The Empire Mall, this region’s largest shopping complex and arguably the most beloved indoor walking track during South Dakota winters, is turning 50 years old this year.
And if you’re like me, you were probably quite young when the Empire Mall first opened its doors to the public back in 1975. (Cue the old man alert), I was only 12 at that time! Yikes! I’m pretty sure I purchased my first pair of bell-bottoms from Jeans West in the mall back in the day!
Those of us who have lived in Sioux Falls for a number of years have seen the Empire Mall undergo more transformations than Madonna in the ’80s. Believe it or not, when it first opened in September of 1975, it was called the Sioux Empire Plaza, and it had just 47 stores.
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Today, the Empire Mall boasts over 140 retailers.
At its opening, the mall was anchored by department stores like Younkers and Herberger’s. RIP to both of you. You are missed, my friends…