Mary Nickelson is a seasoned Retail and Merchandise professional leader at Mall of America, the nation’s largest retail and entertainment destination with more than thirty-two million annual visitors. She began her career at the Mall only one month after its grand opening in 1992. 

Her professional journey began as an Arcade team lead in Camp Snoopy – the original theme park within Mall of America – where she honed her leadership skills over 4.5 years. She then transitioned to Assistant Concessionaire, gaining a deep understanding of the retail and consumer merchandise industry. Working in retail for over 25 years, Mary has held key roles within Mall of America including Retail Product Developer and Retail Store Manager, managing a team of 65-80 people, and developing unique products for the Mall, such as custom plush for Nickelodeon stores, Mall of America gift stores, and Moose Mountain Adventure Golf. 

Mary’s expertise extends beyond her retail responsibilities. She collaborates as a consultant with a sister-mall, American Dream, and is known for her involvement in inventory management and design for upcoming projects, including a planned Water Park and specialty merchandise for Mall of America and Nickelodeon special celebrations. Her work has earned her recognition in industry publications and accolades such as the Impact Award at The Gathering in 2023 and the Excellence in Leadership Award at MOA. 

A strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and belonging, Mary has been an original member of the Mall of America’s DIB Committee since its formation in 2020. She plays a crucial role in the "Connect & Chats" initiative, fostering open dialogue for front line team members with C-Suite leadership about employee safety, pronouns, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and advocacy for all team members, and other key issues. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is reflected in her leadership and firsthand approach, ensuring that every voice at Mall of America is heard and valued.