Merle Hay Mall

This place is so poorly managed i can’t believe it’s still even open. My sister had unfortunately left a full bag of other things she had bought and didn’t realize until about 5 minutes after the store had closed. The security guard and the mall cop came over to try and help and apparently no one has any contact information for that store because “it’s so new” (a couple months old) and told me there was nothing they could do but I could come around 8am the next day and get the stuff. So I went to the mall a little after 8 and not a single store is open because none of them even open until at least 10, there’s no mall cop or security guard, the mall office they left a note for isn’t even open on the weekends and the store itself doesn’t even open until noon. I’m extremely disappointed in the organization as I believe there should be spare keys in case needed as well as a definite way to contact every store manager.

I use this mall for my transportation needs. As a main hub for DART buses 5, 14, 16, and 50. I depend on DART to get to my appointments at the VA and other places. Plus the mall is assigned as a pickup/droppoff location in the DART Flex Connect area, so my Ubers are paid for with vouchers from DART as long as they fall inside the zone set for Flex Connect. The custodial staff should be rewarded and recognized, specifically Gloria, for the outstanding service that they provide. Cleaning up and keeping the mall looking as well as it does—considering the amount of traffic that goes through the doors and messes that they are responsible to respond to—is nothing short of exceptional work ethic. If memory serves, Gloria told me that she has worked there for over 20 years. She is an example and definition of what a loyal employee is. Absolutely unheard of now days. Any business would be honored to have 10 Glorias working with them. My only complaints about the mall is their flag seems to be worn out often (it takes a beating I’m sure) and that it can be really dirty on the outside especially around the bus stop. That’s a problem at most the bus stops though. And the parking lot is so dark at night. It makes walking to or from the bus stop really scary and a safety issue.

This mall is managing to still stay fairly relevant in DSM against the Jordan creek mall. Several of the stores here are independent and unique such as a record store and pet supplies, and you can also hit some staples like target, khols, ulta, five below, shoe stores, and ross' dress for less. The mall features a great restaurant and bar with arcade and bowling alley - always lots of fun, as well as a great movie theater! The mall is usually not too busy so it's a nice alternative to Jordan Creek, and it's also clean and well maintained. I enjoy coming here with my baby to pass the time and do a little light shopping.