAKER_05]: The smell will get you.

[00:14:43] [SPEAKER_05]: Absolutely.

[00:14:44] [SPEAKER_05]: Like, why don't we take a little energy break?

[00:14:47] [SPEAKER_05]: Need to refuel.

[00:14:48] [SPEAKER_02]: You're right.

[00:14:48] [SPEAKER_02]: You need that, right?

[00:14:49] [SPEAKER_02]: You need that.

[00:14:50] [SPEAKER_02]: And we have several of those places at Mall of America, which is awesome.

[00:14:54] [SPEAKER_05]: Yes, we do.

[00:14:55] [SPEAKER_02]: You know, and SJ, a lot of brands right now talk about recycling and upcycling clothing and

[00:15:01] [SPEAKER_02]: stuff, or for both of you.

[00:15:03] [SPEAKER_02]: I think we have a number of those brands here in this building.

[00:15:06] [SPEAKER_02]: Can you talk about that a little bit?

[00:15:08] [SPEAKER_02]: Because it's good to do what we can from an environmental perspective.

[00:15:11] [SPEAKER_04]: Absolutely.

[00:15:12] [SPEAKER_04]: It's fun.

[00:15:12] [SPEAKER_04]: I mean, over the years, and I'm sure, Sarah, you can attest to this too from a styling standpoint,

[00:15:15] [SPEAKER_04]: I mean, sustainability as it should be is the forefront.

[00:15:17] [SPEAKER_04]: People really want to make sure they're making a difference.

[00:15:19] [SPEAKER_04]: But that being said too, it's what to do with your recycled clothing as well.

[00:15:23] [SPEAKER_04]: I mean, not to say you can't find, you know, a local organization, but also how can you

[00:15:27] [SPEAKER_04]: do it with a store that you really value?

[00:15:29] [SPEAKER_04]: That's right.

[00:15:30] [SPEAKER_04]: So something like a Madewell is fantastic.

[00:15:32] [SPEAKER_04]: So I think if you take in a pair of jeans or a Gently Loved jeans, they will give you

[00:15:36] [SPEAKER_04]: $20 back to go towards a new pair of jeans.

[00:15:38] [SPEAKER_04]: Levi's has something very similar.

[00:15:40] [SPEAKER_04]: Lululemon's even starting to do it too.

[00:15:42] [SPEAKER_04]: So it's really beautiful to see so many different brands in different categories start to, you

[00:15:47] [SPEAKER_04]: know, lean into recyclable programs and how can they get people back into their store to

[00:15:51] [SPEAKER_04]: do so.

[00:15:52] [SPEAKER_04]: Which we love.

[00:15:52] [SPEAKER_05]: And to find out the participating retailers, again, go to mallofamerica.com under deals.

[00:15:59] [SPEAKER_05]: Yeah.

[00:16:00] [SPEAKER_05]: I've seen a lot of that mentioned there.

[00:16:03] [SPEAKER_05]: So I think that's a good way to be in the know.

[00:16:06] [SPEAKER_02]: I love that.

[00:16:07] [SPEAKER_02]: Thank you for that.

[00:16:07] [SPEAKER_02]: You know, I forgot to mention one trend we talked about on the clothing sitting in front

[00:16:11] [SPEAKER_02]: of us.

[00:16:11] [SPEAKER_02]: We talked about the jeans.

[00:16:13] [SPEAKER_02]: We talked about the jogger pants.

[00:16:16] [SPEAKER_02]: I'm never, I'm not good on technical terms, whatever.

[00:16:18] [SPEAKER_05]: But joggers are in style.

[00:16:20] [SPEAKER_05]: So you're not wrong.

[00:16:21] [SPEAKER_05]: These are just happen to be the track pants.

[00:16:23] [SPEAKER_05]: I'm sorry.

[00:16:23] [SPEAKER_02]: What did you say?

[00:16:25] [SPEAKER_02]: I'm not wrong.

[00:16:26] [SPEAKER_05]: Thank you.

