Edmonton Journal

West Edmonton Mall

We’ve Got it (M)all

- This sTory was provided by wesT edMonTon Mall for CoMMerCial purposes.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget we live in North America’s northernmo­st city. After all, when you’re only minutes away from the beach, a yearround amusement park and a colony of African penguins, the frozen Prairies seem like a distant memory. All of this, and more, can be found inside West Edmonton Mall.

Originally opened in 1981 by the Ghermezian family, West Edmonton Mall has evolved into something truly unique. While it does hold the title of North America’s largest shopping mall, spanning 48 city blocks, it’s obvious to everyone that what makes it special isn’t its size. The real magic lies in what happens inside.

World class shoPPinG

West Edmonton Mall has always taken pride in changing its guests’ perception of retail by continuall­y bringing in new and exciting shopping experience­s. Nothing captures that better than the brand new RAAS (Retail as a Service), located just outside of Chapters in Phase IV. RAAS is an exciting new concept that helps small business owners get in front of West Edmonton Mall’s 31 million annual shoppers, without the challenge of building a large storefront or signing a long-term lease. This turnkey service features over two-dozen local retailers, from artisanal donuts to custom-carved wood products, and everything in between.

Of course, there’s still plenty to see in the rest of the Mall. With over 800 tenants offering every type of service and shopping experience conceivabl­e, they’ve ensured anything you need can be found under one roof.

Their ever-expanding address book also includes many exclusive retailers such as kate spade new york, Tiffany & Co., Marc Cain, Michael Kors Mens, Harry Rosen, Rudsak and Stuart Weitzman just to name a few.

unleash your inner Kid

A huge part of what makes West Edmonton Mall special is its attraction­s. After all, where else can you find an indoor triple-loop rollercoas­ter and a 12-million-litre wave pool in the same building? These record-holding attraction­s can be found inside WEM’s two larger attraction­s, World Waterpark and Galaxyland. World Waterpark is an eight-acre tropical oasis with over 21 waterslide­s and attraction­s, and Galaxyland is North America’s largest indoor amusement park, featuring 24 different rides. Both are sure to bring out the kid in all of us.

In addition to the two larger parks, West Edmonton Mall is home to eight additional attraction­s, including: a 28-lane bowling alley, an aquarium with over 100 species of marine life, a mirror maze, a life-size replica of Christophe­r Columbus’ ship, two mini-golf courses, and a brand-new escape room opening this winter. With so much to explore, there’s always something new to discover.

relaX & recuPerate

When you think of West Edmonton Mall, fun and excitement (and finding parking) are usually what comes to mind. But what tourists know that locals may forget is the plethora of ways to relax at WEM after a busy day. With over a dozen diverse restaurant­s, BRBN st. is a great place to catch the game with friends or sit down for dinner with family. After dinner, you can head to RAIN Salon and Spa for a rejuvenati­ng pedicure, or try Cloud 9 Aqua Massage for a new experience.

And, look no further for your next staycation. Fantasylan­d Hotel is located inside West Edmonton Mall, which means not having to brave the cold to get where you want to be. There are 14 different styles of theme rooms to choose from, including the two newest offerings: Princess Room and Space Room. Some packages also include passes to the attraction­s, making planning your weekend “away” a cinch.

always new. always changing.

What West Edmonton Mall truly excels at is finding ways to innovate where others have stagnated.

What West Edmonton Mall truly excels at is finding ways to innovate where others have stagnated. Whether it’s testing new concept stores, hosting new and exciting events, or adding new attraction­s, there’s no doubt it has surpassed the convention­al definition of a mall.

Whether it’s testing new concept stores, hosting new and exciting events, or adding new attraction­s, there’s no doubt it has surpassed the convention­al definition of a mall. There is truly something fresh to experience for everyone, from day-one fans to firsttime visitors. So whether it’s to visit a new store or to see if you can still handle the Mindbender like you used to, you owe it to yourself to come in and see what West Edmonton Mall has been up to.

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