Lego Store to reopen in Discover Mills

SOURCE: RetailSolutionsOnline.com

The LEGO group, one of the world's best-known toy manufacturers, is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of the LEGO store on March 16 at Discover Mills, Atlanta's largest outlet, value retail and entertainment destination. The LEGO store will now be located near The Disney Store and Gymboree Outlets and raises the bar in innovative displays, in-store family events and shopper-friendly play areas.

"The newly redesigned LEGO store is the perfect complement to Discover Mills' already celebrated shopping and entertainment experience," said Karl Woodard, general manager of Discover Mills.
"We are confident that local residents and visitors to the greater Atlanta area will revel in the fun experiences that the LEGO store brings to Discover Mills."

The new LEGO store will feature an assortment of products covering nearly every square inch of space amidst three key design components. The "Pick-A-Brick-Wall," by far the most popular store feature, offers the option to hand pick and purchase specific LEGO bricks and elements in a variety of colors and shapes in bulk. The "Living Room" is an interactive play area prominently positioned in the center of the store and finally a "Brand Ribbon" runs the circumference of the store, featuring LEGO model displays, company history and fun facts to entertain guests. In addition, other in-store features and experiences include Master Builder Bar, Monthly Mini Model Build Classes, LEGO Club Meetings, V.I.P. Program and Shop & Ship.

"Our newly redesigned store at Discover Mills will enhance our consumers' overall LEGO brand experience through product variety, store design and regular hands-on family events," says Skip Kodak, vice president, LEGO Group. "Children and families will be able to experience first-hands and hands-on creativity and imagination that goes into LEGO building and be inspired by the over 4 million LEGO bricks that are in the store at any given time."

Other popular stores already enjoying success at Discover Mills include Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Papaya, Guess Factory Store, Sears Fashion Outlet, Off Broadway Shoes, Zales The Diamond Store Outlet, Kenneth Cole Company Store and Nike Factory Store.

Simon Property Group Announces Two Strategic Acquisitions, Strengthening Domestic and International Footprint

Acquires 28.7% Interest in Leading European Mall Owner and Operator Klépierre from BNP Paribas

 

Acquires Joint Venture Partner Farallon Capital’s Stake in 26 Mills Assets

Both Transactions Expected to be Immediately Accretive to FFO; SPG Increases 2012 FFO and Net Income Guidance

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 8, 2012-- Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG) ("SPG") today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement under which it is acquiring a 28.7% equity stake (54,430,000 shares) in Klépierre (Euronext Paris: LI) from BNP Paribas (Euronext Paris: BNP) for €28.00 per share, or a total transaction value of approximately $2.0 billion (€1.5 billion). SPG will receive payment of Klépierre’s dividend to be declared in April 2012. Klépierre is a Paris-based real estate company that focuses on the ownership, management, and development of shopping centers, retail properties and offices across Continental Europe. Klépierre’s portfolio includes 271 shopping centers in 13 countries, with 50 percent of its properties in France and Belgium, 25 percent in Scandinavia, and the balance in Central and Southern Europe.

David Simon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SPG, said, “We are very excited to become the largest shareholder in Klépierre, which has a collection of unique retail assets in strong markets in Europe. The investment in Klépierre represents an attractive opportunity for SPG as we seek to broaden our global footprint. We have long been admirers of Klépierre, its pan-European footprint and growth potential, and we look forward to working closely with the Klépierre management team.”

As part of the Klépierre transaction, Mr. Simon will become the Chairman of Klépierre’s nine member Supervisory Board. Two additional SPG representatives will join the Klépierre Board as well.

Laurent Morel, Chief Executive Officer of Klépierre, commented, “We are very enthusiastic to have Simon Property Group as a significant investor in Klépierre, which will combine Klépierre’s expertise, strong European presence and development potential with the expertise and leadership of the largest global retail real estate company. Simon’s collaboration with the Klépierre team will be a significant asset in driving the profitable growth of our company.”

