Friday, November 16, 2012
Tanger Factory Outlets builds mobile database via Thanksgiving text-to-win effort
By Chantal Tode - Mobile Commerce Daily
As part of its marketing activities for Thanksgiving weekend, Tanger
Factory Outlets is running a text-to-win sweepstakes giving shoppers a
chance to win a shopping spree worth $1,000.
The mobile sweepstakes is part of a broader Thanksgiving effort that includes an app giveaway, with shoppers who download the Tanger app for iPhone or Android receiving a free holiday compact mirror between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30. App users will also be able to access special offers from Tanger Factory Outlet stores throughout Thanksgiving weekend.
“SMS is a fun, fast and effective way to engage our customers leading up to and during the busiest shopping weekend of the year,” said Quentin Pell, director of public relations and communications at Tanger Outlet Centers, Greensboro, NC. “Using a text-based opt-in entry method gives them a quick way of entering a contest vs. a traditional long form.
“Other than entering the contest our main goal is to grow out Tanger Text Deals database,” he said.
“Last year we increased our list by 30 percent over the holiday weekend.
“With a 95 percent read rate on text messages our Tanger Text Deals program has become a very important and growing digital channel.”
Building a list
Shopping events such as Thanksgiving weekend are a great time for retailers to build their mobile opt-in databases because foot traffic increases significantly. Then, once shoppers have opted in for the mobile text messaging program, retailers can continue to message them throughout the year to drive additional foot traffic.
For the Text To Win Moonlight Sweepstakes, customers using mobile devices will have the chance to win one of four $1,000 Tanger Shopping Sprees during the After Thanksgiving shopping weekend.
To enter the sweepstakes, shoppers 18 years or older can text SHOP4ME to 74700 to join Tanger Mobile Deals and automatically be entered.
Winners will be chosen by 9 am every day from Nov. 23-26, with
instructions on how to pick up their gift card at the nearest Tanger
shopping center.
When shoppers enter the contest, they receive a response text that drives them to the Tanger Outlet mobile site, where they will find additional offers and sales.
Year-round strategy
Tanger Factory Outlets will open at 10pm on Thursday, Nov. 22. A Moonlight Madness Sale will offer shoppers the opportunity to take advantage of savings before the Black Friday rush. All Tanger Outlet stores will offer special deals beginning Thanksgiving night and continuing throughout the weekend.
Shoppers can also take advantage of additional savings by downloading Bonus Savings Passes from the Tanger Factory Outlet Web site by Nov. 21.
There is also a social media promotion encouraging shoppers to help Tanger Factory Outlet reach 700,000 fans on Facebook by Nov. 20 for a chance to win a shopping spree.
“Our mobile channels have become very important to our overall strategy throughout the year not just over the holiday weekend,” Mr. Pell said. “Our goal is to provide an engaging, consistent experience across all our digital channels.
“Using our mobile Web site or our custom smartphone and iPad apps our shoppers can access the latest sales and coupon information, access center information or locate a store on our interactive maps,” he said.
As part of its marketing activities for Thanksgiving weekend, Tanger
Factory Outlets is running a text-to-win sweepstakes giving shoppers a
chance to win a shopping spree worth $1,000.The mobile sweepstakes is part of a broader Thanksgiving effort that includes an app giveaway, with shoppers who download the Tanger app for iPhone or Android receiving a free holiday compact mirror between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30. App users will also be able to access special offers from Tanger Factory Outlet stores throughout Thanksgiving weekend.
“SMS is a fun, fast and effective way to engage our customers leading up to and during the busiest shopping weekend of the year,” said Quentin Pell, director of public relations and communications at Tanger Outlet Centers, Greensboro, NC. “Using a text-based opt-in entry method gives them a quick way of entering a contest vs. a traditional long form.
“Other than entering the contest our main goal is to grow out Tanger Text Deals database,” he said.
“Last year we increased our list by 30 percent over the holiday weekend.
“With a 95 percent read rate on text messages our Tanger Text Deals program has become a very important and growing digital channel.”
