Tanger Outlets Ottawa [8555 Campeau Dr] | Completed [Archive]

kevinbottawa

Jan 25, 2011, 10:19 PM

Here's an article from today's Ottawa Business Journal:

RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:REI.UN), says consumers in centres like Ottawa will benefit from lower prices when it teams up with American Tanger Factory Outlet Centers.

Canada's largest retail landlord says its new partnership with an American outlet mall chain will mean Canadians won't have to travel to the U.S. anymore to score a designer purse at outlet store prices.

RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, it plans to develop 10 to 15 outlet shopping centres across Canada in the next five to seven years.

The properties would be branded as Tanger Outlet Centers, and RioCan said Monday they would provide "U.S.-style" shopping options that include "factory stores," which sell a store's own prior-season merchandise for less than full retail prices.

"(It means) more choice within Canada, that would be the biggest thing, and really not having to wait until you go to the United States to visit an outlet mall and buy some really well-priced, first-line merchandise," Edward Sonshine, president and CEO of RioCan said in an interview.

Tanger will be in charge of leasing and marketing services, while RioCan will handle property management. The two will each own a 50 per cent stake in the properties, which will be likely be located in suburban areas near Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, Sonshine said.

Tanger currently runs 33 outlet malls in 22 American states that draw 150 million shoppers each year, according to the company's website.

Tanger outlet centres – comprised of suburban outdoor stores located side-by-side in a city street format – have a wide variety of major tenants, including luxury leather goods retailer Coach, high-end fashion retailer Polo Ralph Lauren and gourmet food store Harry and David. They are also home to retailers with lower price points, including Old Navy, women's clothing retailer Dressbarn, and Pepperidge Farms foods.

"We're constantly prospecting among those American tenants and what we kept hearing from them was: 'We'd like to come to Canada, but we'd like to come with the outlet format,' " said Sonshine, who added that tenants like Nike, Adidas, Michelle Obama favourite J. Crew, Pottery Barn, men's clothing brand Van Heusen and Kenneth Cole have all told Tanger they are interested in opening factory outlet stores in Canada.

Tanger did not return calls Monday, but Steven Tanger, the company's president and CEO said in a statement that "Tanger's top retail partners are looking for growth in the Canadian market and it is our intent to provide them with the outlet shopping centre sites to meet their needs."

Outlet malls are big business in the U.S., with Consumer Reports magazine estimating up to 55 million Americans travelled at least 320 kilometres round-trip to snap up designer goods at discount prices at an outlet mall in 2001, the most recent year for which statistics were available

RioCan has ownership interest in 296 retail properties, including 10 under development. It also has a 14 per cent equity interest in Cedar Shopping Centers, Inc., which operates in the U.S. Northeast.

The closest Tanger Outlets to the Canadian border are located about an hours drive north of Windsor, Ont. in Howell, Mich., and four hours south of Montreal in Tilton, N.H.

This is the second time this month a major player in the U.S. retail industry has announced expansion plans in Canada. RioCan – Canada's largest landlord to Zellers stores – said this month it hopes to land several Target stores as tenants when the American discount retailer enters Canada over the next few years.

Discount-chic retailer Target Corp., which is known for offering capsule clothing collections by high-end designers at affordable prices, announced it will spend $1.8-billion to acquire the leases on more than 200 Zellers stores from the Hudson's Bay Co.

Link: http://www.obj.ca/Local/Retail/2011-01-25/article-2169269/Retailer-Tanger-likely-coming-to-Ottawa-under-RioCan-partnership/1

This line stands out:

"Tanger outlet centres – comprised of suburban outdoor stores located side-by-side in a city street format."

Sounds like a mainstreet type of development in the suburbs.

Lakche

Nov 21, 2011, 3:13 PM

RioCan just announced this today... new development in Kanata near Scotiabank Place.

...

RioCan and Tanger have also entered into a purchase and sale agreement to acquire approximately 50 acres of land in Kanata, Ontario, near Ottawa, to be developed as a Tanger Outlet Center. Subject to conditions, the co-owners are expected to acquire the land, which is located off of the TransCanada Highway (Highway 417) at Palladium Drive on a 50/50 basis.

The concept, design and merchandising of the Ottawa centre will be similar to those within the highly successful Tanger portfolio of outlet centres in the US. The site is located in the suburban Ottawa market of Kanata and will benefit from its access to the greater Ottawa market. When fully complete, the project will be home to approximately 350,000 square feet of branded factory outlet retailers from the U.S. and Canada offering consumers a unique opportunity to purchase merchandise directly from leading designer and brand name manufacturers at a substantial savings.

...

http://investor.riocan.com/Investor-Relations/News/News-Details/2011/RioCan-Real-Estate-Investment-Trust-and-Tanger-Factory-Outlet-Centers-Inc-Announce-Agreements-to-Acquire-Cookstown-Outlet-M/default.aspx

waterloowarrior

Feb 2, 2012, 10:07 PM

Tanger Outlet Centres
subdivision application
http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__81MX7G
The Plan of Subdivision application will facilitate the creation of three development blocks for the retail outlet mall, restaurants, and the hotel; 15 blocks for the office/industrial park; and three preservation blocks for the Feedmill Creek Corridor. Three new public streets will be created as well.

rezoning application
http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__81MX18

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6808815293_849fcbdbcc_b.jpg

http://www.kanatawest.com/_images/theplan.jpg
http://www.taggart.ca/images/newDev_kanata_2_large.jpg

waterloowarrior

Feb 2, 2012, 10:22 PM

1963 parking spaces!

"More specifically, the eastern half of the subject lands is planned for a 31,587 m2 (340,000 ft 2 ) retail outlet mall (Tanger Outlet Centers) located north of Feedmill Creek as well as 2,230 m2 (24,000 ft 2 ) of restaurants and a 200-room hotel located south of Feedmill Creek"

reidjr

Feb 2, 2012, 11:04 PM

TransitZilla

Feb 3, 2012, 7:45 PM

Barf.

One thing that should at least be changed is the location of the proposed stormwater pond. A transit station is planned for the 417 & Huntmar; having the stormwater pond at the east of the site makes any attempt at future intensification next to impossible.

The pond should be moved to the southwest corner where it would at least be outside of the 400m radius of the transit station.

I submitted the following comment using the Development Application Search tool:

This proposal is pretty much the exact opposite of the finely grained urban pattern envisioned by the Kanata West Concept Plan.

