West Edmonton Mall Properties Inc. (WEMPI): Owner of North America's Largest Mall

West Edmonton Mall Properties Inc. (WEMPI) is the privately held corporation that owns and operates West Edmonton Mall (WEM) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Key Facts

• Founded: 1974 by the Ghermezian brothers (immigrants from Iran).
• Mall Opened: 1981; expanded 1993 (Galaxyland indoor amusement park).
• Size: 5.3 million sq ft (GLA); 800+ stores/services.
• Attractions: Galaxyland (world's largest indoor amusement park), World Waterpark, Fantasyland Hotel, Ice Palace, Sea Life Caverns.
• Revenue: Tenant rent, parking, attraction tickets, hotel operations.
• Ownership: Ghermezian family (majority); also own Mall of America (via Triple Five Group).

Controversies

• 1980s: Allegations of child labor in construction.
• 1990s: Eviction of tenants selling controversial religious materials.
• Ongoing: Debates over public subsidies, tax incentives.

WEMPI remains a dominant force in Canadian retail real estate.