Mormon Mall

Last week, a 700,000 square-foot mega mall funded by the Jesus Christ Church of Latter Day Saints opened in the heart of Salt Lake City. More than 90 retailers will be inside this mega-store and 1/3 of them are brand new to Salt Lake City. City Creek Center, the mall's name, has fountains that spew fire and water, a retractable sun room, along with other man-made fixtures. The store has a deal with the church and will be closed on Sundays and also will be sharing some profits with the church. Mormons have a tradition with this type of investment. Brigham Young, the Church’s second president, founded Zions Cooperative Mercantile Institution which is sometimes referred to as “America’s First Department Store."

This mall is sure to be a hit in Salt Lake City because it incorporates new stores and modernized shopping but still stays true to Mormon beliefs and tenants. Also, this mall shows that although we are slowly coming out of a recession some groups, like the Church of Latter Day Saints, still has money to develop and build. What will be interesting is if stores like Macy's and Tiffany & Co. will sell the same merchandise they do in other stores in the City Creek Center or will they adjust to fit a Mormon audience.

The full article can be found at: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-03-16/what-slowdown-the-mormons-are-building-a-mega-mall