Kirkwood Mall in Bismarck Draws Customers from a 200-Mile Radius

The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and there’s no better place to find gifts and goodies than Kirkwood Mall in Bismarck, North Dakota. Every space and kiosk in the mall is full, except for one, with stores, dining options, vendors, and experiences. Customers can browse 88 stores and 110 different shopping areas.  

“This is the holiday shopping destination of the region,” says Jennifer Wilson, General Manager at Kirkwood Mall. “We draw from a 200-mile radius, with some customers driving multiple hours to shop here.”

Not only is Kirkwood Mall a great place to shop, but it’s also a destination for families and friends to meet. It has been a clean and fun indoor space where there’s something for everyone since 1970, when it first opened. The mall Makes Its Mark by creating a recreational activity for anyone in the region. 

Customers Find In-Person Shopping Easier and Faster

Online shopping has been the dominant trend in retail for nearly 20 years, but more customers than ever are returning to physical store locations and seeking out in-person buying experiences. In fact, 63% of Gen Z shoppers say they plan to make holiday purchases in-store this year.

There are several reasons why customers are returning to stores. They can see an item in person and try on clothes to make sure they fit. This reduces disappointing orders that don’t arrive as they were pictured. Shopping in-store is also immediate, much faster than even two-day shipping windows.  

“When you buy in-store, there’s no risk that your orders won’t arrive before Christmas,” says Wilson. She adds that many stores offer some of their best deals during the week leading up to Christmas, with offers comparable to those of Black Friday sales. 

Shopping in the Mall Becomes an Experience

Shopping in-store also offers something that online retailers can’t: experiences. Friends and family members enjoy shopping together, offering advice on gift ideas or outfits for upcoming holiday parties.

“We see families meet at the mall from communities across Central and Western North Dakota,” says Wilson. “It’s really cool to be the region’s gathering place.”

The mall is strategically located near downtown and the event center. There are seven different entrances and ample parking, making it easy to access the mall. The Kirkwood Mall staff work tirelessly to keep the parking lot clean and the sidewalks salted.

Beyond shopping for gifts, families can pick up groceries while in town, enjoy a hot meal at a local restaurant, and watch their kids run around at the designated play areas or Tilt Studio, an indoor amusement park. Wilson and her team are constantly trying to bring new experiences to the mall, and Santa is here every day through Christmas Eve.

Kirkwood Mall Allows Customers to Shop Local

The Kirkwood Mall actively seeks a balanced mix of tenants in its locations. Half of the stores are national chains, 20% regional, and 30% are North Dakota-owned. A few local companies you can find in the mall include:

• Out of Town Clothing 
• Face Foundrie 
• Your Day By Nicole 
• Helberstats
• Drift Clothing

“You don’t always have to go downtown to buy local,” says Wilson. “My team puts their heart and soul into getting the best possible tenants. We work the best deals we can to fill spaces.”

Kirkwood Mall has extended operating hours through Christmas, opening an hour early and closing an hour later each day. This provides more time for busy shoppers to find what they need. 

Kirkwood Mall is One of Multiple Bismarck Shopping Destinations 

There are many places to find unique items and great deals throughout Bismarck-Mandan. Explore local shopping options where entrepreneurs and franchisees are supported by the community. Kirkwood Mall Makes Its Mark by providing fun shopping experiences and quality goods in a clean setting. See what other parts of Bismarck-Mandan impress you and offer a fun outing with friends and family.