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

 

April

 

 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

July

July

 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.

PHOENIX PREMIUM OUTLET

 4976 Premium Outlets Way  Chandler, AZ 85226

(480) 639-1776

 Regular Hours  of Operation:

 Mon - Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: 10am-7pm 

(check site for special holiday hours)

Thanks for stopping by,

SWEET SALVAGE ON 7th - SUMMER LUVIN' VINTAGE FINDS

Today is the first day of summer - as well as the longest day of the year. It's also Day 2 of the local monthly vintage pop-up market called Sweet Salvage! I first learned about this pop-up vintage market last year wile learning my way around Phoenix and so glad I did! What a delightful treat of inspirational vignettes, vintage deals and unique visual merchandising. Each month, the Sweet Salvage team re-merchandises the shop with a fresh assortment of vintage finds, based on a theme. Last month was Sweet Retreats and this month is perfectly titled - Summer Luvin'. Local designer & Blogger Jamie Rose wrangled the crowds and line Thursday for the pop-up shop opening -  Last month, I scouted finds for local designer Kurt Miller who's doing a Shabby Chic project. This weekend I'm setting out again to see what gems I find, plus share the local love on Facebook and Twitter. Here is a peek at this month's Summer Luvin', plus a look back at a few other sweet installments...

SWEET SALVAGE ON 7th AVE

Summer Luvin'

 

photo by Jamie Rose 

 

photo by Jamie Rose 

 

photo by Sweet Salvage

Here is a tour of Sweet Salvage when I toured last months

Sweet Salvage - Sweet Retreat plus links below to previous posts...

See the other installations in my previous posts:

Sweet Salvage On 7th Ave - July 2012 Event

Sweet Salvage On 7th Ave - August 2012 Event

Sweet Salvage On 7th Ave - September 2012 Event

SWEET SALVAGE LOCATION:

4648 N 7th Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85013

602 - 279 - 2996

email: info@sweetsalvage.net

website: http://www.sweetsalvage.net

If you're local, hope to see you there! 

Thanks for stopping by...

Vintage Market Pop-Up Shop: September's Sweet Salvage

Sweet Salvage did it again! Another fantastic monthly installment of visual splendor! Coming across this Vintage Market Monthly Pop-Up Shop has definitely been a bright spot since moving here to Arizona. This shop merges the thrill of thrift or vintage hunting with the visual excitement retailers these days have thrown to the wayside. Sweet Salvage artfully layers dramatic vignettes, based on a monthly evolving theme, and proves "more is more" is a GOOD thing. This was my third visit and tour of this vintage pop-up market, curated by local vintage dealers, and I have not yet been disappointed. Sure, big-box retailers like ZGallerie, Pottery Barn, West Elm and Crate & Barrel execute floor moves and store sets, tweak visual presentation monthly or weekly, and may even flip the store merchandise flow (tip: it's a merchandising trick to make you believe what is old is new again), but they all play it "safe". The visual presentation at Sweet Salvage transports you another time or location, and not always just to celebrate a season or a holiday... but Fall did kick off this past weekend and touring Sweet Salvage was a wonderful way to be inspired for the new season...

 

This month's installment was called "Wicked Faire", a theme chosen from the engagement of their  fans on the Sweet Salvage Facebook page. This concept (IMO) totally beats out the "centralized" format of big-box stores. Why? Because it speaks to the local market. (I wish more of the big-box retailers would have select stores with these special localized shops!!) Sweet Salvage brings to life the imagination of what people want to see. This month's Wicked Faire was a combination of a vintage Halloween + Fall finds, with a bit of "steampunk style" mixed in and it just works!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Touring big-box stores is a great way to get inspiration for color combinations or seasonal changes. Touring specialty shops in your area is a wonderful way to support your local businesses. Did I buy something during this visit? No... but I did share my photos I shot on Facebook and that helps other locals to know about this shop. I also tweeted about the shop and from the shop, which is another way to help hype up a pop-up shop.  The crowds seem to be increasing, and Sweet Salvage even introduced a Pre-View Party on Wednesday evening (no shopping, just looking) which is another way to help increase hype & traffic to a pop-up shop. Next months installment is called French Market and I'm looking forward to it. If you're in the Phoenix area, I hope to see you there!

 

SWEET SALVAGE LOCATION:

4648 N 7th Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85013

602 - 279 - 2996

email: info@sweetsalvage.net

website: http://www.sweetsalvage.net

See the other installations in my previous posts:

Sweet Salvage on 7th Ave - July Event

Sweet Salvage On 7th Ave - August Event

Thanks for stopping by!