Independents

Mall of America Donates Space to Small Businesses

IndependentsOct 06, 2020

Mall of America Donates Space to Small Businesses

The shopping center opened a space for local businesses affected by the pandemic and civil unrest in Minneapolis to set up shop.

20201006_Community_Commons.jpg
Mall of America has opened Community Commons, a 5,000 square foot space for local businesses to showcase their products. (Image courtesy of Mall of America)

Bloomington, Minn.—Mall of America has opened a space where local businesses struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest in the Minneapolis area can set up shop.

Dubbed “Community Commons,” the temporary 5,000 square foot space opened Oct. 1 on the second level of the south side of the mall.

It features 17 small businesses, offering clothing and accessories, art and culture, food and beverage, personal care items, and gifts. 

Businesses in the space include clothing company 4 the Love, Art Piece Soul Gallery & Studio, personal care company Butters by Jay, dental care company Twiggy Fresh, and and LLakta, which specializes in South American and Native American designs


A display by Llakta, a local small business that creates South American and Native American clothing and accessories. (Image courtesy of Mall of America)

“The Community Commons initiative is one of hope and possibility as Mall of America joins the efforts to help rebuild the hearts, minds and livelihoods of our diverse retail community,” said Jill Renslow, EVP of business development and marketing for Mall of America, in a press release announcing the initiative.

Mall of America teamed up with Knock Inc., a local creative agency, to come up with the idea.

The space will also feature commissioned artwork via Juxtaposition Arts, a teen-staffed art design center, gallery, retail shop, and artists’ studio in North Minneapolis.

The businesses in Community Commons will be there through spring 2021.

The mega mall encompasses 5.6 million square feet, housing more than 520 retailers and attractions, including a theme park, aquarium, and golfing center. It sees 40 million guests per year, according to its website.

For more information about Community Commons, visit the Mall of America website.

Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

GCAL 8X_NJSB_1.jpg
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the Counter

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

Brilliant Earth Elizabeth Taylor jewelry
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

Wrapped holiday gift boxes
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This Year

From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

overnight btyb 1026.png
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to Sell

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Little Pet Portrait Pendants by Russell Jones & Judi Powers
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New Collaboration

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Swarovski Joy: The Swarovski Musical Campaign with Ariana Grande
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

GIA logo
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday Services

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

DeBeersICONS_TITLE1_CUSTOMCONTENT_1872x1052 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural Diamonds

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Cartier bracelet and ring
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia Airport

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

Pandora celestial chandelier earrings
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on Design

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

NYC Jewelry Week Biolgems Jewelry Exhibition
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition Yet

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New President

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

Replica of Infinity Gauntlet
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for Auction

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

David Yurman Gem Awards Grant 2027 Graphic
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 Applications

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

Kirstin Viland, Joanna Kovacs, Shari Lukacs
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship Winners

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

Sothebys Romanov sapphire
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s Geneva

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

Fake Audemars Piguet watch
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet Watches

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America new board members
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

Kristi Yamaguchi Wearing Always Dream Collection
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ Collection

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards Best Of Winners
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum Awards

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Edina Kiss Eye Pendants on Charm Necklace
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising Officer

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

Rolex store exterior Bellevue Washington
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington State

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Norma Wellington spider web pendant
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.

Ann Cahoon
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann Cahoon

Cahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.

Tiffany & Co. Love Is a Gift Holiday Campaign with Amanda Seyfried
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday Campaign

Tiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.

Graphic of cauldron and cat with jewelry in bubbles
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on You

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy