November 2006 Cover Story Features

Cover Story

Retail Runway
Four companies who run six outlet formats are showcased at the VRN Fall Outlet Retail Convention with mini-profiles of what’s happening at Lacoste, Children’s Place/Disney Store, Coach and Carter’s/OshKosh B’Gosh.

Lacoste: Building on a Name
Lacoste takes a slow and easy approach to outlet retail, opening 10 stores in a decade. Store growth is directly tied to the growth of its full-price boutique retail operation.

Features

News Up Front
Many outlet developments plan a midnight start for Black Friday; Compromise said close in Troutdale, Oregon; Casino gets OK to build near planned Tanger Outlet Center about 35 miles southwest of downtown Pittsburgh; a pair of developers hopes to build a 400,000-sf outlet center about 50 miles south of Buffalo, N.Y.; and Mills Corp. concludes the sale of its stake in three mega-shopping malls.

Convention Snapshot
Sessions at the VRN Fall Outlet Retail Convention in Orlando included a developer-led workshop highlighting industry strengths, and news that a Consumer Reports article earlier this year was so strong more such stories are being planned.

MAXI Triumph
Five outlet developments - the most ever - are recognized at the MAXI marketing awards in Chicago.

Limerick Breaks Ground
More than 110 stores will open next year at a new outlet center in Limerick Township, Pa. Roseland, N.J.-based Chelsea Property Group broke ground on the property in a ceremony held Sept. 20.

Freeport Update
Town leaders in September approved a plan advanced by L.L. Bean and partner/developer Berenson Assocs. to build a new retail, restaurant and parking complex on the site of the current L.L. Bean Outlet Store.

New Capital
One of the industry’s newest portfolio owners is bringing a wealth of experience - and the experience of the wealthy - to the outlet-retail sector.

Making Improvements
Two developers enhance their outlet projects. One refurbishes a 410-foot mural in Oregon, while the other improves the play area and seating of the center in New Hampshire.