Tackling Black Friday In The Twin Cities
For the brave, for the deal-seekers, for the early-risers, Black Friday is their moment. So to help the grizzled veterans or the rookie shoppers map out their day (or night), check out what malls will be opening at what time and what deals they'll be offering.
Mall Of America
60 East Broadway
Bloomington, Minn.
Directory | Website
If you're looking for the most variety of stores to hit and don't need any sleep, check out the Mall of America. The doors open at 3 a.m. with select retailers opening their doors as early as 4 a.m. Basically, you're getting an extra hour to get in line INSIDE for the best deals.
The Mall of America will once again offer a special for spending: Get two free unlimited-ride wristbands to Nickelodeon Universe when you spend $250 anywhere in the mall between Black Friday and Christmas Eve.
Also this year find the Holiday Help Hub, located in Nordstrom Court, with guest resource for all your holiday shopping needs. And if you're still awake later in the day, check out the Holiday Music Festival kick-off with The Blenders in the Best Buy Rotunda.
Rosedale Center
10 Rosedale Center
Roseville, Minn.
Directory | Website
Rosedale Center will be ready for shoppers starting at 5 a.m. but some of the anchor stores are opening earlier -- like Macy's at 3 a.m. and JC Penney at 4 a.m. But if you're not an early riser, Rosedale has specials and events going on all day. At 7 a.m. check out Borders Café for probably much-needed pick-me-up or head to Ruby Tuesday where they'll open at 7 a.m. with drink specials (screwdrivers and bloody mary's) and a special brunch.
Sleep in just a bit -- at 8:30 a.m. get one of 250 goodies bags filled with money saving retailer coupons, samples and more in the East Court (while supplies last, of course). Or be on the lookout for the Spread the Cheer Team Members who will be passing out prizes like AMC Theatre movie tickets, Romano's Macaroni Grill guest passes, Rosedale tote bags, Rosedale Gift Cards and more all day long.
Maplewood Mall
3001 White Bear Avenue North
St. Paul, Minn.
Directory | Website
Not only will you enjoy the variety of shops at Maplewood Mall, the mall is also hosting a craft show for the entire weekend for your crafty gift-givers. A few stores in the mall will open at midnight but most will start serving customers at 5 a.m.
Maplewood Mall will offer premium goody bags to the first 50 shoppers and hand out candy canes throughout select areas of the mall. Get a treat for yourself with Nestle Tollhouse providing free cookie coupons. Plus, enjoy festive music from WLITE between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Albertville Premium Outlets
6415 Labeaux Avenue NE
Albertville, Minn.
Directory | Website
Looking for an outlet experience and want to shop all night long? Albertville Premium Outlets offers a Midnight Madness sale as most stores will open their doors at midnight and will stay open until 10 p.m. And large amount of stores will actually open at 10 p.m., so you could get in on the Black Friday savings on Thursday and then get a good night's sleep.
How many people do they expect to shop at Albertville? Let's just say they have extra, off-grounds parking to prepare for the crowds.
Ridgedale Center
12401 Wayzata Blvd
Minnetonka, Minn.
Directory | Website
For those looking for a bit more sleep, head to Ridgedale Center which will open its doors at 6 a.m. But, again, some of the anchor stores like Macy's and Sears, will open earlier at 4 a.m. Special for a few hours on Black Friday -- shoppers who spend $100 between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. will receive a $10 Shop Etc. Gift Card when they present their valid receipts at the Merrier Shopping Redemption Zone located in Center Court.
Eden Prairie Center
8251 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN
Directory | Website
What's great about Eden Prairie Center is that you not only have the mall atmosphere but you can also hit some of the large retailers all in the same location. Doors will open at 5 a.m. but look for the larger retailers to have earlier hours -- Kohl's opens at 3 a.m. and Target, Macy's and Sears open at 4 a.m.
Again, you'll find a deal the more you shop -- customers who spend $100 between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. will receive a $10 Shop Etc. Gift Card when they present their valid receipts at the Merrier Shopping Redemption Zone located in the Upper Level Center Court.
Southdale Center
10 Southdale Center
Edina, Minn.
Directory | Website
Most stores at Southdale will open at 5 a.m. but a select few will usher in eager shoppers starting at 4 a.m. (Macy's, JC Penney, Express, Express Men, Gap, Gap Kids, Aeropostale and Children's Place.) Check out their Facebook page for the latest Black Friday deals and specials.
Burnsville Center
1178 Burnsville Center
Burnsville, Minn.
Website
If you're in the south metro, check out Burnsville Center where doors open at 5 a.m. But some stores welcome will shoppers as early as 12 a.m. and offer special holiday bargains -- Old Navy, GAP, The Children's Place and Aeropostale. JC Penney and Caribou Coffee will start serving customers at 3 a.m. and Bath & Body Works will open at 4 a.m.