However since this is likely to be approved anyway, one thing that should at least be changed is the location of the proposed stormwater pond. A transit station is planned for the 417 & Huntmar; having the stormwater pond at the east of the site makes any attempt at future intensification next to impossible and forces any development to be further from the station.

The pond should be moved to the southwest corner where it would at least be outside of the 400m radius of the transit station. If possible, the shopping centre buildings should be moved further east to enable the majority of the parking to be on the west side, away from the future residential community east of Huntmar.

The owners should also be required to construct high quality pedestrian linkages between the development and the future station, including a pedestrian bridge over highway 417 if appropriate.

Tanger Outlet Centres
subdivision application
http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__81MX7G
The Plan of Subdivision application will facilitate the creation of three development blocks for the retail outlet mall, restaurants, and the hotel; 15 blocks for the office/industrial park; and three preservation blocks for the Feedmill Creek Corridor. Three new public streets will be created as well.

rezoning application
http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__81MX18

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6808815293_849fcbdbcc_b.jpg

Cre47

Apr 6, 2012, 10:15 PM

Is that much retail space even necessary there? Hazeldean is close by, and the Kanata/Stittsville area will be well-served by then. I would say maybe 1/5 of the amount, for community purposes, is all that is needed in that area.

Plus the eventual Tanger Outlet Center that will just down Huntmar Rd

eternallyme

Apr 7, 2012, 11:45 PM

Plus the eventual Tanger Outlet Center that will just down Huntmar Rd

Exactly, the Kanata-Stittsville area will be oversaturated especially if that development is approved.

toaster

Apr 12, 2012, 9:11 PM

I think the Tanger outlet will be a shopping destination for everyone in the City, not just those in and around Kanata.

Uhuniau

Apr 13, 2012, 4:15 AM

I think the Tanger outlet will be a shopping destination for everyone in the City, not just those in and around Kanata.

Where the hell is Huntmar Road?

toaster

Apr 15, 2012, 1:04 PM

Nowhere, in other words?

Yeah, I'm not likely to ever set foot anywhere near the place, thereby disproving the assertion that "everyone in the city" will shop there! :]

It's more likely to have people travel from across town (and surrounding areas) than other retail. Someone from Orleans wouldn't travel to the Western edge of Kanata to go to a Walmart or Home Depot, but are more likely to for the Tanger outlet, which will probably see brands not found anywhere else in the area.

OTSkyline

Jul 27, 2012, 4:51 PM

RTWAP

Jul 29, 2012, 5:13 AM

Personally, I think they did a great job at the SAWGRASS MILLS OUTLETS in Sunrise, Florida (Fort-Lauderdale).. For anyone who's been there, yes they have that enormous jumbo-mall with the great lands of parking but I love how they added the whole outlet stores around! Great architecture, nicely executed and it really has a nice pedestrian feel where you park your car and walk all around the little pedestrian streets and shop and have coffee/lunch/dinner on outside patios. Hopefully they can do something like this with the Tanger Outlets.. Unfortunetly, trainyards was lost and def. does not have this field since they included the parking right in the center of it all and the stores around (so you have to walk 10min through a sea of parking to reach anything), or be a lazy a** and actually drive from store-2-store...

http://www.google.ca/imgres?hl=en&biw=1366&bih=579&tbm=isch&tbnid=V-Dqz9ieB6tjGM:&imgrefurl=http://www.theinternationalman.com/shopping.php&docid=gtLDuABfvfb9wM&imgurl=http://www.theinternationalman.com/img/categories/sawgrass.jpg&w=500&h=156&ei=Y8USULfIJuj20gHryICYCQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=211&vpy=137&dur=402&hovh=124&hovw=400&tx=152&ty=62&sig=108765768796842201978&page=2&tbnh=54&tbnw=174&start=22&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:22,i:166

http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=sawgrass+mills+outlet&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4TSHC_enCA337CA342&biw=1366&bih=579&tbm=isch&tbnid=_4lLBOcU4LCyKM:&imgrefurl=http://majestyrentacar.com/car-rental/2012/04/sawgrass-mills-mall/&docid=ejlyGsuaK1Xp7M&imgurl=http://majestyrentacar.com/car-rental/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/sawgrass_36.jpg&w=460&h=296&ei=s8USUKn7JqTh0QHZnYDwCQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=841&vpy=198&dur=14&hovh=180&hovw=280&tx=115&ty=118&sig=108765768796842201978&page=2&tbnh=106&tbnw=164&start=21&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:21,i:175

http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=sawgrass+mills+outlet&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4TSHC_enCA337CA342&biw=1366&bih=579&tbm=isch&tbnid=znV5brPngtaHKM:&imgrefurl=http://www.miami.com/sawgrass_mills_survival_guide/&docid=9w3wqn_gh4H-xM&imgurl=http://www.miami.com/sites/migration.miami.com/files/images/sawgrass_bevbidney.jpg&w=413&h=300&ei=s8USUKn7JqTh0QHZnYDwCQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=848&vpy=137&dur=465&hovh=191&hovw=263&tx=154&ty=139&sig=108765768796842201978&page=1&tbnh=122&tbnw=165&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:19,s:0,i:132

Yup. I hate the Trainyards. I drove around there once for 5 minutes trying to find a Walmart that I knew was there.

There are more than a few of those new 'town center' style malls in the states. They really started popping up regularly about 10 years ago. Have a sea of parking around a few blocks of stores, with an open space in the middle.

https://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ll=38.858057,-77.356335&spn=0.003304,0.006394&t=h&z=18

It's so comfortable to just park and then walk around. I remember reading that sales/sqft were much higher. In conventional big box strip malls each additional store you visit is taking you that much farther from your car. In a this newer format you can walk by 20 or 30 stores and still be a few minutes from your car.

