"The new designer aesthetic, continued rapid growth in the sector, and a strong tourism base have contributed to elevating the center’s reputation and are leading the way toward exceeding $750 per square foot in sales,” says Michael P. Glimcher.
Elizabeth, NJ (PRWEB) September 12, 2013
A $30 million renovation of New Jersey’s largest outlet mall is bringing a new brand, a new designer aesthetic, five star amenities and a luxury shopping experience to Jersey Gardens. Following a transformation of both the interior and exterior spaces, the popular shopping destination will re-emerge in a Grand Opening on October 30th as The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens.
Built by Glimcher Realty Trust (NYSE: GRT) in 1999, the property is being renovated and rebranded under Glimcher’s new, upscale outlet brand: The Outlet Collection. Glimcher has operated the outlet mall since opening in 1999. Inspired by famous luxury brands on New York City’s Fifth Avenue, the new look adds sleek contemporary lines reflective of its updated roster of tenants. Hard-surface flooring, glass and stainless steel railings, drop ceiling light fixtures, as well as sustainable concourse furniture groupings now fill the center. Newly redesigned restroom facilities, mallwide wifi and a new dining emporium have also been added.
In conjunction with the redevelopment, the shopping center has added leading retailers to its 230 stores, including outlets for Coach, Coach Men, True Religion, Calvin Klein Accessories, Tommy Hilfiger (largest in the country), Lego and Century 21 Department Store. These stores join existing tenants like Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Lord & Taylor Outlet and one of the first Victoria’s Secret outlets in the country.
The Outlet Collection concept was developed to signify the transformation of the company’s outlet properties into fashion outlet centers featuring a collection of premier retailers, according to Michael P. Glimcher, chairman of the board and CEO of Glimcher Realty Trust. “The new designer aesthetic, continued rapid growth in the sector, and a strong tourism base have contributed to elevating the center’s reputation and are leading the way toward exceeding $750 per square foot in sales,” Glimcher says. “The new brand name better reflects the premium tenants that are now opening in our outlet properties. This more focused, high-end concept opens up new options for luxury retailers looking to grow their outlet brands.”
More Than a Mall – A Tourism Destination
Situated in Elizabeth, New Jersey’s fourth largest city, The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens draws visitors from a densely populated area spanning metropolitan New York and New Jersey, yielding a highly diverse and affluent customer mix of city dwellers, suburbanites, students, and tourists. More than 11 million people live within a 20 mile radius of The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens.
The Outlet Collection is also easily reached by bus and rail service throughout the region. Buses leave Manhattan’s Port Authority bus terminal throughout the day, stopping directly at The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens. New Jersey Transit passengers can take the train to either Elizabeth or Newark and catch a NJT bus to the mall. The Outlet Collection is just minutes from Exit 13A of the New Jersey Turnpike, which sees 180,000 cars per day.
Thanks to a proactive global marketing program and its close proximity to Newark Liberty International Airport, The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens has long been a popular destination for overseas visitors, with 36% of traffic coming from international tourism, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, China, Germany and Israel. Marketing Director Crystal Stell works with international tour operators to market shopping packages that include The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens. Multilingual staffs, currency exchange, and smartecarte shopping carts are a few of the services that the center offers to visitors. Area hotels also offer shop and stay packages for visitors. The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens is also an official state welcome center.
Despite a weak global economy, international shoppers spent an average $650 each and shopped for six hours at the mall over the past few years. A retail destination, more than 18 million shoppers come to The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens every year.
A Commitment to Community
The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens is an economic stronghold in Northern New Jersey. The center employs 5,000 people in a variety of retail, administrative, security and service jobs, and generates significant tax revenues for the state and city. The Outlet Collection’s management is constantly seeking innovative ways to give back to the community.
In 2012, The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens contributed over $90,000 to various community groups and non-profit organizations through several innovative community programs and special events. These include The Garden of Hope Coupon Book Program that raised $25,000 for causes such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and local schools and hospitals. Furthering the cause of literacy and education in New Jersey schools, the mall is a major supporter of the Newspapers in Education initiative.
This fall, The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens will host: The Magical Season of Giving for local charities; The Jingle Bell 5K Run on behalf of Specialized Children’s Hospital Foundation; and Sensitive Santa, a specially planned visit with Santa for children with autism.
When the mall opened, an innovative new facility opened with it – The Retail Skills Center (RSC). The center, which is located in the mall, provides tenants and job candidates alike with a valuable resource for recruitment, training and placement. The RSC uses industry skill standards to help workers enter and advance in retail and service-related careers. The RSC was the first retail training center of its kind to open in conjunction with a new mall and is the national model for the National Retail Federation. Since opening, the RSC has served over 21,000 people and has developed programs to meet specific needs of the community and the mall’s tenants.
Since its establishment on a remediated brown field, The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens has led the way in sustainability and responsible use of technology. The 4.8 Megawatt Solar Power Roof, installed in 2011, generates enough power to offset to 11 percent of the mall’s electrical consumption. The mall employs a highly effective recycling system for all stores, offices and food and entertainment outlets, recycling over 600 tons of cardboard annually. Newly installed “green” furnishings made of wood and recycled material have brought a natural, artisanal vibe with splashes of green, black, white and taupe.
The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens is also part of the award-winning Urban Enterprise Zone. Under the administration of Elizabeth’s Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, the program generated more than 7,000 jobs and $30 million in revenues and was named the nation’s top Enterprise Zone.
High Resolution Photography Link: http://www.jerseygardens.com/info/gallery
About The Outlet Collection │ Jersey Gardens
Glimcher began development of Jersey Gardens in 1997, and the mall opened in 1999. Close to Newark, N.J., and New York City, the center is the largest outlet mall in New Jersey and a major international tourist attraction. The mall sees approximately 18 million visitors a year from more than 160 countries.
As part of the redevelopment, the mall became The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens in 2012 and added the largest Tommy Hilfiger store in the U.S. as well as tenants like Century 21, Coach Factory, Puma, True Religion, G by Guess and Lego. The mall is currently anchored by Century 21, Lord & Taylor Outlet, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nike Factory Store and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.
About Glimcher Realty Trust
Glimcher Realty Trust, a real estate investment trust, is a recognized leader in the ownership, management, acquisition and development of retail properties, including mixed use, open-air and enclosed regional malls as well as outlet centers.
Glimcher Realty Trust’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GRT.” Glimcher Realty Trust’s Series G, Series H, and Series I preferred shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols “GRTPRG”, “GRTPRH,” and “GRTPRI” respectively. Glimcher Realty Trust is a component of both the Russell 2000® Index, representing small cap stocks, and the Russell 3000® Index, representing the broader market. Glimcher® is a registered trademark of Glimcher Realty Trust.
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