I grew up in Leduc and I remember as a kid the only places to go clothes shopping was the SAAN store (RIP) or Fields (RIP). My how times have changed. While technically not in Leduc, this mall is out by the airport and is a 5 minute drive away (from Leduc, about 15 minutes from South Edmonton).
The new mall is considered an airport mall. I think they want people on flight layovers to wander through the mall, or maybe stop in before your flight. There is a shuttle to/from the mall and the airport. There is also a bus from Edmonton (not sure where from maybe Century Park) to the mall. And a bus from Leduc to the mall. This is a nice option for those who want to visit the mall, but don't have a car (like me right now). The parking lot is quite big and there are six (or maybe seven) entrances.
The mall is big and spacious. The halls and aisles are huge, which means you never really feel crowded. This mall is very clean, and I hope they can continue this throughout its use.
The food court has a decent selection of options including a Starbucks, A&W, Mia Pasta, Chachie's (sandwiches), Thai Express, Shanghai 360, KFC, Barcelos, Bento Sushu, Edo Japan, Bar Burrito, New York Fries, and a Juice Bar. The only thing missing from international food court affair would probably be a Greek place, and a kebab shop, but it's a good start.
There are several stores in this mall, but not all of them are open yet. However a good majority are. My favourites are
- David's Tea, because I love tea. They often have sales and several times I've stopped in they've done scratch cards and I've gotten free tea. Can't argue with that.
- Lindt. This is a chocolate shop. Lindt chocolate is amazing. They often give out samples and they have a few flavours that you won't find in the grocery store. This place is amazing. Enough said.
- Old Navy. This is an outlet location. Sometimes Old Navy is hit and miss for me, but I usually get decent deals on jeans and I like picking up t-shirts to wear to the gym or to bed.
- Pearson's Berry Farm. This store sells syrups, jams, and pies (and butter tarts). Honestly what surprised me is the fact I found Blackcurrant syrup here. I was living in Ireland for two years and Blackcurrant is a big flavour there, but I never thought I'd find it here. Now I know where I can buy a syrup to make blackcurrant juice. So happy about this.
- Chatters. Has hair salon products that you can't buy at the drug store. They also have an actual hair salon if you need a haircut.
- Share. This is a really cool open concept store that features different locally made products (from soaps to scarves to art) from local designers. What's really interesting about this store is the artists/craftspeople they feature change. So if you see something you love here be sure to pick it up, because it might not be there on your next visit. Inside this area is another coffee shop, a bubble waffle place, and a juice/healthy eating takeaway.
- B Sweet is a candy shop. They got some standard candies, a nice selection of jelly beans, but what I love is that they have some foreign (UK/Irish) chocolate bars like Galaxy, Picnic, and Toffee Crisp. The foreign items are super expensive, but if I'm having a craving for a Toffee Crisp I know where to go. I just wish they sold Boost Bars (it's like a Wunderbar, but with a chocolate fudge instead of peanut butter and it's amazing).
- The Body Shop. Always like shopping at the Body Shop (they got a good variety of delicious smelling lotions, soaps, etc). They're a company that doesn't test on animals so I always like to support them when I can.
Of course there's lots of mores and a few more restaurants (fast food type) here. There are lots of shoe stores, but I try not to go into those because I would spend way too much money.
I think the downside is there are a few stores not open (like Marshall's, Kate Spade, and some others). I believe they'll be open by the fall. I also don't know if they outlet deals at the stores are so great that you'd want to come into here from Edmonton. They're certainly not the insane outlet deals that you can find in the US. However I still think it's worth it to come out here and check out this new mall, especially for the few new unique stores it has. read more