[00:16:27] [SPEAKER_02]: That's what I heard.

[00:16:28] [SPEAKER_05]: Joggers are still in.

[00:16:29] [SPEAKER_05]: Yeah.

[00:16:29] [SPEAKER_02]: We also have a couple of pair of girls shoes.

[00:16:33] [SPEAKER_02]: What are those called and why are they important?

[00:16:36] [SPEAKER_05]: It's a big trend.

[00:16:38] [SPEAKER_05]: I don't know.

[00:16:39] [SPEAKER_05]: Sneakers and ballet flats.

[00:16:40] [SPEAKER_05]: Ballet flats.

[00:16:41] [SPEAKER_05]: The girls are loving.

[00:16:43] [SPEAKER_05]: Again, it all speaks to being comfortable.

[00:16:45] [SPEAKER_05]: Those shoes are from Zara.

[00:16:47] [SPEAKER_05]: You can have that fabulous engine red color.

[00:16:50] [SPEAKER_05]: Or I'm also seeing a lot of animal prints in stores.

[00:16:54] [SPEAKER_05]: So you're seeing it here in a shoe, but you'll also see them in jeans.

[00:16:58] [SPEAKER_05]: Addicted has them.

[00:16:59] [SPEAKER_05]: PacSun has them.

[00:17:01] [SPEAKER_05]: I mean, they're everywhere.

[00:17:02] [SPEAKER_05]: In skirts as well as in pants.

[00:17:06] [SPEAKER_05]: So tops as well.

[00:17:07] [SPEAKER_05]: So that's another way to get in on the look.

[00:17:10] [SPEAKER_05]: And accessories are a big deal too.

[00:17:12] [SPEAKER_05]: Hair clips.

[00:17:13] [SPEAKER_05]: Girls are having a lot of fun with hair clips.

[00:17:15] [SPEAKER_05]: In front of me, I've got from PacSun.

[00:17:18] [SPEAKER_05]: Decorated again, adorned with cherries or this gingham bow.

[00:17:23] [SPEAKER_05]: I think I need these.

[00:17:24] [SPEAKER_05]: Yeah.

[00:17:24] [SPEAKER_05]: So fun.

[00:17:25] [SPEAKER_02]: I'm just saying.

[00:17:26] [SPEAKER_02]: This could look good.

[00:17:30] [SPEAKER_05]: Those are the gingham bows that you can adorn your hair, your ponytail, or have fun with accessories.

[00:17:38] [SPEAKER_02]: So a quick fashion question.

[00:17:40] [SPEAKER_02]: Animal prints, right?

[00:17:42] [SPEAKER_02]: Do guys ever wear animal prints?

[00:17:44] [SPEAKER_02]: Yes.

[00:17:44] [SPEAKER_02]: Is that a big thing?

[00:17:45] [SPEAKER_02]: Yes.

[00:17:46] [SPEAKER_02]: Guys do wear animal print too.

[00:17:48] [SPEAKER_02]: Really?

[00:17:48] [SPEAKER_02]: Yes.

[00:17:49] [SPEAKER_02]: Okay.

[00:17:49] [SPEAKER_02]: I might be doing something new coming up.

[00:17:52] [SPEAKER_02]: Watch out next episode, everybody.

[00:17:55] [SPEAKER_05]: And animal print looks good with bread.

[00:17:57] [SPEAKER_05]: So they'll look good with your glasses.

[00:17:58] [SPEAKER_05]: Ooh, I like it.

[00:18:00] [SPEAKER_02]: I like it.

[00:18:02] [SPEAKER_02]: And the other cool thing about Mall of America for back-to-school shopping as well is the wide variety of stores that we offer and price points as well, right?

[00:18:11] [SPEAKER_02]: So there's some that appeal to the value conscious, some that have a little more income to spend, and for all age groups as well, right?

[00:18:20] [SPEAKER_05]: That's a really good point.

[00:18:21] [SPEAKER_05]: You know, we do have a variety.

