Six new stores to open in Tanger Outlet in Gonzales

Posted: Apr 06, 2013 7:08 PM EDTUpdated: Apr 06, 2013 7:10 PM EDT By Kelsey Davis - WAFB.com

GONZALES, LA (WAFB) -
Just a few months before summer vacations start, Tanger Outlet Mall in Gonzales made a few additions---six new stores. Shoppers and the Gonzales mayor say this expansion will help keep money in the state.

J. Crew, Talbots, Under Armor are just some of the new stores in the 50,000 square foot expansion that is now open to shoppers at the Tanger Outlet in Gonzales

"Tanger is a regional shopping center," said Gonzales mayor Barney Arceneaux. "So, I mean to have these new stores...this new addition...it's just great for us in Gonzales.>

Arceneaux says this expansion could also mean great things for the entire state's economy.

"To have people coming in, not  only from the state of Louisiana, but all parts state. We're getting Mississippi folks that's coming across right now, so again it's very exciting for us. And needless to say, the tax dollars are always welcome," said Arceneaux.

Tanger general manager John Taylor says the new stores help round out the current variety the shopping center has to offer.

"It fulfills the requests of our shoppers and the customers not only in Gonzales, but Baton Rouge and New Orleans. And once Polo gets here...that list will be complete," said Taylor.

Taylor says the Polo store should open this August. Some shoppers were happy to hear they won't have to leave the state for Polo and their other favorite outlet stores anymore.

"I'm not feeling the Mississippi thing. It's too far. This is closer to home. That's helpful," said Amanda Fortner, a shopper.

 "We want to do local shopping because it's good for our economy, and I mean it's good for our personal economy too because it makes our dollars stretch more that way you don't have to travel two hours to go somewhere," said shopper Angela Wiggins.

Taylor says with shoppers this excited about the additions, 2013 will be a good year for business.

"I mean with these stores opening now...Polo opening in August, and that puts us right into the holidays," said Taylor.

We asked mayor Barney Arceneaux if he's heard of any issues due the sales tax increased last year. He says as far as he knows it has not hurt business at all.