Who doesn’t love a deal — especially when it comes to some designer clothing and some of life’s finer goods.
Those behind the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport on Sea Island certainly identified a large community of shoppers, judging by the success the mall has experienced since it opened in the summer of 2015 to crowds that have helped it earn the distinction as this year’s New Business of the Year.
“We’re incredibly humbled and excited to have received this prestigious recognition from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce,” said Ally Day, the mall’s marketing manager. “We were welcomed with open arms when we first opened our doors last July and have been thankful for all the support we’ve received so far.”
The mall, with its distinctive streetscape that blends European charm with local identities, continues to set records in visits and sales after starting with more than 60 stores covering 240,000-square-feet of retail space.
“There has been a massive demand for an outlet centre in the Lower Mainland,” Day said. “As the only true outlet centre in the Lower Mainland, McArthurGlen achieves just that, as well as providing a great day-out destination for both shoppers and the general public with more than 55 brands and wide range of food and beverage options.”
One of the highlights from the first year or so included hosting Vancouver’s largest outdoor yoga exercise fundraiser that benefited Red Cross Canada during Canada Day.
“One of McArthurGlen’s mandates since the opening has been its dedication to engaging the community of Sea Island and Richmond,” Day said. “With various family-friendly activities like annual holiday kick-off events, as well as the event on Canada Day, the centre has become one of the top hubs for community events in the City of Richmond.”
And the future looks bigger for the mall, with expansion plans on the horizon as it is set to welcome its five-millionth visitor by the year-end.
A total six to eight new store openings are upcoming and an additional expansion phase in the next two years will add another 200,000-square-feet and up to 50 more stores and 400 new jobs.
