Herberger's Takes 'First of Many Steps' Toward Southdale's Revitalization

Hundreds of eager shoppers lined up inside of Wednesday morning, Nov. 9, all for a first-hand glimpse at the mall's new tenant.

They jockeyed to be the first customers to walk the pristine interior of the new , housed in a three-story, 135,000-square-foot retail space that sat vacant for seven long years. It's the sixth Herberger's store in the Twin Cities.

Bloomington resident Jan Swanson said it was the promise of a "fantastic shoe department" that brought her out at 8:15 a.m. to wait in the massive line.

"They've got all of the brand names and it's just going to be great," Swanson said. "I look at it as practice for the day after Thanksgiving."

Numerous executives from Pennsylvania-based Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., which owns Herberger's, were on hand for the ribbon cutting, punctuated by a drumroll from the Eden Prairie High School drum line. The first 1,000 customers through the doors received a free gift.

Stephen Byers, executive vice president of stores, visual and loss prevention with Bon-Ton Stores, praised his team for "opening a store like this in a very condensed timeframe."

"It's great being here this morning, and we're especially proud and excited to be a part of the Edina community," Byers said.

Southdale General Manager Laurie VanDalen said the addition of Herberger's is the "first of many steps toward mall revitalization."

"They took the first step," she said.

Mayor Jim Hovland said he could not thank Simon Development and Herberger's enough for working to create "something that's extraordinarily beautiful."

"This mall is going to be ," Hovland said, to applause from the crowd of shoppers. "Between Herberger's showing their faith and leading the way and Simon Development agreeing to put an , we will once again be the best mall in America."