Empire Outlets is 50 percent leased, says developer
Updated Oct 14, 2015 ; Posted Oct 14, 2015
Empire Outlets is 50 percent leased
Gallery: Empire Outlets is 50 percent leased
By Tracey Porpora | porpora@siadvance.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- With half of Empire Outlets -- to be comprised of about 100 designer stores -- already leased, New York City's first outlet mall is expected to open in mid-2017.
However, BFC Partners, Empire Outlets developer, is tight-lipped about some of the retailers who have already signed leases. Only about 20 retailers have been announced.
"We have quite a few deals that have been inked. I just can't talk about them yet," said Joseph Ferrara, a principal with BFC Partners.
The multimillion-dollar Empire Outlets project will include 340,000 square feet of retail space with approximately 100 designer outlet retailers, a 190-room hotel featuring a rooftop venue with expansive waterfront views, a 1,250-space structured parking garage, and a 40,000-square-foot food and beverage deck that will provide panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.
The newest retailer to sign on to be part of Empire Outlets is Francesca's, a women's apparel retailer, who signed a lease for about 2,000-square-feet.
"We currently do not have any outlets in this region and felt Empire provided us with the perfect opportunity and ideal positioning for optimal market penetration," said Michael Stanley, senior director of real estate for Francesca's, noting there are two store locations in Manhattan.
BFC Partners principals say Francesca's is the perfect complement to other retailers signed at the outlets.
"We are very excited Francesca's is on board with Empire Outlets. There is no doubt in my mind that they will be a successful tenant there," said Ferrara.
Said James Prendamano, managing director of Casandra Properties, leasing agents for Empire Outlets: "The demographic on the North Shore is the youngest on Staten Island. They, along with the millions of tourists who visit our shores annually, will be a perfect match for Francesca's trendy mix of women's clothing and accessories."
ENTERTAINMENT COMPONENT
While he couldn't announce a retailer name, Ferrara said there will be a large entertainment component to the new outlet center.
"The tenant we are about to sign in the category of entertainment and destination concept is pretty cool," said Ferrara.
"It will be a place you can explore with family and friends and it will provide an interactive platform stimulating all five senses," he added.
ALREADY SIGNED
Francesca's joins several national brands that have already signed leases with Empire Outlets, including Nordstrom Rack, H&M, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Starbucks, U.S. Polo, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Store, White House Black Market, Columbia Sportswear Company, Guess Factory Store, Wilsons Leather, G.H. Bass & Co., Lids, Obey Your Body, Innovation Luggage, Walgreens, Haagen Dazs, Krispy Kreme, Nathan's Famous, Yong Kang Street restaurant and Applebee's.
Empire Outlets was nominated as "best factory outlet center in the world" at this year's MAPIC conference -- an international retail property annual exhibition -- in Cannes, France, in November.
"Just to be nominated is really exciting," said Ferrara.
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