The Rise of Outlet Malls in America and Abroad

Added: 03/03/2006

My wife loves to shop. She can spend an entire day within the confines of any number of outlet malls. And that's great because that free's me up to so other things. Like spend time with my mistress. Of course I'm joking. How could I afford a mistress when my wife is spending all my money shopping? But I digress. Established first in the United States in the course of development of traditional factory outlets, outlet malls are types of shopping malls where products are sold directly to the public through manufacturers' own branded stores. Some stores are operated by retailers, selling discounted products at heavily reduced prices. Available for sale at outlet malls are such items as clothing, cosmetics, sporting goods, toys and electrical products among others.

The history of outlet malls is closely connected with the development of factory outlets - stores attached to warehouses or factories, where goods were available at discounted prices. At outlet malls several such outlets are placed under the same roof in convenient locations, like out-of-town sites to minimize overhead costs. Since their establishment in the United States, outlet malls have spread to the European Union, as well as other parts of the world.

One of the largest and most visited outlet malls, Tanger Outlet Center is located nearly 90 miles east of Des Moines and 30 miles west of Iowa City with the center in Williamsburg, Iowa. Visitors are offered to buy from more than 55 brand name manufacturer outlet stores, including Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Coach, Brooks Brothers and Liz Claiborne. Savvy shoppers will be delighted to find the latest items of discounted gifts, accessories and clothing and save from 20% to 50% off regular retail price.

Boasting a wide range of apparel, accessories, footwear and household items, Tanger Outlet Center is a favorite destination for school shopping, holiday shopping, or a wonderful getaway with family and friends. During the Texas State Sales Tax Holiday, held annually, the outlet mall is even more tempting, attracting huge crowds of visitors. Among shops at the Tanger Outlet center are Bass, Old Navy Outlet, Hush Puppies, Banana Republic Factory, Liz Claiborne Outlet, Tommy Hilfiger, Easy Spirit and Disney. As a break from shopping, consider Bennigan's Grill & Tavern, the Cracker Barrel and more eateries in the area. The outlet mall operates daily with the exception of Easter, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.

Centered in Chicago, Horizon Group Properties, Inc. operates nine outlets in seven states, seen as a developer of the master planned community in Chicago. Hosted at shopping centers are such brand stores as Polo Ralph Lauren, Gap Outlet, Mikasa, Nike, Liz Claiborne, Quicksilver, Carter's and more.

Opened in August 1991 in Gurnee, Illinois, Gurnee Mills is one of the most popular outlets malls, owned and operated by Mills Corporation. A prominent tourist attraction at the Midwest, it is situated between Chicago and Milwaukee. Currently Gurnee Mills is anchored by Bed Bath & Beyond, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Circuit City, Burlington Coat Factory, Gurnee Marcus Cinema, Kohl's Marshalls Megastore, Rainforest Cafe, Value City and Rink Side Sports.

It features the top names in retail and manufacturers' outlets, such as Gap Outlet, OFF 5th - Saks Fifth Avenue, while the admirable quality entertainment venues include Rink Side Sports, Gurnee Marcus Cinema and Serpent Safari Reptile Zoo to name a few. As of 2006, Gurnee Marcus boasts 200 stores and 20 eateries.

With over 110 stores featuring jewelry, gifts, furnishings and sportswear apparel among others, Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets is an outlet shopping mall, which has something to offer to everyone in its diverse stores like Calvin Klein, Ann Taylor, Eddie Bauer, Reebok, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel and Jones New York. Visitors are offered everyday savings, ranging from 25% to 65% off regular retail price.

Outlet Malls. You gotta love 'em. Lord knows, my wife sure does.

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