The Empire Mall

Giving family shows holiday spirit as mall Santa recovers from theft

By Jill Callison | December 20, 2024

“It feels good to turn something bad into something good.”

Detectives pursue additional shooter from Empire Mall incident

By Jodi Schwan | December 9, 2024

Police are looking for a second person thought to have fired a gun Friday night inside The Empire Mall. Here’s the latest on the case.

Bond with the bunny at these upcoming Easter events

By Pigeon605 Staff | March 15, 2023

The Easter Bunny is almost back. From photo ops to skating, egg hunts and dog events, here’s an early look at the season ahead.

Santa’s silver anniversary: Christmas icon marks 25 years greeting kids at Empire Mall

By Jill Callison | November 21, 2022

“I fell in love with Sioux Falls.” And, for 25 years, Sioux Falls has loved this Santa right back.

Longtime Westmoor Music leaders reflect as one of Empire Mall’s oldest businesses closes

By Jill Callison | January 19, 2022

Astounded and chagrinned, Art Slumskie walked out of his meeting with Darrell Schultz. He thought his interview to be a salesman at Westmoor Music had gone perfectly, and he couldn’t believe he hadn’t been offered […]

Then & Now: The Empire Mall

By Jill Callison | January 19, 2022

Ever since it held its grand opening as the Sioux Empire Plaza on Sept. 24, 1975, The Empire Mall has seen ongoing changes as businesses opened and others closed. Take Westmoor Music, for example. When […]

With one stop, check off your gift wrapping while supporting great cause

By Submitted | December 15, 2021

This paid event listing is sponsored by Children’s Home Society. It’s a holiday tradition for a terrific cause: Bring your gifts to The Empire Mall, and volunteers supporting Children’s Inn will wrap them beautifully for […]

She grew her business during the pandemic — with a vending machine

By Megan Raposa | April 7, 2021

Andrianna Mitchell had been intrigued by a vending machine selling products other than food. She’d heard of vending machines in Japan that offered all sorts of products, and when the pandemic hit and the popularity […]

What’s new for kids at The Empire Mall

By Jodi Schwan | March 22, 2021

Kids can ride an oversized stuffed animal, hop on an electric scooter and return to seeing the Easter Bunny at The Empire Mall. Animal Rides opened near the Sanford Children’s play area recently. It offers […]

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