In episode 305 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Jill Renslow, executive vice president of business development at Mall of America, the nation’s largest retail and entertainment complex. Renslow discusses her current role and 24-year career at the mall, the various entertainment and attractions that set Mall of America apart, and what the past year and a half has been like at the company during civil unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares how Mall of America navigated the constant changes to its physical stores as health guidelines shifted, how the business worked with its over 520 retail tenants to adapt during this uncertain time, and the silver linings that emerged from that collaboration.
In addition, Renslow shares what Mall of America is doing to improve its customer experience as consumers return to retail stores, how the company assisted small and midsize tenants with the rollout of services like curbside pickup, and her predictions for permanent changes to consumer behavior. She shares what she's hearing from the mall's retailers as consumer confidence returns, how she would counter the claims of the death of brick-and-mortar retail, and what Mall of America has planned for the rest of this year as it brings back in-person events.
As executive vice president of marketing and business development with Mall of America, Jill Renslow oversees mall communications, marketing, strategic alliances and partnerships, advertising, digital media, group sales, and attraction marketing. She's responsible for working with new and existing tenants to create unique experiences and drive sales and traffic. Working with various innovative partners, the goal is to develop and integrate emerging technologies into both Mall of America retail and entertainment environments.
Renslow brings over 20 years of valuable experience at Mall of America to her current role. Previously, Renslow was vice president of marketing and business development at Mall of America. During her tenure, Renslow oversaw a $25 million rebranding effort of the nation’s largest indoor amusement park, Nickelodeon Universe®, as well as annual enhancements including new rides, attractions and partnerships. Renslow holds a B.A. in marketing communications from St. Cloud State University and an M.B.C. from the University of St. Thomas.