EDIT: Here's another one I'm familiar with, in Huntsville AL. They built two large ponds and a bridge, and a pedestrian street. And they built multi-level parking to hide the size of the parking lots. It's a very comfortable place to go walking.

https://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ll=34.716963,-86.672704&spn=0.004933,0.006394&t=h&z=18

p.s. I miss PF Chang's.

waterloowarrior

Feb 19, 2013, 10:39 PM

Tanger Outlets staff report... recommended for approval
http://app05.ottawa.ca/sirepub/view.aspx?cabinet=published_meetings&fileid=45790

devapps
http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__81MX7G

original posting
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=5574903&postcount=291

waterloowarrior

Feb 28, 2013, 1:58 AM

Council approved the Tanger outlet centre rezoning

here is the Fernbank Wal-Mart
http://www.smartcentres.com/locations/kanata-s
http://www.smartcentres.com/sites/default/files/styles/largest/public/siteplan_images/kanata_S_1.jpg
http://www.smartcentres.com/sites/default/files/styles/largest/public/aerial_images/Kanata_S_1.jpg

Cre47

May 15, 2013, 11:13 PM

Store announcements today for the Tanger Outlet Complex at Huntmar and the 417 which will include restaurants, a hotel and the following stores according to that article

Nike Factory Store, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic, Aeropostale, Guess Factory Store, Nine West, Gap Outlet, American Eagle, Brooks Brothers, Michael Kors, Donna Karen Factory Store, Coach Factory Store, Carter’s

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/business/name+retailers+coming+Ottawa+outlet+mall/8388809/story.html

waterloowarrior

Jul 27, 2013, 5:19 PM

Tanger Outlet mall land cost $30 mil http://www.juteaujohnsoncomba.com/newsletters/2013/June_2013_Newsletter_Apri_Sales.pdf

rocketphish

Oct 30, 2013, 5:25 PM

U.S. outlet mall to take a little from everybody: Bayshore exec

Mark Brownlee, Published on October 29, 2013

A large U.S. outlet mall’s expansion into Ottawa is going to hurt all local retailers once it arrives next year, the executive responsible for Bayshore Shopping Centre said.

George Fiddler, who is responsible for Bayshore as vice-president of leasing with Ivanhoe Cambridge, is not excited about the prospect of U.S. giant Tanger Outlets opening 350,000 square feet of retail space close to Canadian Tire Centre in 2014.

“In a perfect world, I’d rather not see it happen,” said Mr. Fiddler, speaking as part of a panel at the Ottawa Real Estate Forum earlier this month. “Realistically, I know that it’s going to.”

However, Bayshore won’t be any worse off than other retailers in the area, he said, in part because outlet malls tend to draw customers from a much larger area than a traditional shopping centre.

He pointed to an outlet mall in Vaughan Mills, outside of Toronto, which on average brings in shoppers from 45 minutes away. That’s in contrast to most shopping centres, which usually draw customers from 15 to 20 minutes away, he said.

”It’s taking a little bit from everybody,” said Mr. Fiddler. “Is it going to hurt? Yeah, but it’s going to hurt everybody a little bit. It’s not just because Bayshore’s the closest that I think it’s going to hurt.”

The Tanger outlet mall is just one of several new retail spaces set to arrive in Ottawa during the next few years. Both Bayshore and the Rideau Centre are undergoing multimillion-dollar expansions, while a large new shopping space is also on the way to Lansdowne Park.

Despite concerns about what Tanger’s expansion will mean, members of the panel said that Ottawa still has plenty of room for growth in retail space.

Cindy VanBuskirk, the general manager of the Rideau Centre, said Ottawa shopping centres are finally starting to catch up with the demand from big-name retailers who have wanted to expand into the city.

“There’s no shortage of people lined up to get in the door,” she said.

She viewed her competitors’ expansion plans as a positive. One shopping centre getting the first store for a major retailer in the city – Swedish clothing retailer H&M opened its first location in Ottawa this month, for example – makes it easier for others to get them in the future, she said.

Glenn Featherstone, who as vice-president of retail leasing with Morguard is responsible for the St. Laurent shopping centre east of downtown, pointed to a recent deal to bring in retailer American Eagle as an example of why he doesn’t think Ottawa is stretched too thin.

St. Laurent had been negotiating with the company for some time but couldn’t accommodate it due to a lack of space. The retailer was set to open sometime in October.

He also hinted that changes may be on the way for St. Laurent.

The shopping centre “needs a bit of polish,” he said. Morguard has also acquired the land around the facility, opening up the door to a potential expansion in the future.

http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Non-residential/2013-10-29/article-3452170/U.S.-outlet-mall-to-take-a-little-from-everybody%3A-Bayshore-exec/1

Kitchissippi

Oct 30, 2013, 6:06 PM

I would think that Bayshore's proximity to Tanger would hurt it the least. The outlet mall will likely draw people from east of the city, putting Bayshore in the path of someone from Orleans, while there is not much that is unique in Orleans that will draw someone from Kanata.

toaster

Oct 30, 2013, 7:24 PM

J.OT13

Nov 17, 2013, 4:19 AM

Here are some images of the Kanata Tanger Mall;

http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.1282867!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_960/image.jpg
http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/tanger-outlet-mall-to-open-in-kanata-in-2014-1.1282865

http://www.obj.ca/media/photos/unis/2013/05/15/photo_2342629/article_large.jpg
http://www.obj.ca/Local/Retail/2013-05-15/article-3249106/Kanata-outlet-mall-names-initial-lineup-of-stores/1

BlueJay

Jan 15, 2014, 3:33 PM

Did the Tanger Outlets start construction yet or no...?

Yes it has, and it's a very compressed schedule. Should start seeing some steel going up in about a month.

Dundas

Jan 18, 2014, 2:06 PM

Did they list the stores that will open at the Kanata Tanger Outlet?
I was just checking out the Tanger website under the Cookstown, ON location to see what stores they have.
I really hope we get an Adidas and Puma store! That be an Ottawa first.
I always hoped Ottawa would get a Adidas Original store at the Rideau Centre. I guess that be the closest thing to it.

Harley613

Apr 2, 2014, 7:42 PM

Tanger progress as of today:

http://imgur.com/QUd4Kay.jpg

http://imgur.com/wbqYfBh.jpg

Harley613

May 10, 2014, 1:49 AM

Progress update for Tanger as of today:

http://i.imgur.com/OmnbaVZ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/7gVwWIY.jpg

I think we still need a thread for this :)

citydwlr

May 26, 2014, 1:57 PM

Here's another shot of the Tanger development, though I'm not sure how old it is...It must be from within the last month or two:

http://www.createworldwide.com/images/projects/con_ottowa.jpg
[Source (http://www.createworldwide.com/projects_construction_4.php)]

OTSkyline

Jun 5, 2014, 2:34 PM

Anyone have updated pictures of Tanger Outlets? Would be appreciated as I don't go to this part of town very often.. TY!

citydwlr

Jul 2, 2014, 5:12 PM

Tanger has finally updated their website to include Ottawa among it's various locations:

http://www.tangeroutletcanada.com/ottawa

It mentions that the Grand Opening will be October 16, 2014. A job fair is to occur on September 4th, 2014 (http://www.tangeroutletcanada.com/resources/pdf/promotions/Ottawa-job-fair.pdf).

