December 2002 Cover Story Features Off Price

Cover Story

Weathering the Cold in Canada
Even with a sluggish economy on both sides of the border, outlet center developers in Quebec and Ontario continue to post positive numbers and optimistic attitudes. To find out how these Canadians are weathering the cold, VRN turns the spotlight on Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets, Cookstown Manufacturer’s Mall, Factoreries St. Sauveur, Promenades Hudson Factory Outlet Center and Promenades Sainte Anne Factory Outlet Center.

Features

Outlets and Entertainment
Outlet centers aren’t just for shopping anymore. Entertainment - big name musicians, celebrity impersonators, casting calls, antique auto shows, local band contests - is being used more and more by independent developers who want to attract visitors to their centers.

The Big Turnaround
The first time James Schlesinger saw Fashion Outlets
Las Vegas in Primm, Nev., he fell in love with the mall’s architectural elements and bought the place. Then he had to figure out how to bring it out of the doldrums.

Walking on Air
Sixteen-year-old Airwalk recently entered the outlet arena and is pleased that the venue is flexible enough for the company’s philosophy of avoiding megabranding but embracing strong niche branding.

These Dots Aren’t Dipping
Once known for its one-price apparel format, Dots’ reinvents itself with upscale product and expansion plans that include outlet centers.

Off-Price

Colorado Mills Opens
An estimated 75,000 shoppers surged through the 1.2 million-sf Colorado Mills on its opening day in November. The mall’s tenants include a 190,000-sf Super Target and a 20,000-sf Eddie Bauer Outlet.