Building a list
Shopping events such as Thanksgiving weekend are a great time for retailers to build their mobile opt-in databases because foot traffic increases significantly. Then, once shoppers have opted in for the mobile text messaging program, retailers can continue to message them throughout the year to drive additional foot traffic.
For the Text To Win Moonlight Sweepstakes, customers using mobile devices will have the chance to win one of four $1,000 Tanger Shopping Sprees during the After Thanksgiving shopping weekend.
To enter the sweepstakes, shoppers 18 years or older can text SHOP4ME to 74700 to join Tanger Mobile Deals and automatically be entered.
When shoppers enter the contest, they receive a response text that drives them to the Tanger Outlet mobile site, where they will find additional offers and sales.
Year-round strategy
Tanger Factory Outlets will open at 10pm on Thursday, Nov. 22. A Moonlight Madness Sale will offer shoppers the opportunity to take advantage of savings before the Black Friday rush. All Tanger Outlet stores will offer special deals beginning Thanksgiving night and continuing throughout the weekend.
Shoppers can also take advantage of additional savings by downloading Bonus Savings Passes from the Tanger Factory Outlet Web site by Nov. 21.
There is also a social media promotion encouraging shoppers to help Tanger Factory Outlet reach 700,000 fans on Facebook by Nov. 20 for a chance to win a shopping spree.
“Our mobile channels have become very important to our overall strategy throughout the year not just over the holiday weekend,” Mr. Pell said. “Our goal is to provide an engaging, consistent experience across all our digital channels.
“Using our mobile Web site or our custom smartphone and iPad apps our shoppers can access the latest sales and coupon information, access center information or locate a store on our interactive maps,” he said.
Will President's 'Fiscal Cliff' Remarks Prompt Americans To Fear The Mall This Holiday?
his first press conference as the newly re-elected commander in chief, president Barack Obama implored Congressional Republicans to raise taxes on families making $250,000 and above, which would offer middle and lower income Americans some tax relief, tamp down fears of the dreaded fiscal cliff, and grant consumers the peace of mind they need to shop the nation’s retail stores holiday season, he said.
If Republicans — long opposed to letting the Bush-era tax cuts expire — fail to acquiesce, thereby thwarting the swift creation of a plan to avert the fiscal cliff, “that’s going to be a pretty rude shock for [middle-income families] and I suspect will have a big impact on the holiday shopping season,” the president said.
Indeed, the leader of the free world has a little more than a month to stave off the fiscal cliff, which would plunge the economy into another recession, economists predict: It would result in higher taxes on the entire population and drastic spending cuts to federal agencies come Dec. 31. That’s when tax cuts enacted under former president George W. Bush expire.
But do most everyday consumers understand what the fiscal cliff actually means? And whether they do or don’t, did the president’s speech on Wednesday cast a new cloud of doubt over their holiday-spending impulses? Or were fiscal-cliff-informed doubts already there?
Michael Niemira, an economist with the International Council of Shopping Centers, noted the results of a USA Today/Gallup poll released this week: Americans are not only aware of the fiscal cliff, but believe it’s imperative that the president and Congress hash out a deficit reduction deal fast to prevent massive tax hikes and spending cuts, the poll revealed.
According to its findings, “71% of Americans are following the news of the fiscal cliff very or somewhat closely,” Niemira said. “So, I would say most shoppers are aware.”
And “more perceived friction [between the president and Congress] will accentuate the worry,” he said.
The president’s warning that political stonewalling will hurt seasonal retail sales echoes the International Council of Shopping Center’s holiday sales report.
“Maybe the White House was reading our [The ICSC's] forecast,” Niemira said.
Indeed, if Americans are forced to endure a political standoff over the fiscal cliff, “there could be dire consequence for holiday spending,” he said.
“As the negotiations progress, and if it doesn’t look positive, [and looks as though discussions are] breaking down and no deal seems to be working out, the financial markets will likely react quite negatively, and that reaction will spill over to high-end spending first, and then will ripple quite fast throughout the rest of the consumer segments.”
