Shady Rays takes retail center stage at Mall of America this summer, opening the company’s first storefront in the Midwest

BLOOMINGTON, Mn. (March 6, 2023) – Mall of America announced today the plans for another of its newest tenants, Shady Rays – one of the nation’s fastest-growing lifestyle eyewear brands (Inc. 5000, 2020). This will be the fourth storefront for the national sunglasses brand and the company’s first location in Minnesota.

The new store will feature all frame and lens options from Shady Rays’ collection of lifestyle and performance sunglasses as well as seasonal availability of snow goggles and other outdoor wearables.

“There’s nothing like the excitement of knowing we’re opening a store in one of the most sought-after shopping destinations in the world,” Shady Rays Founder and CEO Chris Ratterman said. “For our very first store in the Midwest, there’s no place we’d rather serve our loyal Shady Rays customers than at Mall of America.”

Staffed by knowledgeable brand enthusiasts, the store will provide an in-person experience for customers to try, buy, and exercise Shady Rays’ exclusive Lost & Broken replacement program. The replacement program has been a key differentiator for Shady Rays’ remarkable growth.

“While our e-commerce storefront and outstanding customer service platform continue to excel, we see retail as an opportunity for expanded growth and a powerful complement to our e-commerce site,” Ratterman said.

The highly curated retail experience will give customers an option to try on multiple styles, have assistance making decisions, and engage in follow-up customer service.

“Bringing another first to market concept to Mall of America truly sets us apart as a leader in the industry,” said Carrie Charleston, Vice President of Leasing at Mall of America. “Shady Rays will offer our guests exceptional eyewear for any need. In addition, the brand prioritizes its responsible business practices by supporting a variety of nonprofit organizations across the country. The elevated experience Shady Rays provides shoppers and its alignment with our values to give back to the community makes it the perfect fit for Mall of America.”

Shady Rays believes that eyewear is meant to be lived in for all of life’s adventures, which is why they offer their customers the protection programs for lost, broken, or damaged glasses. Along with providing premium shades at amazing price points, Shady Rays also strives to make a difference in local communities across the country through Shady Rays Impact – the company’s commitment to helping people live healthy, courageous lives through some of their most challenging moments. Learn more about the company’s charitable giving initiatives by visiting ShadyRays.com/Impact.

The store will be located on Level 1, North. For more information on new and coming soon retail, dining, and attractions at Mall of America, visit mallofamerica.com/shopping/new

About Shady Rays
Shady Rays is an independent sunglass company and one of the fastest-growing sunglasses brands in the U.S. All shades are made with high-quality, polarized lenses in a variety of sunglass frame styles and every purchase goes towards making an impact in our communities through Shady Rays Impact charitable giving. All purchases come with the Shady Rays Limited Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty and Lost & Broken protection. Shady Rays also sells high-quality lifestyle gear including Snow Goggles, UV Shirts, Prescription glasses, Blue Light Glasses, and more. To learn more about Shady Rays and to stay up to date on all the action, visit shadyrays.com and follow us on Meta, TikTok, and Twitter @shadyrays. Live hard. We got you.

About Mall of America
At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with more than 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, a 7-acre indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; Crayola Experience and more. The Mall opened in 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to the MSP International Airport. Follow Mall of America on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Download the Mall of America app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.