Local businesses affected by pandemic, unrest to temporarily open in the Mall of America

The Mall of America announced Monday that it is opening a dedicated retail space that will feature local shops that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest this year.

The Community Commons will feature 17 independent businesses that will temporarily set up shop within the mall.

Located on the second level of the mall’s south side, the 5,000-square-foot space will include apparel and accessories, art, food and beverages, personal care and gifts.

The featured businesses include:

• 4 The Love.
• Art Piece Soul Gallery & Studio, LLC.
• Belle & Virtue Collection.
• Butters by Jay.
• Candy Colors LLC.
• Captain Rebel.
• DAUREN Worldwide.
• Ebony Gifts.
• Fabulous Diva Boutique.
• Herbal Alchemy.
• Heritage Tea & Beverages.
• La Michoacana Purepecha.
• Llakta.
• The Peach Eatery.
• Twiggy Fresh LLC.
• Urban 29.
• VIP Section.

In addition to the featured businesses, Juxtaposition Arts, a teen-staffed art center and gallery in north Minneapolis has been commissioned for artwork for the space.

"We are proud to welcome these businesses to Mall of America where guests will be introduced to an even greater slice of what our retail community has to offer beyond the doors of Mall of America," Jill Renslow, EVP of business development and marketing for Mall of America, said in a statement.

The Community Commons will be in place through the spring of 2021, according to the mall.