A recent Pew Research poll revealed that Americans doubt the president and Congress will cut a deal in time to prevent the fiscal cliff.
Nonetheless, Ira Kalish, director of global economics at Deloitte Research, suspects the fiscal cliff is not on most people’s radars. “I doubt that most consumers have any idea about this – at least not yet,” he told Forbes.
“For now, I don’t expect much impact. Usually following an election, there is a surge of good feeling for a president. Obama’s approval rating has risen since the election,” Kalish said. ”If anything, I expect that the end of the campaign will boost confidence – at least temporarily.”
Thursday, November 15, 2012
St. Louis Outlet Mall in Hazelwood Past Due on $90 Million Loan
The St. Louis Business Journal is reporting overdue payments on commercial real estate investments in the Greater St. Louis Area have gone up with the mall, formerly called St. Louis Mills, being one of the larger delinquencies.
It appears St. Louis Outlet Mall is overdue on it's financial obligation. Simon Property Group recently sold the property at the end of August, and the mall property which is located in the City of Hazelwood is overdue on a $90 million loan.
The St. Louis Business Journal is reporting the past due payments on commercial real estate investments in Greater St. Louis Area, and it appears delinquencies are on the rise. The article cites New York research firm Trepp LLC and said one of the lager delinquencies is the St. Louis Mills Mall in Hazelwood, now known as St. Louis Outlet Mall.
The Woodmount Co. was brought in to manage the property after its sale Simon has its eye on a new prize with its St. Louis Premium Outlets development in Chesterfield. Woodmount is one of Simon's partners in the development of the $85 million project.
St. Louis Outlet Mall is now overdue 90 days or more on the loan balance according to the report. When the mall name change was announced, Woodmount Co. President and CEO of Asset Services Frederick Meno told Hazelwood Patch he had big goals for the shopping destination.
"Our plans are to increase the occupancy and the value of the property by building upon the existing merchandising mix that is currently represented at the property," he said.
Ross Dress for Less will be opening at the mall soon.
Fire closes part of Ellenton outlet mall
 |
| The south end of Ellenton Premium Outlets was closed Friday night after a fire ignited above the Brooks Brothers Factory Store sign. ELIZABETH JOHNSON/Bradenton Herald |
ELLENTON -- A fire that apparently started near the roof overhanging a store sign at the Ellenton Premium Outlets closed the south half of the mall Friday night.
Eight units from North River Fire District weredispatched at about 5:54 p.m., officials said, whenthe breezeway's roof above the sign for the Brooks Brothers Factory Store caught fire.
Witnesses said it started with sparks and grew into flames as smoke billowed above the mall. The fire ignited about the same time that all store signs were lit at nightfall, adjacent store employees said.
The south half of the mall was evacuated while fire crews worked the blaze until about 8:30 p.m.
A cause for the fire will be released when the investigation is completed, officials said.
Employees huddled outside the mall sharing coats and blankets as temperatures stared to dip after
sunset.
No injuries were reported and there are no immediate estimates on damage. Officials said the fire was contained mostly to the roof area.
After firefighters deemed the area safe, store managers were allowed access to cash out registers, retrieve personal belongings and close for the night.
Mall officials said while Brooks Brothers will be closed, the rest of the mall will be open for business at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Who will win the outlet mall race? Experts say speed, price are key.
 |
| Rendering of proposed Tanger Outlets |
Recent announcements of two competing outlet malls for opposite ends of Interstate 485 will set off a race to complete the projects and sign tenants – with experts and outlet mall executives saying only one of the projects will likely be built.
Tanger Outlets Charlotte would be constructed at I-485 and Steele Creek Road. The Simon company’s Charlotte Premium Outlets would be just east of Charlotte, in Stallings, at I-485 and Idlewild Road.
With similar sites near the fringes of Charlotte and next to growing outer counties, the centers – about 22 miles apart – will be competing to attract the same retailers, such as Gap, Banana Republic and Polo Ralph Lauren.