Klépierre, a listed real estate company, held assets valued at €16.2 billion at December 31, 2011. Klépierre specializes in designing, managing, and enhancing the value of its real estate assets via its subsidiaries, Ségécé and Steen & Strøm, Scandinavia’s number one owner and manager of shopping centers. Klépierre is listed on Euronext Paris™ and belongs to the SBF 40, CAC Large 60, and EPRA Eurozone indexes.

The Klépierre transaction is expected to close next week. SPG has no current intention to acquire additional shares of Klépierre.

SPG also announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement with its joint venture partner Farallon Capital Management, L.L.C. ("Farallon") under which SPG is acquiring Farallon’s stake in 26 assets of The Mills Limited Partnership (“The Mills”) in a transaction valued at $1.5 billion, which includes repayment of The Mills’ senior loan facility and mezzanine loan, and the retirement of preferred stock. The Mills assets included in this transaction, all of which will continue to be managed by SPG, are listed below.

Mr. Simon added, “The Mills transaction is a compelling opportunity for SPG to expand our investment in a portfolio of assets we know well and already manage, which are well-located in key metropolitan markets, have considerable consumer brand equity and large trade areas, and generate significant cash flow and total sales volumes. We were pleased to have partnered with Farallon since our initial investment in 2007, and we have made significant progress improving The Mills’ assets. We look forward to a continued strengthening of these high-quality, well-positioned properties, and will continue to pursue redevelopment opportunities throughout this portfolio.”

Rocky Fried, Managing Member of Farallon, said “We are extremely gratified by this outcome. When we entered into the transaction in 2007, we had a shared vision for The Mills properties and brand and Simon Property Group did an exceptional job of accomplishing those goals, despite a historic downturn in the property markets. We know that under Simon’s continued stewardship, The Mills will continue to prosper.”

FOR THE COMPLETE PRESS REPORT FOLLOW THIS LINK.

Simon Property Group Announces Proposed Offerings of Common Stock and Senior Notes

INDIANAPOLIS, March 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG) announced today that it intends to conduct, subject to market and other conditions, an offering of 7,000,000 shares of common stock.  The Company expects to grant the underwriters an overallotment option to purchase 1,050,000 additional shares of common stock.

Additionally, the Company announced today that its majority-owned operating partnership subsidiary, Simon Property Group, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership"), intends, subject to market and other conditions, to offer three new series of senior unsecured notes with maturity dates of five and one-half, ten and thirty years in the aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offerings to fund (or repay borrowings used prior to the closing of the offerings to fund) two recently announced transactions: the purchase of a 28.7% equity interest in Klepierre, a publicly-traded French REIT, from BNP Paribas; and the purchase of additional interests in 26 properties in the Mills portfolio from Farallon Capital Management, L.L.C. and for general corporate and partnership purposes.

No one blinking yet in race for Chesterfield outlet mall

 BY KAVITA KUMAR • kkumar@post-dispatch.com - stltoday.com

There’s still no sign of flinching in the game of chicken between two proposed outlet mall centers in Chesterfield.

Both projects have been going full steam ahead even though it’s apparent that only one will end up getting built.

They both have submitted site plans to the city – though Chesterfield Outlets is a bit further along in the vetting process than its rival. And now St. Louis Premium Outlets has got the ball rolling on applying for financing.

The developers of the proposed St. Louis Premium Outlets recently filed an application with the city to form a community improvement district.

It would raise as much as $30 million through bonds, which would be paid back through a sales tax of up to one percent that would be levied on this property.

I might add that back in October, Stephen Coslik, chief executive of Texas-based Woodmont Co., one of the backers of this $85 million outlet project, said he would not seek tax-increment financing. But he didn’t rule out then the possibility of seeking assistance through other government programs. Now we know why. (Simon Property Group, owner of St. Louis Mills, is the other major partner on this project.)

The city gave a preliminary OK to the special taxing district earlier this month, but it still has to go through another round of scrutiny before coming up for final approval.

