If you've walked the south side of Level 1 lately, you may have already seen the boots. Ariat, the brand that started with equestrian and Western gear, is open at Mall of America. On Saturday, Oct. 24, it holds its official grand opening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the mall's Southeast Court.
It's free to attend. The mall's listing promises live music, drinks and line dancing. The big draw is the giveaway: the first 100 guests get a free pair of Ariat jeans. It's limited to one per person, good only during event hours and only while supplies last. With 100 pairs for the whole metro, plan to get there early.
The store itself is a big one. Mall of America announced the lease on May 12. At 10,500 square feet, it's Ariat's largest store anywhere, bigger than its Las Vegas flagship, and the mall says it's built on a first-to-market design concept. It carries riding boots, work boots, Western wear, denim and outdoor clothing. Alison Krueger, a leasing manager at the mall, said the store "introduces a new, immersive way to explore the world of ARIAT."
This is also Ariat's first store in Minnesota. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, so if you miss the party, the boots will still be there next week.
Oct. 24 is a busy day at the mall. That same Saturday, John Legend is signing copies of his new album there, and Rotary is hosting a World Polio Day walk around the building. Expect crowds and leave extra time to park.