It also lists the following stores among the "over 75 Brands and Designer Outlets" planned for the area:
- Nike
- Coach
- Gap
- Michael Kors
- Banana Republic
- DKNY
- American Eagle
- Calvin Klein

We also know from job postings that Brooks Brothers, Fossil, Eddie Bauer, and Old Navy (http://www.indeed.ca/jobs?q=tanger&l=Ottawa%2C+ON) are coming as well. Haggar Clothing also has a job listing on SimplyHired (http://www.simplyhired.ca/search?q=tanger&l=Ottawa%2C+ON&pn=2). Oakley (http://jobs.oakley.com/job/Ottawa-Retail-Sales-Associate-Outlets-of-Ottawa-%28Ottawa-ON%2C-CAN%29-Job-ON/70324000/?feedId=4&utm_source=Indeed) may also be going in here too.

And, from an earlier OBJ article (http://www.obj.ca/Local/Retail/2013-05-15/article-3249106/Kanata-outlet-mall-names-initial-lineup-of-stores/1), Guess, Carter's, Nine West, Tommy Hilfiger, Aldo and Aeropostale will be included in the mix as well...

Harley613

Jul 3, 2014, 2:31 AM

I will try to get some updated shots from Tanger this week. I am probably going to be out there for work at some point.

waterloowarrior

Jul 4, 2014, 12:57 PM

Created a separate thread for this one...

BenTheGreat97

Jul 4, 2014, 2:40 PM

Any recent updates on how it's progressing? That last picture is from the end of May.

Proof Sheet

Jul 4, 2014, 2:51 PM

Any recent updates on how it's progressing? That last picture is from the end of May.

A friend of mine is going to be opening a store there as an additional franchise location for him and I think he told me a opening date of sometime in October/November for him. I can get final opening date in the next few days.

Harley613

Jul 4, 2014, 9:59 PM

Today's Progress:
http://i.imgur.com/RX2OTqF.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/cRStSdh.jpg

BenTheGreat97

Jul 4, 2014, 11:30 PM

Today's Progress:

Thanks for the update!

OTSkyline

Jul 5, 2014, 3:09 PM

Cool!! Thanks for sharing that :cheers:

citydwlr

Jul 8, 2014, 1:12 AM

^^^ Thanks for the shots Harley613, those are awesome! I haven't made it out to Kanata in a while and was wondering how the development was going.

On a side note, came across 2 job postings for a Cole Haan outlet. They don't reference "Tanger" at all, but I'm going to assume they'll go here...

Outlet Assistant Store Manager (http://www.indeed.ca/cmp/Cole-Haan/jobs/Outlet-Assistant-Store-Manager-efb424f834f72591)
Outlet Store Manager (http://www.indeed.ca/cmp/Cole-Haan/jobs/Outlet-Store-Manager-96ecc16db2b9d29a)

Proof Sheet

Jul 8, 2014, 1:14 AM

A friend of mine is going to be opening a store there as an additional franchise location for him and I think he told me a opening date of sometime in October/November for him. I can get final opening date in the next few days.

October 16 is the project opening date with most stores getting their keys on August 16 and they then have to do the fit up from the bare shell.

canabiz

Jul 8, 2014, 1:50 AM

Yay, another place for us to go during lunch ;)

I'll visit a factory outlet in New Hampshire (Merrimack) in early August and will try to remember/jot down the prices then compare here and see if there's any big difference.

canabiz

Aug 9, 2014, 12:09 AM

Job fair starts soon so I guess the grand opening won't be that far behind.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1395860/tanger-outlets-ottawa-to-host-a-job-fair-in-september

We were in Merrimack, NH few days ago and the deals were pretty nice. Running shoes on clearance for 50%+, compared to SportChek prices and stainless steel frying pans (Le Creuset or Zwilling Henckels) were at least 40% less than what the Bay is selling.

Let's see what this one can do.

citydwlr

Sep 3, 2014, 9:39 PM

A few updates:

The job fair for Tanger is tomorrow at Canadian Tire Centre (http://www.tangeroutletcanada.com/resources/pdf/promotions/Ottawa-job-fair.pdf) (September 4th, 2014) apparently. Some of the stores offering positions are listed on the Tanger website now:

http://www.tangeroutletcanada.com/ottawa/careers

The place will officially open on the 17th of October, 2014 (http://www.tangeroutletcanada.com/ottawa?tab=1) @ 9:30 AM.

canabiz

Sep 5, 2014, 11:27 PM

rocketphish

Sep 5, 2014, 11:38 PM

J. Crew will have an outlet here as well as its first store in Ottawa at the Rideau Centre (from the Ottawa Citizen, sorry I don't have an account so it defaults back to the main page and I can't copy and paste)

J.Crew opens first store in Ottawa at Rideau Centre

Janet Wilson, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: September 3, 2014, Last Updated: September 3, 2014 5:14 PM EDT

Now there’s even more of a reason never to leave Ottawa to shop. J.Crew, the former catalogue-only company made über cool by Michelle Obama, is the latest American retail chain to open its doors in Ottawa. Once known for its preppy casual look, J.Crew has seemingly reinvented itself and is experiencing renewed interest thanks to successful brand collaborations and offbeat pairings of high and low styles that pack a visual punch. Think slouchy wool sweatpants with crisp blazers.

At almost 6,000 square feet, the space on the second floor of the Rideau Centre, boasts smart apparel and suiting options for women and men as well as a selection from In Good Company — a collection of brand partnerships hand-selected by the design team. Shoppers can expect classic favourites such as cashmere sweaters, graphic T-shirts, denim pants, leather totes, shoes, statement jewelry and outerwear. The J.Crew men’s collection turns it up a notch with its beautifully tailored Ludlow suit featuring bespoke details and fabric from Italian and British mills. The store also offers a complimentary one-on-one service with an inhouse personal stylist for customers. Founded in 1983, the New York City-based J.Crew has 265 stores around the globe as well as a strong online presence. This is the company’s 13th store in Canada, while a J.Crew Factory outlet is slated to open in Kanata at the upcoming Tanger Outlets.