In the meantime, the city has not yet received any financing applications from the other proposed project – Chesterfield Outlets, which is being spearheaded by Taubman Centers. But there have been informal discussions with city officials about creating a transportation development district, which would help provide some funds for the project.

The site plans for this development are a couple steps ahead of the other project and have already been approved by the city’s architectural review board and are now going before the planning commission next week.

On a conference call with investors earlier this month, Robert Taubman, the company’s chief executive, said that he expects Chesterfield Outlets to receive final site plan approval and to start construction in April, with an opening slated for fall of 2013.

“With 2.8 million people and no outlet center in the market, tenants have responded strongly,” he said, though he didn’t mention any specific retailers.

So, yes, neither is backing down. It will be interesting to see who blinks first.

McArthurGlen appoints Group HR Director

SOURCE: TheGrapevineMagazine.com

The owner, developer and manager of designer outlets has appointed a new HR Director.

Antonella Padova assumes the new role at McArthurGlen Group, where she will be responsible for overseeing the group’s HR operations at the firm’s head office in London, as well as offices in Italy and its designer outlets located in eight European countries.

Padova has more than 20 years of HR experience, working for major international brands. Her previous positions include key global roles at Italian luxury brand Tod’s SpA and at   consumer brand Whirlpool, as well as at Danone.

Padova was Global HR Director at Italian luxury brand Tod’s SpA for six years. Prior to this, she was Global Director of Knowledge Management and Innovation for the Whirlpool Corporation, having joined Whirlpool Europe as European HR Director three years previously.

Her first key HR appointment was as HR Director at Galbani, which was then part of the French Danone Group.

Commenting on Padova’s appointment, Julia Calabrese, CEO, McArthurGlen, says: “We are delighted to welcome Antonella to McArthurGlen at a time when the group is undergoing unprecedented growth. Antonella brings a wealth of experience to McArthurGlen gained from working for world-leading brands in global and regional roles.”

Kenneth Cole makes buyout bid.

SOURCE: LiveTradingNews.com

Kenneth Cole has made an offer to take the company he founded private, although slightly over the market price at the time, $15 a share is not likely to buy Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. (NYSE: KCP).

Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. (NYSE: KCP) (the “Company”) announced that its board of directors has received a non-binding proposal from Kenneth Cole, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of the Company and the holder of approximately 47% of the Company’s outstanding common stock (representing approximately 89% of the voting power), to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class A common stock that he does not currently directly or indirectly own for $15.00 per share in cash. A copy of the text of the proposal letter to the board of directors is set forth below.

In response, the board of directors has formed a special committee of independent directors to consider the proposal, to negotiate on behalf of the Company and, if it deems appropriate, to solicit and consider any alternative transactions. The special committee is comprised of all of the directors of the Company other than Kenneth Cole and Paul Blum. The special committee is authorized to retain independent financial advisors and legal counsel to assist it in its work. The board of directors cautions the Company’s shareholders and others considering trading in its securities that it has only received the proposal and that no decision has been made with respect to the Company’s response to the proposal. There can be no assurance that any definitive offer will be made, that any agreement will be executed or that the transaction contemplated in the proposal or any other transaction will be approved or consummated. The Company does not anticipate making any further public statements about this matter or the activities of the special committee unless and until either it enters into a definitive agreement for a transaction or the special committee determines that no such transaction will be effected.

Tanger Outlets Introduces TangerKIDS Grants

Company Release - 03/06/2012 16:25


GREENSBORO, N.C., March 6, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE:SKT), announced today that in keeping with their charitable mission to help find a cure for breast cancer and protecting the future of kids, the launch of TangerKIDS Grants. This program is designed to award grant money to local schools in the communities where Tanger Outlets are located.

Tanger Outlets believes that our children are our biggest and most important asset. They represent the future of our nation. With this in mind, Tanger has dedicated efforts since the company was founded to assist students from pre-school through high school by helping to raise money that is used to purchase books and supplies, computers and new technology, to fund reading programs and educational field trips, to purchase athletic and playground equipment and for many other important educational projects. Tanger Outlets has now raised and donated in excess of one million dollars to helping children and schools succeed.

