Outlet Outlook Channel Check (Value Retail News)

A tale of two centers: It’s a tough job, making sure that bargains and brands are doing their jobs at Las Vegas’ outlet centers, or is it?

LAS VEGAS, Sat., May 18. Despite the eight-plus hours since leaving NYC, the two flights and the hour-long taxi line at McCarran International Airport, I dropped my luggage off at the hotel, downed a double macchiato and took the 20-minute cab ride to Las Vegas Premium Outlets North for a late afternoon channel check. On a sunny Saturday this was the perfect way to get my toes wet before entering that retail real estate extravaganza in the desert, RECon.

One of two Simon outlet properties in Las Vegas, the North center is more known for its line-up of uber luxury brands, including Anne Fontaine, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, Oliver Peoples and David Yurman. It was opened in 2003, expanded in 2008 and is prepping for another expansion that will open in 2015. The 150,000-sf expansion will bring the center to 690,000 sf.

LV Premium Outlets North, which is a racetrack design with an adjacent wing, has 150 tenants. Armed with a bottle of water, I stopped in the management office, got a map and coupons and started shopping. I wasn’t alone! All the attractions in downtown Las Vegas, from great shows and food, great shopping and strong A/C, didn’t keep the shoppers from this retail mecca. The parking lot looked three-quarters full and a steady stream of cabs dropped off shoppers.

See my write up in Outlet Retail News.