[00:18:23] [SPEAKER_05]: So if you're on a budget and you're really trying to maximize your dollars, you can still make it happen.

[00:18:30] [SPEAKER_05]: There are so many great stores.

[00:18:32] [SPEAKER_05]: And don't forget about Rackstock as well.

[00:18:34] [SPEAKER_05]: If you're into Gently Use, they have a great assortment.

[00:18:39] [SPEAKER_05]: I've seen some of the hottest trends in there.

[00:18:41] [SPEAKER_05]: So don't sleep on that.

[00:18:43] [SPEAKER_05]: But also Forever 21, Old Navy does such a fabulous job, H&M.

[00:18:49] [SPEAKER_05]: I mean, I can just go on and on and on because the deals are here.

[00:18:53] [SPEAKER_05]: And I think, too, for families that are really trying to shop smart, look at what you already have in your wardrobe and then try to build around that.

[00:19:03] [SPEAKER_05]: That will help you to really maximize those dollars, too.

[00:19:06] [SPEAKER_05]: So unless they've outgrown all those graphic tees, think about incorporating them into the purchases that you're going to make for fall, you know, because you just need a hoodie or a jacket to go over that.

[00:19:20] [SPEAKER_05]: And a lot of girls are wearing graphic tees with these new track pants or jeans.

[00:19:25] [SPEAKER_05]: So you've got some smart ways to kind of, you know, manage your budget that way and maximize it again.

[00:19:31] [SPEAKER_02]: Perfect.

[00:19:32] [SPEAKER_02]: Good tip.

[00:19:32] [SPEAKER_02]: Thank you.

[00:19:33] [SPEAKER_02]: Thank you.

[00:19:34] [SPEAKER_02]: And SJ, we have a special going, something about rides.

[00:19:37] [SPEAKER_02]: Sure do.

[00:19:37] [SPEAKER_02]: What is that?

[00:19:38] [SPEAKER_04]: You read my mind.

[00:19:39] [SPEAKER_04]: Shop and ride combo, as you were saying, Sarah.

[00:19:42] [SPEAKER_04]: I was like, oh, that's exactly what it is.

[00:19:44] [SPEAKER_04]: So we are bringing it back for a second year.

[00:19:46] [SPEAKER_04]: And to your point, the people who love to come here, not just to shop, but to have the activation or the entertainment piece, too.

[00:19:51] [SPEAKER_04]: So those who want to go to Nickelodeon Universe, you can buy a $50 MOA gift card and get a half-priced unlimited ride wristband to Nickelodeon.

[00:19:59] [SPEAKER_04]: So it's a $75 purchase, but $100 value.

[00:20:01] [SPEAKER_04]: Ooh.

[00:20:02] [SPEAKER_04]: So it's a really great deal for you to be able to do a little combo action.

[00:20:06] [SPEAKER_05]: Oh, a great family outing.

[00:20:08] [SPEAKER_04]: Yes.

[00:20:08] [SPEAKER_05]: You really do get to maximize that time together.

[00:20:10] [SPEAKER_05]: Almost like we're paying them $25.

[00:20:12] [SPEAKER_05]: Sure is.

[00:20:12] [SPEAKER_02]: That's how I view it anyway.

[00:20:15] [SPEAKER_02]: So I look at things a little differently.

[00:20:17] [SPEAKER_02]: Our time is almost over.

[00:20:19] [SPEAKER_02]: I appreciate this so much.

[00:20:21] [SPEAKER_02]: Sarah, your fashion tips are always wonderful.

[00:20:23] [SPEAKER_03]: Oh, thank you.

[00:20:25] [SPEAKER_03]: I love it.

[00:20:25] [SPEAKER_02]: And it's so much fun.

[00:20:27] [SPEAKER_02]: And SJ, thank you so much for sharing more about Mall of America and your fashion.

[00:20:31] [SPEAKER_02]: But we are going to end with a few quick questions.

[00:20:33] [SPEAKER_02]: The idea here is I'm going to ask a quick question.