And industry experts say the first to sign popular tenants and get construction going will probably prevail.
“It’s going to be one or the other, certainly not both,” said Davidson-based economic development and market analyst Kathleen Rose.
So which one has the edge? “I think the jury’s still out,” Rose said. “We’ve got a lot of growth along the North Carolina-South Carolina border, and these would both serve that dynamic.”
Simon, based in Indianapolis, is the largest retail real estate company in the nation, while Greensboro-based Tanger is the largest outlet-only operator.
Simon declined to comment, and Tanger executives weren’t available Friday.
Executives of both companies have told investors it’s possible – or even likely – that one of the malls won’t get built.
Charlotte is at least the third such city to have competing outlet projects in the past two years, illustrating how hungry companies are to build such centers.
No new enclosed malls have opened in the U.S. since 2006, but outlet centers are thriving.
Over the past 18 months, the square footage of outlet malls in the U.S. has increased more than 9 percent, to 70.9 million square feet, according to Value Retail News.
The proposed Charlotte malls would be similar sizes, Simon at 400,000 square feet and Tanger at 350,000, with an option to expand to 400,000.
Both companies plan to break ground on their outlet malls next year. Both plan to open them in 2014.
“(Tanger) and (Simon) are gearing up for a battle to control the Charlotte, NC market,” wrote Omotayo Okusanya, an analyst with Jefferies & Co.
For Simon, which also owns Concord Mills, SouthPark, and Gaffney Premium Outlets, a new Charlotte outlet center offers a chance to gain even more dominance in Charlotte.
“If Simon is the only one to develop a retail outlet, they would solidify their already strong presence in Charlotte and leave little room for competitors. However, this defensive maneuver may come at the cost of cannibalizing sales at Concord Mills,” wrote Okusanya.
For Tanger, breaking into the Charlotte market would be attractive.
“We believe that CEO Steve Tanger will defend this project aggressively with the ultimate goal of opening the only new outlet center in Charlotte,” Okusanya wrote.
Tanger owns outlet centers in Mebane, Blowing Rock and Myrtle Beach.
Neither company has announced a lineup of retailers for its mall yet. Both companies’ CEOs have said tenant choices will probably determine which is ultimately built.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Outlet mall zoning request includes hotel, bigger signs
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Tanger Outlets Charlotte, planned for the Steele Creek area, could include a 120-room hotel and highway signs much larger than those currently allowed, according to rezoning request documents made public Thursday.
The new outlet mall is slated for Interstate 485 and Steele Creek Road. The Greensboro-based company has said it plans to break ground next year and open in 2014.
Rezoning documents show the 82-acre parcel, bounded by I-485, Shopton Road, Dixie River Road and Steele Creek Road, could ultimately include up to 480,000 feet of gross retail floor space, plus a 120-room hotel up to 120,000 square feet.
The mostly-vacant land is currently zoned for residential, light industrial and commercial use. The land is just outside of Charlotte’s city limits.
Tanger is developing the mall in conjunction with Steele Creek Limited Partnership, controlled by Sarah Belk Gambrell, and Childress Klein Properties.
Another rezoning request published Thursday shows Childress Klein is requesting an exception to existing rules about signage for commercial centers.
Under the proposed new rules, a commercial development with more than 500,000 of gross floor space on at least 36 acres would be able to have two signs up to 50 feet tall along an expressway. The signs’ areas could be up to 300 square feet.
Steele Creek Limited Partnership, which owns hundreds of acres in the area, also filed a petition to develop 110 acres on the other side of the I-485 interchange as an industrial park. The vacant land, located between Sandy Porter Road and West Arrowood Road, is currently zoned for residential use.
A public hearing on the rezoning requests is scheduled for Jan. 22.
The zoning documents show they were finished with property owners’ signatures on Oct. 16, the day before the project was publicly announced.
Simon Property Group, which also owns Concord Mills, SouthPark, and Gaffney Premium Outlets, has plans for a Charlotte outlet mall of its own at I-485 and Idlewild Road, in Charlotte.
