Outlet mall thriving despite difficult economic times

Cincinnati Premium Outlets is continuing to thrive in a struggling U.S. economy with seven new stores scheduled to join the mall lineup. The outlet mall, which includes 100 stores, is nearing full capacity and expects to fill its seven vacant spaces by this summer, said Kevin Chesar, Monroe’s director of development.

Robert Tackett, general manager of the outlet center, said the mall is doing “quite well,” but he declined to provide specific numbers about the occupancy of the mall because he said those numbers aren’t made available to him.

“When we first opened, it took a while for the demographics to see what it is, and our leasing people have been working real hard to get us quality tenants to fill up what we call the GLA (gross leasable area).
Joe’s Jeans opened May 2. New York & Company is set to open May 28, and Kitchen Collection, Guess, and Claire’s Accessories recently opened stores at the outlet center, Tackett said. Other stores coming soon are Under Armour on June 15, Lenscrafters on July 1, Lacoste in August, Loft Outlet in September and True Religion in 2011, he said.

He attributes the mall’s success to the discounts it offers shoppers. “When you’re in an outlet location like we are, it does well when the economy is slow and it does well when the economy is good because you’re getting 25 to 65 percent off most your merchandise. A lot of people are becoming savvy shoppers,” he said.

Tackett said Premium Outlets also is working to develop pad lots behind the mall, where the city would like to see include some sit-down restaurants.

Source: Dayton Daily News