The TangerKIDS Grants program is designed to assist schools in Tanger Outlets primary markets by providing grants for special projects, needed programs or equipment. Grants can also support groups within schools of all grade levels from Pre-K to Grade 12. Each year new requests will be submitted to allow Tanger to help multiple schools, groups and initiatives within the schools. These grants will be offered for multiple schools at each of Tanger's 39 centers in the United States and Canada. Schools prepare request forms and submit them to their Tanger Outlets Center by Friday, March 30. Grants are awarded between Monday, May 7 and Friday, May 11.

Tanger has earmarked one dollar of every coupon book sold to kids and schools. Tanger has contributed one dollar of each book sold since 2000, but this year's TangerKIDS grant program is a targeted way to get the funds to deserving schools and children. The goal is to support education in a meaningful way. Funding for TangerKIDS Grants ranges from 2,500 to 7,500 dollars per center and may be split between multiple grant requests.

"The entire Tanger organization strongly believes that supporting children's education is an investment in their future and we, as a company, want to contribute. We take great pride in being engaged members of the communities we serve. Tanger Outlet Centers, Inc. has developed this new program to assist our local schools with funding for needed programs and equipment. TangerKIDS exemplifies our long term commitment to protect the futures of children," said Steven B. Tanger, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Factory Outlet Group on LinkedIn adds 1000 members

I am pleased to announce that the Factory Outlet group on LinkedIn has exceeded 1000 members this week.

Where are our members from?
11% - Greater NY City Area
4% - Greater Boston Area
3% - Milan Area/Italy
2% - Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
2% - Baltimore
2% - Los Angeles

What industry do our members work in?
38% - Retail
16% - Real Estate
10% - Apparel/Fashion
5% - Commercial Real Estate
4% - Marketing

What Seniority do we list ourselves as?
25% - Manager
19% - Senior
14% - Director
12% - VP
9% - Owner

If your not already a member, I encourage you to join our group on LinkedIn. Group members can contribute what you are doing, where you are at, or what you need help with. You can create discussions, post jobs, add news stories and anything else that you think will be of interest and benefit the members of the group

Our group will only be more successful as it grows. I ask you to invite your Factory Outlet connections to join our community.

Additionally, if you would like to connect, please send me an invitation on LinkedIn. I am always interested in connecting with other professionals in the industry.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Mark Libell
Vice President
Kids Supercenter

Used Shoes at Nordstrom's Rack Outlet Stores?

Photo by Heather Staible

By: Stephanie Landsman -CNBC

It isn’t unusual to see retailers sell refurbished computers or televisions. But what about shoes? 

High-end department store Nordstrom is funneling its returned and worn shoes to its Nordstrom Rack outlet stores. This practice is surprising since outlet stores are not known as second-hand stores. It’s a place for retailers to send their unsold merchandise each season.

The shoes are clearly labeled as “worn and refinished” — and it’s reflected in the markdown. Sometimes they are slipped side-by-side on the racks with new items. Other times, they’re put on display in a section of the shoe department.

“On a perception level, it turns you into a junk store, a second-hand clothing store. And, that is something that now calls into question Nordstrom’s reputation as a first-rate, quality high-end type of brand retailer,” said branding expert Robert Frankel.

He isn’t disputing the rationale of the strategy. Nordstrom gets to preserve margins and sell its returned merchandise in its outlet store instead of through a liquidator. But, Frankel, who wrote the book “The Revenge of Brand X: How to Build A Big Time Brand On The Web or Anywhere Else,” said it’s just very ill-conceived.

“From a stock analyst point of view, it suggests Nordstrom is really pinching pennies if they are selling their garbage. They were supposed to be first-class quality,” said Frankel. “Now they are expanding where they are almost a thrift-store status? There is something wrong here.” 

