Malls across the country are struggling, but Bismarck’s Kirkwood Mall is finding success by leaning into what makes it unique—its local businesses. Mighty Missouri Coffee Company and Halberstadt’s are just two of the locally owned shops helping to reshape the mall’s identity, offering shoppers more than just big-name stores. Owner Brian Jackson sees his café’s presence as a sign of change, and with a mix of regional staples and homegrown brands, Kirkwood Mall is proving that adaptability is key in the evolving retail landscape.
There it is spelled out clearly. It’s the small, unique, local places that are slowly but surely becoming economic engines for places.