Executives with both companies have said both projects might not be built, since they would be only about 20 miles apart. Many tenants would likely have to choose one or the other, so speedy construction will likely be key to the surviving mall’s success. Simon also hopes to start construction next year and open in 2014.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Horizon Group Properties And CBL & Associates Properties Announce Opening Of Expansion Of The Outlet Shoppes At Oklahoma City
OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 9, 2012 — /PRNewswire/ -- Horizon Group Properties, Inc. (OTC: HGPI) and CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (NYSE: CBL) today announced the Grand Opening of a 27,800 square foot expansion of The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City, a 348,600 square foot outlet shopping center. Tenants in the expansion include Coach Men's Factory, Columbia Sportswear, Kenneth Cole, Ann Taylor Loft Outlet, Lucky Brand Outlet, and Waterford, Wedgewood, Royal Doulton. The 100% leased outlet shopping center is located at the intersection of Interstate-40 and Council Road and opened in August 2011. The expansion is located in the southwest area of the center.
"We are very excited about opening the initial expansion of The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City," said Gary J. Skoien, chief executive officer of Horizon Group Properties. "Retailer and shopper demand enabled this expansion to be completed only 15 months after the initial opening of the center. It is a testament to the many valued customers in Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas that have made this center such a huge success. We have the capacity to further expand the center by an additional 31,700 square feet and we expect to continue to add to the roster of top-shelf stores at the center."
Mathis Brothers plan to open a 11,000 sq. ft. Sleep Studio store on November 10th on a perimeter outlot just west of the center. When completed, it will showcase more than sixty top name brands. BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse plan to open an 8,300-square-foot restaurant on a pad site just to the southeast of the main mall. They expect to break ground this fall and open early summer 2013.
"The second phase of The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City builds on and enhances the premier selection of brand name retailers shoppers will enjoy," commented Michael Lebovitz, executive vice president – development & administration for CBL. "The expansion of this center is a result of the demand by local market for quality retail and also demonstrates the centers attraction as a major draw for tourists and area visitors. We are pleased to open this expansion, which will add to its future success."
The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City is a joint venture of CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. and Horizon Group Properties, Inc. Horizon and CBL are co-developers of the project; Horizon is responsible for leasing and managing the center.
About Horizon Group Properties, Inc.
Based in Norton Shores, Michigan with executive offices in Rosemont, Illinois, Horizon Group Properties, Inc. is a leading owner and developer of factory outlet shopping centers in the United States and Asia and is the developer of a master planned community in suburban Chicago. For more information, please visit www.horizongroup.com.
About CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.
CBL is one of the largest and most active owners and developers of malls and shopping centers in the United States. CBL owns, holds interests in or manages 164 properties, including 95 regional malls/open-air centers. The properties are located in 28 states and total 93.4 million square feet including 9.4 million square feet of non-owned shopping centers managed for third parties. Headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, CBL has regional offices in Boston (Waltham), MA, Dallas (Irving), TX, and St. Louis, MO. Additional information can be found at cblproperties.com.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Tanger To Celebrate Grand Opening Of Tanger Outlets Westgate In Glendale On Thursday, November 15th
GREENSBORO, N.C., Nov. 6, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE:SKT) — Tanger Outlets Westgate will celebrate its Grand Opening on Thursday, November 15th.
When the store doors open, shoppers in the greater Phoenix area will
have a new destination to shop for fashion and savings timed perfectly -
just in time for the Holidays.
The upscale outlet center has approximately 330,000 square feet of retail shops with the potential of an 80,000 square foot expansion from the first phase of the project. The Center is located 9 miles from Phoenix off Interstate 10 to Loop 101, exit at Glendale Avenue.
The region's economy will be provided a significant economic boost from the opening of Tanger Outlets Westgate through sales and property tax revenues as well as the creation of more than 900 full and part-time retail management and sales positions.