The Rideau Centre, which is undergoing a $360-million redevelopment project, has seen a flurry of new openings including Express, Victoria’s Secret, Drake General Store, Bath & Body Works and upcoming department stores such as retail giant Nordstrom and Quebec-based Simons. The shopping centre’s $21-million Dining Hall opened last month to much fanfare with its sleek design and bevy of eclectic food offerings. Bayshore Shopping Centre is also undergoing a $200-million expansion with a host of new stores, including H&M, Express, Zara, Victoria’s Secret and PINK and more.

http://ottawacitizen.com/life/fashion-beauty/j-crew-opens-first-store-in-ottawa-at-rideau-centre

.

Buggys

Sep 17, 2014, 11:17 AM

FREE $10 Tanger Gift Card
http://www.tangeroutletcanada.com/ottawa/10gcy

citydwlr

Sep 22, 2014, 4:24 PM

Fashion blog 613Style has a sneak-peak of the Tanger Outlets (http://www.613style.com/exclusive-first-look-inside-tanger-outlets-ottawa/) (still under construction):

http://i1.wp.com/www.613style.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MG_6203.jpg?resize=640%2C427

And, here is their report on the "Dining Hall" (http://www.613style.com/progress-photos-of-the-tanger-outlets-dining-hall/).

citydwlr

Sep 24, 2014, 1:34 AM

Here's a full list of the stores (with map) coming soon:
http://www.tangeroutlet.com/ottawa/directory

YOWflier

Sep 24, 2014, 1:47 AM

Pretty decent list. The sports apparel offerings are excellent, and I should be visiting those a fair bit.

I was secretly hoping for a Le Creuset outlet ... maybe some day.

citydwlr

Sep 24, 2014, 1:59 AM

Pretty decent list. The sports apparel offerings are excellent, and I should be visiting those a fair bit.

I was secretly hoping for a Le Creuset outlet ... maybe some day.

Agreed, pretty solid! There's still a few spots on the map that don't reveal names (when you place your mouse cursor over them). So, a Le Creuset could be forthcoming...

The big one (Unit #750) also does not reveal a name. I would suspect that would be a Hudson Bay outlet (like the one at Halton Hills), an HR2 (since Holt Renfrew are pulling their main store out of the Ottawa market...a consolation prize, so to speak), or very possibly a Nordstrom Rack.

Horus

Sep 24, 2014, 1:27 PM

Just wondering - after seeing the store layout map (http://www.tangeroutlet.com/ottawa/directory.pdf)

How much of the walkway around the store blocks will be covered or otherwise protected from the elements. This is Ottawa after all - open space is nice and all, but our weather can be pretty crappy a lot.

Radster

Sep 24, 2014, 7:16 PM

I don't see much protection from the elements in the pictures. Its a bit of a shame considering our climate. I recall the big outdoor outlet centers in Florida have loads of protection from the elements (which consist of 2 types - sun and rain), so its a big fail:shrug: that here, with rain, snow, sleet, sun, freezing rain, they only built a handful of roofs.

Horus

Sep 24, 2014, 7:32 PM

I visited the Toronto Premium Outlets for the first time back in April. They had a few sections of the walkway covered with a sort of roof as seen here (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55LFJ6lyC18/UhBOewGChJI/AAAAAAAAkSk/umhwvZfG_-w/s1600/IMG_5771.JPG)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55LFJ6lyC18/UhBOewGChJI/AAAAAAAAkSk/umhwvZfG_-w/s1600/IMG_5771.JPG
As you can see, it only covers portions of the area and offers no real protection from any wind or driving rain/snow. It's ok in the warmer months, but doesn't look that great for winter.

Also - I found that the product selection/pricing to be very underwhelming. I guess I've been spoiled by the US outlet experience. Let's not get our hopes up too high.

citydwlr

Sep 24, 2014, 7:36 PM

YOWflier

Sep 24, 2014, 8:32 PM

Random thoughts after seeing that aerial:

How many people will (try to) park at Tanger for Sens games, and will Tanger (try to) police that somehow?

TransitZilla

Sep 24, 2014, 8:35 PM

Random thoughts after seeing that aerial:

How many people will (try to) park at Tanger for Sens games, and will Tanger (try to) police that somehow?

Maybe some will, but it won't be very appealing because there are NO sidewalks on the Huntmar overpass over the 417.

umbria27

Sep 30, 2014, 8:33 PM

^ From CREATE (http://www.createworldwide.com/projects_construction_4.php)'s website, you can see in this aerial view that there will be a roof covering segments of each corridor (at least 6, from my count); but, the whole place won't be sheltered. This is similar to the one's in Niagara-on-the-lake, and at Halton Hills, where the latter probably has a climate very close to ours during the winter months.

http://www.createworldwide.com/images/projects/con_ottawa1.jpg

What an abomination. It's amazing that we have so much polemic about creating density in the core and all the while sprawl like this goes on uncontested. 1900 parking spots in a field outside a suburb is not city building.

1overcosc

Sep 30, 2014, 8:48 PM

It could have been worse. A few years ago a project very similar to this one was proposed.... at the Rockdale exit of the 417, in Russell Township.

Harley613

Oct 1, 2014, 3:57 AM

What an abomination. It's amazing that we have so much polemic about creating density in the core and all the while sprawl like this goes on uncontested. 1900 parking spots in a field outside a suburb is not city building.

I think it's a perfect match for it's location and it fills a very much needed gap in the region's retail options. It will also serve as a draw for residents all over Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.

waterloowarrior

Oct 1, 2014, 4:22 AM

What an abomination. It's amazing that we have so much polemic about creating density in the core and all the while sprawl like this goes on uncontested. 1900 parking spots in a field outside a suburb is not city building.

More to come along Campeau
http://www.taggart.ca/_uploads/devs/545118_Kanata%20West.pdf
http://www.taggart.ca/_uploads/devs/303400_Kanata%20Commons%20brochure_Page_1.jpg
http://looplink.ottawa.cbre.ca/ll/18352327/Huntmar-Drive-and-Campeau-Drive/#
http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Non-residential/2013-11-13/article-3479567/Broccolini,-Bass-Pro-Shops-to-open-new-retail-development-in-Kanata/1

umbria27

Oct 1, 2014, 1:31 PM

I think it's a perfect match for it's location and it fills a very much needed gap in the region's retail options. It will also serve as a draw for residents all over Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.

What do you mean by a perfect match for its location? Why must outlet stores be built in green fields development on the edge of the city?

