FOCAL POINT STYLING: NEW SHOPS IN TOWN: PHOENIX PREMIUM OUTLETS

Back in April, a new factory outlet opened in here Chandler, AZ called Phoenix Premium Outlet. Surprisingly though, not all stores were open for Grand Opening weekend. Some shops, like Ralph Lauren were slated to open later this Summer, and others like J.Crew, Cole Haan, and Kate Spade are scheduled to open in the Fall. Since July 4th weekend is historically the time when most retailers execute their seasonal markdowns (to flush out Spring / Summer and make way for Fall) I popped over the Phoenix Outlet this July 4th weekend for a look-see. As expected, most stores were running 40% - 50% discounts on some of this years first half goods. Here's some of what I saw from opening weekend and this weekend...

Inside Saks Off 5th...

Calvin Klein and Nine West

Lot's of color at Dressbarn.

Tommy Bahama bag (LOVE!) and Elie Tahari

The store with the best visual presentation was Tommy Hilfiger - from merchandising wall texture to graphics to OH (on-hand) assortment to crisp display forms. They even use a clip hook to better maximize wall space en leu of a traditional plastic hanger. This is also a shop space saver since the clip can be used for all sizes, accessories and shirts as well as bottoms.

April

July

I was hoping it would have been the Ralph Lauren Factory store (which just opened June 28, and had a traveling visual team set the store), but I was a little disappointed. The lifestyle brand known for being an American Icon was set a little too heavy in my opinion for the Phoenix location. I was hoping to see more Americana styling for Summer, but instead saw the bulk of the store already heavily layered for Fall, with most of the Spring assortment hidden in backsides of fixtures. The store itself was huge, and it looked like it will be filled a lot more in the months to come.

April

July

Back in April for the Grand opening weekend, the store with the longest line was Coach: it had stanchions and police. The stores shopped the hardest then and now were Old Navy, the Gap and Banana Republic. These stores featured markdowns from 40% and up to 70% off. (best pricing for the "outlet / discount" minded shopper). I picked up some simple nude sandals & a great blue print scarf from Old Navy for under $20, while Jeff scored a great pair of blue/white chalk-stripe linen shorts at Perry Ellis for only $10.

Kind of makes ya go, "What recession?"

Luggage stores too like Samsonite and The Luggage Factory...

Can't wait for their opening!

The outlet was easy to walk around - in spite of the heat. The architectural design provided lots of shade from slats and canvas stretched tarps. Misters + fans also help to keep patrons cool while strolling the race-track layout. Some of the other shops I popped into were BCBG, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Coach, Donna Karen, Dress Barn, Guess, Levis, Michael Kors, Nine West, Saks Off 5th, and Tommy Bahama (view the complete store list here.) Looking forward to Kate Spade & J.Crew opening later this Fall.

Only two home lines stores listed - What a GREAT opportunity for stores like Williams Sonoma, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Jonathan Adler, or Crate & Barrel to open outlets here at Phoenix Premium Outlets.