Anthropologie coming to Mall of America, expected by the holidays

The Mall of America is finally getting an Anthropologie.

The boho-chic retailer that sells apparel, accessories and home decor has long been noticeably absent from the megamall's roster of 500-plus stores. That omission is now being rectified with a 10,000-square-foot flagship store coming later this year to the mall's north addition.

Aside from a number of eateries, Anthropologie is the first retail store announced for the expansion that opened last year. As the mall has been working to lease out that space, it has filled the empty walls with art.

"Anthropologie is an ideal complement to our current collection of stores, and we are excited to continue to build our relationship with this family of brands, which also includes Urban Outfitters and Free People," Heather Brechbill Swilley, the mall's vice president of leasing, said in a statement.

The store will be located on the first floor and is expected to open in time for the holiday shopping season. It will be the fifth Anthropologie store in the region.

Other stores are in Edina, St. Louis Park, St. Paul and Wayzata.

Clues that some stores were in the works in that north expansion recently appeared with some temporary walls going up on the first and second floor, indicating that buildouts had started.

While the mall has not yet officially announced it, the popular fast-fashion retailer Zara is also expected to open in the new wing. Word of its impending arrival has spread through online job postings.

Meanwhile, on the third floor of the expansion, several tenants have opened in the mall's newest food court, called "Culinary on North." A Melt Shop, which specializes in grilled cheese, and Piada, an Italian fast-casual concept, opened in recent months. On the way are Naf Naf Grill, Disco Fries and the first Shake Shack in the region.

Kavita Kumar • 612-673-4113