YOWflier

Oct 1, 2014, 1:40 PM

^ Because the parking requirements demand it. I'm curious to know how many people are familiar with outlet shopping. The patrons of outlets power shop, often with roller-suitcases, and often depart with dozens of bags or suitcases full of goods. Furthermore, often there are tour buses full of people that come from outlying areas to shop for the day.

Whether people like it or not isn't the point; it is essential to the viability and success of such centers to have vast areas of parking. Such areas are typically not available in the center of the city.

teej1984

Oct 1, 2014, 1:45 PM

ars

Oct 1, 2014, 2:42 PM

What do you mean by a perfect match for its location? Why must outlet stores be built in green fields development on the edge of the city?

Where else would you rather have them build it?

I think the current location is a perfect match as well.

1overcosc

Oct 1, 2014, 3:03 PM

umbria27

Oct 1, 2014, 4:58 PM

Outlet shopping != urban shopping. They're completely incompatible and opposite with each other.

Ottawa's getting a good amount of urban retail, too. Don't fret.

Something like this that needs a sea of parking is best suited for the middle of nowhere.

From the consumer's perspective there is no incompatibility. City dwellers binge shop for deals too. If there's an incompatibility, it's on the economics of building it. I look at some of our aging malls, Lincoln Fields, Westgate, Merivale Mall etc. and think that this sort of destination retail could revive them, but perhaps the economics of redeveloping these sites don't work out. Does this mean we have to accept green fields development? If the choice is between "sea of parking" in the "middle of nowhere" and not building it at all, not building it is still an option.

My concern is not with the lack of urban retail, it's with sprawl. We get quite agitated on this forum when people oppose an intensification project. Urban obstructionists deserve our ire because their obstruction indirectly contributes to more sprawl. Shouldn't we then reserve a little criticism for the people who are, you know, actually building the sprawl?

Acajack

Oct 1, 2014, 5:15 PM

Also - I found that the product selection/pricing to be very underwhelming. I guess I've been spoiled by the US outlet experience. Let's not get our hopes up too high.

I've never been impressed with the prices at Canadian outlet malls.

1overcosc

Oct 1, 2014, 6:46 PM

From the consumer's perspective there is no incompatibility. City dwellers binge shop for deals too. If there's an incompatibility, it's on the economics of building it. I look at some of our aging malls, Lincoln Fields, Westgate, Merivale Mall etc. and think that this sort of destination retail could revive them, but perhaps the economics of redeveloping these sites don't work out. Does this mean we have to accept green fields development? If the choice is between "sea of parking" in the "middle of nowhere" and not building it at all, not building it is still an option.

My concern is not with the lack of urban retail, it's with sprawl. We get quite agitated on this forum when people oppose an intensification project. Urban obstructionists deserve our ire because their obstruction indirectly contributes to more sprawl. Shouldn't we then reserve a little criticism for the people who are, you know, actually building the sprawl?

Places like Lincoln Fields and Westgate are likely to get redeveloped as residential. Especially Lincoln Fields.

citydwlr

Oct 7, 2014, 1:44 AM

rocketphish

Oct 7, 2014, 5:08 PM

According to the following job posting, Beavertales is going to Tanger Outlets:
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-bar-food-hopitality-jobs/ottawa/hiring-management-and-customer-service-positions/1023966400?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

A BeaverTails Outlet? What, for all the scratch-and-dent pastries that come out of the frier? ;)

phil235

Oct 7, 2014, 5:12 PM

A BeaverTails Outlet? What, for all the scratch-and-dent pastries that come out of the frier? ;)

Perhaps it will just be lower-grade fried dough with a premium BeaverTails label slapped on it.

harls

Oct 7, 2014, 7:08 PM

I've never been impressed with the prices at Canadian outlet malls.

Me neither.

I was in the Settler's Green Outlet mall in North Conway, NH this summer. Even there the prices were underwhelming.. unless you're looking for shoes!

Proof Sheet

Oct 7, 2014, 7:27 PM

Me neither.

I was in the Settler's Green Outlet mall in North Conway, NH this summer. Even there the prices were underwhelming.. unless you're looking for shoes!

I was there in late August and found the same thing. Bass Outlets had some good sales and that was about it. In the past outlet stores sold stuff with slight imperfections or last years styles. Now I find they tend to sell lesser quality products but without direct imperfections etc.

harls

Oct 8, 2014, 7:34 PM

I was there in late August and found the same thing. Bass Outlets had some good sales and that was about it. In the past outlet stores sold stuff with slight imperfections or last years styles. Now I find they tend to sell lesser quality products but without direct imperfections etc.

What we really need are Shopper's Drug Mart outlets.

rocketphish

Oct 16, 2014, 11:53 PM

Tanger outlet opening signals maturation of Ottawa's retail scene

Vito Pilieci, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: October 16, 2014, Last Updated: October 16, 2014 7:32 PM EDT

http://wpmedia.ottawacitizen.com/2014/10/tanger-outlets-get-ready-for-their-opening-in-ottawa-octobe11.jpg?w=1000

The mammoth Tanger Outlet mall in Kanata will act as a beacon for shoppers and attract more visitors to Ottawa, according to a local retail industry analyst.

The 350,000-square-foot shopping centre, which cost more than $115 million to build and opens on Friday, introduces 80 new stores to the area in the only large-scale outlet shopping centre between Montreal and Toronto. It’s a sign that Ottawa’s retail scene is maturing and offering options that will actually draw shoppers into the region, said to Barry Nabatian, director of market research for Shore-Tanner & Associates

“The Tanger facility will significantly add to the choice of shopping for Ottawa and Gatineau. It is supposed to be a quality/brand name discount store, which is exactly what is needed,” said Nabatian. “It will be the only outlet mall between Montreal and Toronto and most likely it will attract shoppers from between these two large cities, and there will be some cross-shopping by them as a result.”

https://postmediaottawacitizen2.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/tanger-outlets-get-ready-for-their-opening-in-ottawa-octobe10.jpg

Nabatian said retailers have done an admirable job of reshaping the landscape in Ottawa over the past decade. The new Tanger Outlets will be flanked by another massive retail development spearheaded by Broccolini/Laurentide Holdings, which will include a Bass Pro Shop as its anchor tenant. However, new retail space at Lansdowne Park, the expansion of the Rideau Centre, the Ottawa Train Yards shopping centre and the expansions of the Bayshore Shopping Centre and the St. Laurent Centre have all provided Ottawa shoppers with more places to shop and more selection.