[00:20:35] [SPEAKER_02]: Don't give it any thought.

[00:20:37] [SPEAKER_02]: Just blurt out your answer if that's all right.

[00:20:40] [SPEAKER_02]: We're going to start with SJ on this one, but then I'm going to come to you, Sarah.

[00:20:43] [SPEAKER_02]: I'm nervous.

[00:20:44] [SPEAKER_02]: SJ, what is the best back-to-school fashion choice you made in your life?

[00:20:50] [SPEAKER_02]: Really quickly.

[00:20:55] [SPEAKER_02]: Sarah, the best back-to-school shopping choice you ever made?

[00:20:58] [SPEAKER_04]: Sneakers.

[00:20:59] [SPEAKER_04]: Sneakers, okay.

[00:21:01] [SPEAKER_02]: SJ, what is the worst back-to-school shopping choice you ever made in your life?

[00:21:05] [SPEAKER_04]: Can I also say flared jeans?

[00:21:07] [SPEAKER_04]: Rain is not great for those bad boys.

[00:21:10] [SPEAKER_04]: Yes.

[00:21:10] [SPEAKER_05]: Sarah?

[00:21:11] [SPEAKER_05]: The worst would be oversized, way too oversized.

[00:21:17] [SPEAKER_05]: Okay.

[00:21:18] [SPEAKER_05]: I got lost in the sauce.

[00:21:19] [SPEAKER_02]: My worst in about eighth grade or ninth grade was hip-hugging elephant bell jeans.

[00:21:26] [SPEAKER_02]: If you remember those huge...

[00:21:27] [SPEAKER_01]: You need to take a picture after this.

[00:21:29] [SPEAKER_02]: I kind of rocked it is all I'm saying.

[00:21:32] [SPEAKER_02]: Really quickly, a style or a color or a fabric that you miss, SJ?

[00:21:37] [SPEAKER_04]: I feel like velvet.

[00:21:39] [SPEAKER_04]: I think it's on an upswing again, but I do like that really soft material in the right scenario.

[00:21:45] [SPEAKER_04]: I like it, Sarah.

[00:21:46] [SPEAKER_02]: Is there a style, a color, a fabric you miss?

[00:21:48] [SPEAKER_05]: Well, my favorite color is red, so I am happy because you're going to see a lot of red this season.

[00:21:54] [SPEAKER_05]: I also love pink, but red is one of my favorite colors.

[00:21:58] [SPEAKER_05]: I love it.

[00:21:59] [SPEAKER_05]: And it's an it color this season.

[00:22:00] [SPEAKER_02]: It is an it color.

[00:22:01] [SPEAKER_02]: It's always kind of an it color, isn't it?

[00:22:03] [SPEAKER_02]: True.

[00:22:03] [SPEAKER_02]: I like it.

[00:22:03] [SPEAKER_05]: It works for me.

[00:22:04] [SPEAKER_02]: And SJ, what is a style, a color, or a fabric you never want to return?

[00:22:09] [SPEAKER_04]: Ooh.

[00:22:10] [SPEAKER_04]: Never want to return.

[00:22:11] [SPEAKER_04]: Oh, that's so hard.

[00:22:13] [SPEAKER_04]: Can I...

[00:22:14] [SPEAKER_04]: I think I like everything for the most part.

[00:22:16] [SPEAKER_02]: Okay.

[00:22:17] [SPEAKER_02]: Fair enough.

[00:22:17] [SPEAKER_02]: I'm really thinking, digging deep on this.

[00:22:19] [SPEAKER_05]: Everything's trendy a little bit.

[00:22:20] [SPEAKER_02]: Sarah, what do you think?

[00:22:22] [SPEAKER_05]: Personally, just because I can't rock them, crop tops.

[00:22:25] [SPEAKER_05]: Okay.

[00:22:26] [SPEAKER_05]: Okay.

[00:22:26] [SPEAKER_05]: I like it.

[00:22:27] [SPEAKER_05]: I like it.

