Content about Outlet store

Greensboro, N.C. -- Tanger Factory Outlet Centers and Gordon Group Holdings have entered into an agreement to develop an upscale outlet center at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., on the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Reservation.

Foxwoods Resort Casino is the largest casino complex in the United States by gaming square footage. Foxwoods attracts approximately 16 million annual visitors, an average of more than 40,000 people per day. 

Nashville, Tenn. -- Tennessee’s largest outlet and value retail center, Opry Mills, has added a Claim Jumper restaurant to its dining options.

The new restaurant, which is making its market debut, recently opened at Entry 7 near the entertainment stage and joins other eateries such as Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Dave & Buster’s, Chuy’s, Rainforest Café, Aquarium Restaurant and a nine-unit food court.
 

Las Vegas -- Jersey Gardens, the largest outlet mall in New Jersey, is getting a makeover and a new brand identity. The 1.5 million-sq.-ft. center, in Elizabeth, N.J., will be rebranded The Outlet Collection/Jersey Gardens as part of a new strategy by developer Glimcher Realty Trust to introduce a new brand designation for its outlet centers going forward.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group and Latin American retail real estate company BR Malls Participacoes S.A. announced Tuesday that they signed a 50/50 joint venture agreement to develop and own outlet centers in Brazil.

The first outlet center of the joint venture is slated to open in Sao Paulo in 2013.
 

Shanghai, China -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group, along with Chinese retail conglomerate Bailian Group, announced plans to jointly develop a branded Premium Outlet Center in Pudong, Shanghai, China.

Simon Property Group is the world's largest developer, owner and operator of outlet shopping centers, with interests in 70 Premium Outlet Centers located in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that, in 50/50 partnership with Genting Berhad, it has opened Johor Premium Outlets, its first Premium Outlet Center in Southeast Asia.

The center encompasses 173,000 sq. ft. of GLA featuring 80 stores and is strategically located in Johor Bahur, Malaysia. A grand opening celebration will take place on December 11.

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- WS Development announced that chocolatier Lindt has increased its outlet presence by adding a seventh temporary store this holiday season at a WS shopping center. The Swiss chocolate manufacturer and retailer began its relationship with WS in the spring with temporary stores at six WS Development locations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut. Lindt opened its seventh Lindt Factory Outlet within the WS Development portfolio last month at The Crossing at Smithfield. All seven stores will remain in place through the holidays.

Orange, Calif. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that its Block at Orange shopping center will officially be rebranded as The Outlets at Orange.

The new name will signify its distinction as the only outlet and value retail destination in Orange County, Calif. Among the new retail names at the center will be Nordstrom Rack and Esprit.

It seems like everybody wants to get in the outlet business these days. In particular, there are a growing number of “traditional mall” developers that seem to be seriously considering -- or in some cases, actively pursuing -- the development of outlet centers or the conversion of existing traditional mall assets into outlets. On the heels of Gap’s announcement to close 200 of their full-price stores by 2013 and concentrate on expanding their Gap outlets and Banana Republic Factory Stores, I understand why developers are seriously thinking about outlet centers.

Houston -- Greensboro, N.C.-based Tanger Factory Outlet Centers and Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group announced Thursday that they have entered into a 50/50 joint venture agreement to develop a Tanger Outlet Center south of Houston, in Texas City.

Phase I is slated for 350,000 sq. ft. of brand name and designer outlet stores; the 55-acre site is expected to accommodate future expansion of about 120,000 sq. ft.

Tenant announcements and ground breaking ceremonies are slated for July; the center is scheduled to open in summer 2012.

San Francisco -- At an investor conference on Thursday, Gap CEO Glenn Murphy announced the company will close 200 of its 900 U.S. namesake stores even as it expands its outlet presence.

While the company did not identify which stores will close, Gap said the 200 Gap brand closures over the next two years will be accompanied by a push to expand its Gap Outlet and Banana Republic factory chains.