Don Ghermezian is a prominent figure in the retail and entertainment industry, known for his leadership at Triple Five Group, a family-owned conglomerate renowned for its large-scale shopping and entertainment complexes. Born into a visionary family, Don's grandfather, Jacob Ghermezian, emigrated from Iran to Canada in the mid-20th century. Jacob and his sons, including Don's father, transformed the family business into a powerhouse, developing iconic properties like the West Edmonton Mall and the Mall of America.
Don Ghermezian has carried forward this legacy of innovation and ambition. As the CEO and President of Triple Five, he has overseen the development and operation of some of the largest and most influential retail and entertainment centers in the world. One of his most notable projects is the American Dream mall in New Jersey, a massive complex that integrates retail with extensive entertainment options, including theme parks, water parks, and ski slopes. This project reflects the Ghermezian family's approach of blending shopping with entertainment to create destination experiences that draw millions of visitors annually.
Under Don's leadership, Triple Five has focused on creating unique, multifaceted destinations that offer much more than traditional shopping experiences. The company's properties emphasize "retail-tainment," combining retail stores with entertainment attractions to enhance visitor engagement and lengthen their stays. This strategy has proven successful, with properties like the Mall of America and West Edmonton Mall attracting millions of tourists each year.
Despite challenges, including the financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic, Don Ghermezian's vision and persistence have kept projects like American Dream moving forward. The mall, which had faced numerous delays and financial hurdles, eventually opened its doors and is expected to be a significant economic driver for the region, providing thousands of jobs and substantial tax revenue.
Ghermezian's approach to business is influenced by his family's philosophy of aiming for the extraordinary and integrating diverse entertainment experiences into their projects. This has helped Triple Five's developments stand out in a crowded market and has set a new standard for what shopping centers can offer.