[00:22:27] [SPEAKER_05]: That ship has sailed.

[00:22:29] [SPEAKER_05]: So for me personally.

[00:22:31] [SPEAKER_05]: I like it.

[00:22:32] [SPEAKER_02]: And final question.

[00:22:33] [SPEAKER_02]: If you could style any celebrity for their back to school look, don't care what age,

[00:22:38] [SPEAKER_02]: what celebrity would you choose to help?

[00:22:40] [SPEAKER_02]: Or you love their style, maybe?

[00:22:42] [SPEAKER_04]: Oh, so funny.

[00:22:42] [SPEAKER_04]: I was just talking to my girlfriends about Blake Lively.

[00:22:44] [SPEAKER_04]: So she is a big fashion icon.

[00:22:47] [SPEAKER_05]: And I feel like she's in the news right now.

[00:22:50] [SPEAKER_05]: I have a hard time thinking about who would I style?

[00:22:53] [SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.

[00:22:55] [SPEAKER_05]: Hmm.

[00:22:55] [SPEAKER_05]: For back to school.

[00:22:57] [SPEAKER_02]: Or anything.

[00:22:58] [SPEAKER_02]: Just who would you love to work with?

[00:23:00] [SPEAKER_02]: What celebrity?

[00:23:02] [SPEAKER_05]: I never even thought about it.

[00:23:04] [SPEAKER_05]: I'm just drawing a blank on all my celebrities right now.

[00:23:07] [SPEAKER_02]: You can use my name.

[00:23:08] [SPEAKER_02]: That's all I'm saying.

[00:23:10] [SPEAKER_05]: Maybe Kelly Clarkson.

[00:23:11] [SPEAKER_05]: Kelly.

[00:23:11] [SPEAKER_05]: Okay.

[00:23:12] [SPEAKER_05]: Me and Kelly.

[00:23:13] [SPEAKER_02]: What I'm hearing is Kelly Clarkson and I are kind of on the same level.

[00:23:16] [SPEAKER_02]: That's what I'm hearing.

[00:23:18] [SPEAKER_02]: So I love that.

[00:23:19] [SPEAKER_02]: Thank you.

[00:23:19] [SPEAKER_02]: Me, Kelly, and Blake.

[00:23:21] [SPEAKER_02]: Yes.

[00:23:22] [SPEAKER_02]: We are the fashion icons.

[00:23:23] [SPEAKER_02]: How about that?

[00:23:24] [SPEAKER_02]: SJ, Sarah, thank you so much for joining us.

[00:23:27] [SPEAKER_02]: For those who are listening, if you want to learn more about Mall of America back to

[00:23:30] [SPEAKER_02]: school, go to mallofamerica.com.

[00:23:32] [SPEAKER_02]: You'll learn more about all these fashion styles.

[00:23:35] [SPEAKER_02]: Feel free to follow us wherever you follow your best podcasts.

[00:23:38] [SPEAKER_02]: We love having you here and we look forward to seeing you at our next episode.

[00:23:43] [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of So Much More.

[00:23:46] [SPEAKER_00]: If you want to hear more, be sure to subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your favorites,

[00:23:51] [SPEAKER_00]: including Spotify, Apple, or Google Podcasts.

[00:23:54] [SPEAKER_00]: And you can also watch a videocast on YouTube.

[00:23:57] [SPEAKER_00]: Go to podcast.mallofamerica.com to leave a review, ask a question, or give us an idea

[00:24:03] [SPEAKER_00]: for the show.

[00:24:04] [SPEAKER_00]: Until next time, thanks for listening.

[00:24:06] [SPEAKER_00]: So Much More is presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau, the official

[00:24:11] [SPEAKER_00]: destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minnesota.

[00:24:15] [SPEAKER_00]: Before your next trip to Mall of America, visit bloomingtomn.org for answers to all your travel

[00:24:21] [SPEAKER_00]: questions, deals, and packages for hotel stays, and so much more.