So, how do they clean them? Do they get sprayed like bowling shoes?

Nordstrom Rack Spokesperson Kendall Ault said the shoes that are labeled as “worn and refinished” are gently worn (either tried on or accepted as returns) and then professionally cleaned, repaired and refinished as needed to return to a “near-pristine” condition.

“At Nordstrom Rack, we make every attempt to offer our consumers merchandise that is in the best possible condition. We will not knowingly sell damaged or broken items,” said Ault in a statement.

She adds that the refurbished items are never sold at the upscale Nordstrom stores. And, the retailer does not hold any “official” refurbished shoe events.

This suggests some Nordstrom Racks may be going rogue.

Going Rogue

Earlier this month, the Nordstrom Rack in Fairfax, Va., held a refurbished shoe event. We confirmed it with a store representative after its manager tweeted out photographs of “worn and refinished” shoes “hot off the truck” on her Twitter page.

The Nordstrom Rack in Paramus, N.J., held one last year.

Branding expert Frankel said, “It raised my concerns that local stores may have loose-cannon types that may be undermining the overall brand without corporate's knowledge.”

Amy Shea, global director of brand development for Brand Keys, believes Nordstrom has a good idea, but it’s not executing it properly.

“Certainly, they do have an expectation attached to their brand expectation of quality, so there is a thin line between being a thrift store and being Nordstrom,” said Shea. “We know that the shopping experience is a very strong driver when it comes to the department store category. So, it is really cautionary for Nordstrom Rack if they’re putting out merchandise that is not shown properly or not really restored.”

Demand for Pre-Owned Couture

There is a caveat. If Nordstrom Rack was selling refurbished, higher end shoes such as Gucci or Louis Vuitton versus used Sperry rain boots, she said there would be a positive impact on the retailer’s brand. 

There is a robust market out there for pre-owned couture among the younger crowd. It’s something the flash sites, such as TheRealReal.com and BeyondtheRack.com, have been capitalizing on.

“From the data and findings on younger consumers who have the money to shop at Nordstrom, there is a real move away from conspicuous consumption…. They have been raised on various levels of couture. Low-end is Stuart Weitzman for them. There is an expectation,” said Shea.

Keybanc Capital Markets Research Analyst Edward Yruma does not think this practice compromises Nordstrom’s brand.

“If it is a high-end item being refurbished and it’s definitely not being sold at its full-line stores, then it’s fine if it’s sold at the Rack,” said Yruma. “It is within the scope when you buy at the off-price channel.”

Breaking From the Pack

But, it appears what Nordstrom Rack is doing is not the norm among its competitors.

Neiman Marcus spokeswoman Ginger Reeder said the retailer’s outlet, Last Call, does not sell worn items. However, it does have a section of "chips and dents," which are basically irregular items such as a shoe that had a missing buckle that was replaced.

Saks’ outlet, Off 5th, does not sell refurbished shoes either, according to Julia Bentley, its spokeswoman.

TJX Companies which runs Marshalls and TJ Maxx, sent us an ambiguous statement about vender contacts and their goods being in accordance with “all applicable laws, regulations and industry standards.” Its spokesman Kenneth MacFadyen, acknowledged that the comment was “not specific.” But, he believes it “addresses” our question. 

 Century 21 and Bloomingdale's Outlet did not give us a comment. Keybanc Capital Markets, Yruma's employer, has received compensation for investment banking services from Nordstrom during the past 12 months. The firm has also received compensation for non-investment banking securities related services.

Simon Property Group and Bailian Group Agree to Jointly Develop a Premium Outlet Center® in China

First Project Likely to be Adjacent to Shanghai Disney Resort -

SHANGHAI, March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG), the world's leading retail real estate company, and Bailian Group, the largest retail conglomerate in China, announced today they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly develop a branded Premium Outlet Center® in Pudong, Shanghai, China.

