Woodstock Outlet Mall Could Open Sooner

The opening date of the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta appears to be closer than anticipated.

Horizon Group Properties announced on Friday the grand opening date for the outlet mall in Woodstock will be July 18, 2013, a few weeks ahead of the August 2013 scheduled opening.

The 370,000 square-foot phase will be stocked with some of the widely known brands and designer outlets such as Brooks Brothers, Cole Haan, Nike, Under Armour, Michael Kors and Talbots.  

Thirty new stores that have recently announced their intentions of joining the rundown of stores include: Aéropostale, Asics, Berry & Berry Yogurt, Bose, Charley's Steakery, Charlotte Russe, Claire's, Columbia Sportswear, Dress Barn, Fox, Gold Toe, Gymboree, Haggar, Jos. A. Bank, Journeys, Kay Jewelers, Kitchen Collection, Love Culture, Lucky Brand, Maidenform, Motherhood Maternity, OshKosh B'Gosh, P.S. From Aéropostale, Sbarro, Sunglass Hut, Taqueria Tsunami, Ultra Diamonds, Waterford Wedgwood, Wilsons Leather and Zumiez.

"Strong tenant demand, ongoing support from the city of Woodstock officials and the speed of the construction permit the accelerated opening date of the center," Horizon President & CEO Gary J. Skoien said. "The development and operation of the center will generate both substantial economic activity in and tax revenue for the city of Woodstock and Cherokee County. We appreciate the efforts of the City and County officials who helped make this development a reality."

Michael Lebovitz, executive vice president of development & administration for CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. added the "sustained" demand they have received from retailers who wish to sign onto the project "demonstrates the tremendous strength of the project." 

The outlet mall is a joint venture of CBL and Horizon. Both companies are developing the project, but Horizon is in charge of leasing and managing the center. 

The Outlet Shoppes At Atlanta is located along Ridgewalk Parkway just west of the new Interstate 575 Exit 9 interchange. The outlet mall is expected to attract over four million shoppers each year from Georgia and its border states, according to Horizon and CBL.  

The development will feature covered walkways, landscaped court yards and will blend traditional features with other features such as a children's play area.

A center court area will be complete with fountains and a fire place and the site overall will be able to accommodate an additional 30,000 square feet of outlet mall space. It also has seven out parcel spaces designed for restaurants, service businesses and other retail uses. 

Horizon and CBL notes the outlet mall is expected to generate more than $130 million in sales annually and $3 million in sales and property taxes for the city and the county.

Additionally, the development and operation of the site is expected to bring a total of $34 million in taxes to benefit the city, county and the Cherokee County School District over the course of 10 years.