Nabatian believes that construction in retail will likely slow in the years ahead as many areas, including downtown, will now find that they have reached the maximum number of stores that can be supported by consumers. However, he said retailers will shift their focus to areas such as the city’s south end, where construction continues at a breakneck pace and consumers have very few choices about where to shop.

https://postmediaottawacitizen2.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/tanger-outlets-get-ready-for-their-opening-in-ottawa-octobe9.jpg

“Barrhaven in particular is now under-stored, and this shortage will be felt more with the additional traffic and exposure from Strandherd Bridge,” said Nabatian. “With an average population growth of about 11,000 per year in Ottawa, more retail space is continuously needed, especially in Barrhaven, Kanata, and Orléans.”

Nabatian said the creation of the Tanger Outlets, coupled with the Broccolini/Laurentide Holdings development and Canadian Tire Centre will create a destination for shopping and entertainment in the city’s west end that will likely attract further development.

Ottawa is of particular interest to retailers. The average household income is $98,000, and more than 40 per cent of households bring home more than $100,000 annually, making the capital one of the wealthiest cities in the country. Ottawa shoppers spend more than $15.3 billion on retail annually.

https://postmediaottawacitizen2.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/tanger-outlets-get-ready-for-their-opening-in-ottawa-octobe1.jpg

Ottawa shops collect, on average, $475 per square foot in retail sales annually. In other Canadian cities, shoppers spend between $250 and $350 per square foot annually.

Tanger chief executive Steve Tanger said the continued strength of the city’s economy made filling the outlet mall with high-end tenants an easy task.

Friday’s grand opening will commence with a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. Celebrations will continue throughout the day with numerous special events, and fireworks will be set off after dusk.

Vpilieci@ottawacitizen.com
Twitter.com/vpilieci

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/tanger-outlet-opening-signals-maturation-of-ottawas-retail-scene

waterloowarrior

Oct 17, 2014, 12:06 PM

Good info re: Huntmar sidewalks. Don't plan on walking on the bridge any time soon.
http://stittsvillecentral.ca/why-are-there-no-sidewalks-on-the-huntmar-overpass/

c_speed3108

Oct 17, 2014, 1:23 PM

Good info re: Huntmar sidewalks. Don't plan on walking on the bridge any time soon.
http://stittsvillecentral.ca/why-are-there-no-sidewalks-on-the-huntmar-overpass/

This is biggest problem this city has. They always build everything first, then finally get around the infrastructure around it.

I grew up in the east end and watched this over and over. Building all the houses, stores whatever and then they finally get around widening roads, building sidewalks, transitways, interchanges etc. It's ridiculous.

gmarshall

Oct 17, 2014, 2:17 PM

A whole lot of cars there for workers doing finishing work on the stores when I took this photo on the 12th:

http://aerialphotographs.ca/sspage/tanger.jpg

c_speed3108

Oct 17, 2014, 2:35 PM

Is it just me or does that parking lot look rather small relative to size of the building given the lack of access via other modes of transport?

waterloowarrior

Oct 17, 2014, 2:56 PM

Apparently traffic is madness this morning. 417 backed up to Bayshore. People parking at CTC and walking to Tanger.

YOWflier

Oct 17, 2014, 3:02 PM

Is it just me or does that parking lot look rather small relative to size of the building given the lack of access via other modes of transport?

This was announced a week ago in case you missed it:

New OC Transpo service to Tanger Outlets

http://ottawa.ca/en/news/new-oc-transpo-service-tanger-outlets

But yes, the parking does seem a tad on the small side.

YOWflier

Oct 17, 2014, 3:08 PM

Apparently traffic is madness this morning. 417 backed up to Bayshore. People parking at CTC and walking to Tanger.Here's the 417 at Kanata traffic cam:

http://s3.postimg.org/et5a1gdcz/camera45.jpg

Just for fun I also checked the google maps app on my phone with "show traffic" set. It shows a solid red line westbound from about Moodie to the mall. LOL.

1overcosc

Oct 17, 2014, 3:09 PM

I imagine the primary users of bus service will be employees, though. I can't see such a place being a preferred shopping destination among the transit dependent.

Proof Sheet

Oct 17, 2014, 3:41 PM

Apparently traffic is madness this morning. 417 backed up to Bayshore. People parking at CTC and walking to Tanger.

eek....I was planning to go tonight. A friend of mine owns a store there and is having an open night drinks and snacks event for family and friends.

c_speed3108

Oct 17, 2014, 3:48 PM

This was announced a week ago in case you missed it:

http://ottawa.ca/en/news/new-oc-transpo-service-tanger-outlets

But yes, the parking does seem a tad on the small side.

From twitter....
‏@OCTranspoAlerts 6m6 minutes ago
96A is not serving Tanger Outlet due to congestion. Buses diverting via Huntmar, Cyclone Taylor, according to #OCTranspo.

movebyleap

Oct 17, 2014, 4:21 PM

Wow! Why the rush? Those stores will still be there tomorrow, next week, next year.

HighwayStar

Oct 17, 2014, 4:28 PM

Apparently traffic is madness this morning. 417 backed up to Bayshore. People parking at CTC and walking to Tanger.

I work in the neighbourhood and went out for lunch without reading this forum first... Huge congestion everywhere... 417, Terry Fox, and lots of the side streets. At many intersections it takes several light cycles to get through... and the 417 was a parking lot as far as I could see...

Crazy... why do people do this to themselves :koko:

1overcosc

Oct 17, 2014, 4:56 PM

Eek. I'm taking a road trip to Kingston this weekend and have to pick up a friend in Bridlewood on the way. I think I'll skip the highway and take Richmond instead!

rocketphish

Oct 17, 2014, 4:59 PM

Is it just me or does that parking lot look rather small relative to size of the building given the lack of access via other modes of transport?

There's another parking area yet to come, across the creek to the south of the mall. See the siteplan here:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=5574903&postcount=3

OTSkyline

Oct 17, 2014, 5:18 PM

I LOVE the fact that the outlets are all in the middle and the parking is around. Will ensure people park their cars and walk around the shops and stuff, makes the area more "cozy" and buzzing with people.. Unlike trainyards where the shops are on the outskirts and parking is in the middle so it looks like a desert wasteland and people drive store to store.

Hopefully they will have good transit service and more entertainment options and residential can be built around it so it doesn't look so out of place. I'm thinking mid rises would fit well around there with nice landscaping... :rolleyes:

Radster

Oct 17, 2014, 5:34 PM

Crazy... why do people do this to themselves :koko:

Exactly my thoughts.

