By Miriam Valverde, Sun Sentinel February 15, 2014
Palm Beach Outlets' grand opening Friday lured thousands of people eager to check out a lineup of more than 100 stores at West Palm Beach's new outlet destination.
"We needed something like this," West Palm Beach resident Patti Martin said after shopping at Yankee Candle. "It's great. There's a lot of different shops."
Men and women of all ages packed Palm Beach Outlets, walking in and out of stores and strolling around the center weighed down with shopping bags. Long lines curved within shops such as Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and Nike Factory Store.
"This is awesome," said 21-year-old Emily Alfaro. "I took a lap around first to see all the stores and then started shopping."
Shoes won her over.
The West Palm Beach resident said she spent about $800 at the Nike Factory Store and around $100 more at footwear store Traffic.
Palm Beach Outlets opened at 1751 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. at the site of what used to be the Palm Beach Mall, an enclosed shopping center that closed about four years ago.
The new 400,000-square-foot outdoor shopping center will be complemented with an another retail space scheduled to open this fall. The upcoming 200,000-square-foot section will be anchored by Whole Foods Market and Nordstrom Rack. Other stores opening over the next months include T.J. Maxx and Bed Bath & Beyond.
Retailers lured shoppers Friday with bargains and treats, offering discounts, free chocolate, red balloons and colorful pinwheels. A "Celebrity Style" fashion show is scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. hosted by TV personality Mario Lopez. The event will showcase the latest spring styles and trends.
A preview event held Thursday night as part of the grand opening festivities raised $100,000 for 20 local charities, according to Jim Roberts, general manager of Palm Beach Outlets.
Visitors Friday said the new outlets are a welcome addition that will save them a trip to other outlet locations south and north of Palm Beach County.
"I'm happy, it's more than what I expected," said Jean Hawthorne, who lives near the outlets. "I'm pleasantly surprised."
For more information on Palm Beach Outlets, call 561-515-4400 or visit palmbeachoutlets.com.
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