New outlets fill out Tanger storefronts

BARSTOW — Construction is almost complete, stores are setting out merchandise, and customers are ready to shop.

Seven new stores in the Tanger Outlets near Lenwood have opened or will open in the coming weeks, nearly completing the center’s 65,000 square-foot expansion.

Retailers Gymboree, Ann Talyor and Banana Republic opened late last week, said Jennifer Rodriguez, general manager of the center. They will joined by Calvin Kline, Aeropostale, Michael Kors and American Eagle Outfitters in the coming weeks. Coach moved from its old location to a newer, bigger storefront. Tommy Hilfiger will also move into the expanded part. Rodriguez said that although some stores have seen fewer shoppers than expected in the past several days, she expects international, regional and local customers to be drawn to the new outlets.

“We’re the natural stopping point,” Rodriguez said. “Those buses, it’s amazing how many tourists are getting on these buses yearly.”

Rodriguez said that Tanger chose to bring in the new retailers into the outlets after performing research and speaking with community members.

“These are the brand names that customers are requesting,” she said.

At the outlets on Tuesday afternoon, crowds were scarce, but employees of the newly opened stores were busy arranging merchandise and greeting customers.

Elyce Gray, senior assistant manager at Ann Taylor, said thinks the store’s business suits for women will be popular among travelers and local residents.

“We’ve had great reception with all of the ladies in the community,” she said. “I think it’s good for the businesswoman in Barstow.”

She said she expects the center to be busier once summer begins and the remaining retailers open.

Trish Collins, a manager with Gymboree, was hanging brightly colored baby clothes on the store’s walls on Tuesday. She said the company chose to open a store in Barstow because the next closest store is in the Victoria Gardens shopping center in Rancho Cucamonga.

“This is a way of getting back into the market,” she said.

The expansion means more shopping choices and employment opportunities for local residents. Barstow resident Teodoro Reyes filled out several job applications on Tuesday and said he’s happy he won’t have to travel to Victorville or San Bernardino to buy clothes.

“Who wants to go Down the Hill to go shopping?” he said. “It’s another reason to stop in Barstow. People going to Vegas can stop for fast food and gas. People coming back can stop to go shopping.”

Rodriguez said she expects the entire outlet center to be filled by May. The company is still negotiating with retailers to occupy the remaining spaces. Once built, the company’s attention will turn to finding tenants for the six remaining parcels of land the company owns in the Lenwood area, Rodriguez said. She expects three of those parcels to be filled with restaurants.

Contact the writer:

(760) 256-4126 or jason_smith@link.freedom.com