I was planning on checking it out this weekend, but judging by whats going on, I think I will pass and wait until the opening pandemonium subsides, like maybe some time next week on a non-Sens game night?

c_speed3108

Oct 17, 2014, 5:51 PM

This is always been my thoughts on these openings.

It is opening...not closing... it will be available going forward.

The city has issued a traffic warning for tomorrow as the Sens also have a home game...

c_speed3108

Oct 17, 2014, 5:52 PM

There's another parking area yet to come, across the creek to the south of the mall. See the siteplan here:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=5574903&postcount=3

Interesting..although there is also stores over there too so it might not be a net increase on a per square foot basis....

HighwayStar

Oct 17, 2014, 6:08 PM

The city has issued a traffic warning for tomorrow as the Sens also have a home game...

And of course 417 is oh so close to being 8 lanes... but for now is still a 4 lane, cone filled maze.

They couldn't bring it upon themselves to coordinate all these things together :uhh:

Radster

Oct 17, 2014, 6:47 PM

And of course 417 is oh so close to being 8 lanes... but for now is still a 4 lane, cone filled maze.

They couldn't bring it upon themselves to coordinate all these things together :uhh:

You would think, but we all know that common sense doesn't really exist in Ottawa.

YOWflier

Oct 17, 2014, 6:54 PM

HighwayStar

Oct 17, 2014, 7:06 PM

Who's "they"?

The various stakeholders (City, Province, Sens, Tanger, 417 contractors).... oh... ok... get your point :haha:

YOWflier

Oct 17, 2014, 7:41 PM

LOL. Although I certainly hope that "they" at least tried to coordinate all of this.

I'm all about getting stuff done efficiently and with minimal red tape, but when dealing with multiple stakeholders like this (especially government(s)), sometimes it really is easier said than done.

kevinbottawa

Oct 17, 2014, 7:48 PM

Cre47

Oct 17, 2014, 9:50 PM

Tommorrow might be even worse since it will be a Saturday and there is a Sens Game to boot as well. They should have waited till the construction on the 417 ends and the City should have at least had the intelligence to extend all 96's to CTC before it opened (and then perhaps the 160's, 164's and 168's afterwards).

Meanwhile this is another reason to Fast-foward BRT or LRT to Kanata.

waterloowarrior

Oct 17, 2014, 11:25 PM

Meanwhile this is another reason to Fast-foward BRT or LRT to Kanata.

I think the closest Transitway station will be on the south side of the highway :)
There will be one between Huntmar and the Carp River south of Campeau not that much further away tho. (edit: Although will really depend on the timing and final design of the pedestrian network)

canabiz

Oct 17, 2014, 11:40 PM

I went to the opening today. I'm not sure how long I was driving around the parking lot but it felt like close to an hour. Finally parked at CTC. The signs for overflow parking weren't visible until you drove around the lot for 45 minutes. Waste of time. It was worth the headache in my opinion. The worst thing about the whole development is the food court only has three options. Subway, Teriyaki and Sbarro (which I thought was going bankrupt in the U.S.).

How was the price, compared to the US Outlets?

We are planning to hit Destiny USA for Black Friday this year (our 1st) so I may not buy a whole lot here but wouldn't mind checking it out once the hype and traffic die down a bit.

rocketphish

Oct 18, 2014, 2:35 AM

Tanger Outlets Ottawa a hit despite open-day jitters

Janet Wilson, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: October 17, 2014, Last Updated: October 17, 2014 7:28 PM EDT

Build it and they will come — and they did by the thousands.

Despite extreme traffic woes and overflowing washrooms, shoppers galore of every age — many of whom admitted to taking the day off work — came out Friday to get the first glimpse of Tanger Outlets in Kanata.

The city warned Ottawans of further “significant delays” in traffic for the area this weekend. Those heading to Saturday night’s hockey game at Canadian Tire Centre are being urged to take public transit, if possible.

“We heard the highway was really backed up,” chuckled Steve Tanger, president and CEO of Tanger, which is headquartered in North Carolina. “We’re sorry but pleased that Ottawa is coming to visit us.”

The opening of the mall, a 75-store complex featuring such designer brands as Coach, Michael Kors, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Under Armour, J.Crew Factory, Eddie Bauer and Guess, was not without its growing pains.

The westbound Queensway was backed up mid-morning for several hours with some shoppers from Orléans saying the commute was more than two hours. When the parking lot was full, traffic was re-routed to Canadian Tire Centre, where people hopped on shuttle buses or opted to walk. Overflowing toilets in one of the designated washroom areas caused a few nearby stores to close their doors temporarily due to foul odours and a seepage of sewage.

Sales staff stood outside the Ottawa Senators outlet store while maintenance workers attempted to repair the leak. They later tweeted that the store was open once again for business.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson wasn’t impressed to be tied up in highway traffic while rushing to Friday’s opening ceremonies. He called the experience a frustrating one and added that his office had reached out to provincial Transport Minister Steven Del Duca to inquire about ongoing construction on the Queensway.

“I’ve gone by Highway 417 a dozen times in the last month and I rarely see any work being done, yet that one lane is being blocked off,” Watson said. “I’m frustrated by it. I just want to find out directly from the minister why this project seems to be taking so long.”

“Yes, we are experiencing some small growing pains,” admitted Eric Topolnisky, general manager of RioCan Management and Tanger Outlets Ottawa. “We’re still getting things up and running but we’re more than pleased with the turnout and volume of people walking around with shopping bags.”

Jennifer Fornelli, an avid outlet shopper who takes regular trips south of the border in search of bargains with her mother, Donna, shrugged off the long wait to get into the mall.

“It’s opening day; we’re typical Canadians: We line up to see what’s inside without complaining. A lot of the stores were experiencing technical difficulties with debit machine problems, too. But it’s great to see these stores in Ottawa.”

Well-dressed teenagers, moms pushing baby strollers and seniors walked around the pedestrian-friendly complex, which also featured relaxation areas with bright red wooden chairs and outdoor fireplaces and a small food court.

The opening festivities for the 293,000-square-foot centre were to include fireworks Friday and a skating performance by Canadian Olympic medallists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir at noon Saturday at a temporary artificial ice rink set up in the parking lot next to a climbing wall and several food trucks.

During the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, a $20,000 donation was made to the Ottawa Senators Foundation on behalf of Tanger and RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust.

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/tanger-outlets-ottawa-a-hit-despite-open-day-jitters