Eighty brand name and designer outlet stores will be featured. Stores include: American Eagle, Banana Republic Factory Store, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Calvin Klein, Coach Factory Store, Cole Hahn, Fossil, Gap Outlet, GUESS, Gymboree, H&M, IZOD, J.Crew, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Nine West, Puma, Skechers, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, White House Black Market and many other popular designer outlet brands.
"We are looking forward to introducing the state of Arizona to our latest Tanger Outlet Center and to exceeding shopper's expectations," said Steven B. Tanger, President and CEO of Tanger Factory Outlets. "Residents and visitors to the greater Phoenix area will discover a first class shopping atmosphere, leading upscale brands, the latest fashion trends and savings that come direct from the manufacturer."
Brian Friedman, Executive Director of Glendale's Community and Economic Development Department said, "Tanger Outlets represents significant new private investment and furthers the quality development occurring along the Loop 101 in the heart of the Glendale Sports and Entertainment District. Tanger will draw new patrons and significantly contribute to the year round energy and vibrancy of this growing area."
"Contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations help Banner Health deliver on its promise to provide excellent patient care," says Andy Kramer Petersen. "We are grateful for this growing partnership with Tanger Outlet Centers and for their commitment to strengthening our community by supporting pediatric programs and services throughout Banner that would not exist without philanthropy."
To celebrate and welcome shoppers, the center will host a weekend of spectacular opening activities. Special events and entertainment will include:
The upscale outlet center has approximately 330,000 square feet of retail shops with the potential of an 80,000 square foot expansion from the first phase of the project. The Center is located 9 miles from Phoenix off Interstate 10 to Loop 101, exit at Glendale Avenue.
The region's economy will be provided a significant economic boost from the opening of Tanger Outlets Westgate through sales and property tax revenues as well as the creation of more than 900 full and part-time retail management and sales positions.
Eighty brand name and designer outlet stores will be featured. Stores include: American Eagle, Banana Republic Factory Store, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Calvin Klein, Coach Factory Store, Cole Hahn, Fossil, Gap Outlet, GUESS, Gymboree, H&M, IZOD, J.Crew, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Nine West, Puma, Skechers, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, White House Black Market and many other popular designer outlet brands.
"We are looking forward to introducing the state of Arizona to our latest Tanger Outlet Center and to exceeding shopper's expectations," said Steven B. Tanger, President and CEO of Tanger Factory Outlets. "Residents and visitors to the greater Phoenix area will discover a first class shopping atmosphere, leading upscale brands, the latest fashion trends and savings that come direct from the manufacturer."
Brian Friedman, Executive Director of Glendale's Community and Economic Development Department said, "Tanger Outlets represents significant new private investment and furthers the quality development occurring along the Loop 101 in the heart of the Glendale Sports and Entertainment District. Tanger will draw new patrons and significantly contribute to the year round energy and vibrancy of this growing area."
"Contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations help Banner Health deliver on its promise to provide excellent patient care," says Andy Kramer Petersen. "We are grateful for this growing partnership with Tanger Outlet Centers and for their commitment to strengthening our community by supporting pediatric programs and services throughout Banner that would not exist without philanthropy."
To celebrate and welcome shoppers, the center will host a weekend of spectacular opening activities. Special events and entertainment will include:
- Stores Open When: Thursday, November 15, 9:00 AM
- Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony When: Thursday, November 15, 10:00 AM Vanessa Lachey, Ceremony Host; Steven B. Tanger, President and CEO of Tanger Outlets; Steve Frate, Glendale Vice Mayor; Sherry Henry, Director, Arizona Office of Tourism and additional state and regional officials will be on hand to open the new Tanger Outlets Westgate in Glendale.
- Symphony of Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony with Magical Holiday Snow When: Thursday Evening, November 15, 7:30 PM
- American Idol's Kris Allen Holiday Concert When: Friday Evening, November 16, 7:00 PM Enjoy a Sparkling Holiday Sound Celebration featuring American Idol's Kris Allen. The concert is free and open to the public. Register at tangeroutlet.com/krisallen to win VIP tickets and a chance to meet Kris Allen.
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