Simon Property Group is the world's largest developer, owner and operator of outlet shopping centers, with interests in 70 Premium Outlet Centers located in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Simon's Premium Outlets® portfolio combines leading designer brands, high quality environments, value pricing, and direct marketing to create very successful outlet destinations in major markets. The existing Premium Outlets portfolio comprises industry-leading properties including Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (New York City), Orlando Premium Outlets, Desert Hills Premium Outlets (Palm Springs, California), Las Vegas Premium Outlets, Gotemba Premium Outlets (Tokyo, Japan) and Yeoju Premium Outlets (Seoul, South Korea).

Bailian Group is the largest retail conglomerate in China, engaging various retail businesses such as department stores, shopping malls, and supermarkets. At present, there are about 6,000 stores operated by Bailian located in China.

The MOU provides for the establishment of a formal joint venture between Simon and Bailian with respect to a proposed Premium Outlet Center project in the Pudong area of Shanghai owned by the Pudong City Government and adjacent to the Shanghai Disney Resort.  Bailian and Simon will jointly execute this project.

The MOU also provides the joint venture the opportunity to develop additional Premium Outlet Centers in mainland China.

Commenting on the MOU, Ma Xin Sheng, Bailian's Chairman said, "Simon is the world's largest real estate company and the leading developer of upscale outlet centers in the world. We believe a business partnership between Simon and Bailian will produce synergies in the design and development of an outlet center adjacent to the Shanghai Disney Resort and become an exciting outlet shopping destination offering international designer and name brands at discounted prices."

"We are very pleased to be working with a world class organization like Bailian to bring Premium Outlets to China," said John Klein, President of Simon's Premium Outlets division.  "We already welcome large numbers of Chinese visitors to our outlet centers around the world and we look forward to also serving these valued shoppers in China."

About Bailian Group Co.,Ltd.Bailian is the largest trade and retail conglomerate in China, ranked 33rd of the top 500 Chinese companies and 66th of the top 250 global retailers. At present, there are four listed companies including Shanghai Friendship, Lianhua Supermarket, Shanghai Material Trade and Shanghai No.1 Medical under the control of Bailian Group. With its 6,000 various stores in 20 provinces across China, Bailian Group is well-known for its different store brands such as No.1 Department Store, Yongan Department Store, Oriental Department Store, Nextage Mall and Bailian Nanfan, Xijiao, Youyicheng, Zhonghuan Shopping Malls, Bailian Brand Outlet Plaza and Lianhua Supermarket and Hualian Supermarket. For further information, please visit the Bailian Group Co.,Ltd. website: www.bailiangroup.com.

About Simon Property Group
Simon Property Group, Inc. is an S&P 500 company and the largest real estate company in the U.S. The Company currently owns or has an interest in 337 retail real estate properties comprising 245 million square feet in North America and Asia. Simon Property Group is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. The Company's common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG. For further information, visit the Simon Property Group website at www.simon.com.
SOURCE Simon Property Group, Inc.

Petition pushes Kembla Grange Factory Outlet Centre

BY SHANNON TONKIN 05 Mar, 2012 04:00 AM - ILLAWARRA MERCURY

Wollongong councillor Bede Crasnich believes within a week he will have hundreds of signatures in support of the Kembla Grange factory outlet centre proposal to present to fellow councillors.

The petition, Cr Crasnich said, will give residents the chance to collectively voice their support for a proposal to build a factory outlet centre and homemaker complex on vacant industrial land on Wyllie Rd.

The proponents, Leda Holdings and Total Recycling, sought a zoning change to have bulky goods and factory outlet uses included in the site's light industrial classification.

How ever, Wollongong councillors rejected the proposal in a 7-6 vote last week amid concerns over the possible impact the complex would have on existing retail centres and the loss of prime industrial land.

Cr Crasnich has since lodged a rescission motion that will bring the issue back to the council to be re-discussed next Monday.

He is chasing at least 300 signatures on the petition.

"When council made the decision to knock this back they effectively chose to refuse the community the right to have their say on the matter," he said.

"This petition will give people the chance to have that say and hopefully convince the council to progress this zoning proposal so formal community consultation can occur."

Cr Crasnich said he planned to doorknock homes in Ward 3 to gather signatures.

However, anyone who wanted to sign the petition could do so by sending an email to cr.bcrasnich @wollongong.nsw.gov.au and their names would be added to the petition.

Tanger Outlet Center Westgate Hosts Ground Breaking Ceremony

Company Release - 03/01/2012 08:30

GREENSBORO, N.C., Feb. 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHAT:
	Ground Breaking Ceremony scheduled to celebrate the beginning of construction on the new 328,000 square foot Tanger Outlet Center Westgate in Glendale, Arizona.
	Situated on 38-acres, the Tanger Outlet Center Westgate in Glendale, Arizona will be located on Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue in Western Phoenix. This site is adjacent to Westgate City Center, Jobing.com Arena, University of Phoenix Stadium, Cabela's and The Renaissance Glendale Hotel and Spa. The 328,000 square foot first phase of this upscale Tanger Outlet Center is underway, offering the nation's best outlet shopping including some 85 brand name outlet stores at opening. The modern design will feature a pedestrian friendly layout that will function as an open-air mall with both covered and uncovered landscaped courtyards and a park-like setting throughout the complex.
WHEN:	Wednesday, March 14, 2012
	11:00 AM
WHERE:	Construction site off Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue in Western Phoenix.
VIP'S TO ATTEND:	Steven B. Tanger, President and CEO, will host the ground breaking ceremonies.
	Guest speakers will include:
	ArizonaGovernor Brewer's Chief of Staff, Eileen Klein
	The Honorable Elaine Scruggs, Mayor of Glendale
	Glendale City Council Member, Joyce Clark
	Sherry Henry, Director, Arizona Office of Tourism
	Barry Broome, President and CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council
EVENTS:	10:30 a.m.   Guests arrive
PHOTO OPS:	10:55 a.m.   Speakers take stage
	11:00 a.m.   Ceremony begins
	11:05 a.m.   Flag Ceremony – Glendale Fire Honor Guard
	11:10 a.m.   National Anthem performed by Mountain Ridge High School
	11:20 a.m.   State, local dignitaries and Tanger officials make presentations
	11:50 a.m.   Steven B. Tanger presents donations to local honorary charities:                        From the Heart and Banner Health Foundation
	12:00 noon  Official Ground Breaking "Tossing of the Dirt"                                               Lunch and beverages will be served following the ceremony                        Music provided by Kellis High School Band

Ice rink ‘will return’ to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet site

By Mike Laycock , Chief reporter - The York Press

ORGANISERS of York’s ice rink say it will return to the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in November after attracting a record 46,200 skaters during its recent season.

They say analysis of visitors has shown that almost half came from outside the county, and the outlet’s shops also saw record sales during the rink’s season.

Maria Farrugia, executive producer at Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and organiser of the event, said: “With 45 per cent of customers coming from outside North Yorkshire, the event is bringing people into the area, having a direct impact on other businesses in and around the city.”

She said she believed the increase in skater numbers was a result of Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland – a funfair, Christmas market and Santa’s grotto – which was created alongside the rink, as staff had received so many compliments about it.

She said that the eighth year of the rink was now being planned and she could confirm that the Winter Wonderland and rink would open on Saturday, November 24, and run through until January 6, 2013.

Mike Thomas, centre manager for the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, said he was “thrilled” the event was such a success in its second year at the complex.

He said: “We are already planning an even more exciting event this year to ensure our visitor numbers keep increasing.”

The rink was originally based in the Eye of York until complaints from officials at nearby York Crown Court about noise and disturbance, after which it relocated to the outlet at Fulford, where there is room for a much bigger skating surface.

The rink won the York Tourism Awards in 2010 and has been voted one of the top ten ice rinks nationwide by several national newspapers and best ice rink to visit in the country by BBC Radio 2.