Center marks decade in Limerick
It has been 10 years since the Philadelphia Premium Outlets opened in Limerick, bringing 150 retailers to the area. To mark the occasion, the Philadelphia Premium Outlets held a ribbon-cutting in conjunction with the Spring-Ford Chamber of Commerce.
Since opening on Nov. 8, 2007, the outlet center, owned by Simon Property Group, headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., has become one of the top shopping destinations in the area.
The Philadelphia Premium Outlets employs an estimated 1,500 full-time employees year round. That number increases at this time of year, as most of the center’s retailers hire seasonal staff for the holiday shopping season, according to Kate Johnson, area director of marketing and business development.
The center debuted with 120 retailers in 2007, but a 2008 expansion took that number to 150. Johnson added that of the original 120 retailers; more than half remain, including Coach, Ann Taylor Factory Store and Under Armour.
“Because we’re a destination shopping center, we benefit from both returning and new customers, which makes us an attractive location for retailers,” Johnson added.
Limerick Township Manager Dan Kerr said because the center is a destination point, it provides a boost to the local economy and to the other businesses in the area.
“People come for the day and visit restaurants and other attractions in the area. From a standpoint of bringing people to this area they have been a wonderful amenity for Limer-
ick,” he said.
“We’ve got the best shopping experience in the country right here in Montgomery County, and the Philadelphia Premium Outlets are a big contributor to that, and to Montgomery County’s economic impact,” said Edward Harris, chief marketing officer for the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board.
Johnson said the center supports local entrepreneurs by giving them a “space to thrive.”
“One of our most successful retailers is the Beef Jerky Outlet, a franchise run by a local husband and wife duo who have received an incredible response during their first year here at the center,” she said.
The store, owned by Ben and Ellen Nonnemacher of Exeter, opened in October 2016 and carries more than 200 varieties of jerky made from several types of meat.
According to Johnson, many in the community also view the center as a community hub and gathering place. To that end, she added that the Philadelphia Premium Outlets offer free and family-friendly events. Coming up on Dec. 1 is the Philadelphia Premium Outlets’ annual Tree Lighting.
“One community initiative that we look forward to every year is More Than Pink, Simon’s national partnership with Susan G. Komen,” she said, adding that the center raised more than $35,000 for the Susan G. Komen organization this year. “On a local level, we reach out to the Philadelphia SGK chapter to identify a deserving survivor
and gift them with a shopping spree — on us.”
In addition, Philadelphia Premium Outlets works annually with the Simon
Youth Foundation to award a scholarship to a local, deserving student. And this winter, the center will run a coat drive, with donations
kicking off at the annual tree lighting.
While there are no plans for additional expansion of the center at this time, Johnson said the center’s owner, Simon, continues to reinvest in the property. She said a high-tech media lounge was added this year with additional seating areas. Center-wide WiFi, and a fire pit are in the works for the coming year.
Johnson said the leasing team’s ability to uncover the brands customers are interested in has also contributed to the outlet center’s success over the past decade.
“Additionally, from an industry perspective, we’ve seen an increased demand for outlet and value shopping. People still want their favorite name brands but at a significant value,” Johnson added.
Simon owns both the King of Prussia Mall and Philadelphia Premium Outlets, as well as several other shopping properties across the region. Johnson said the Premium Outlets provide an experience that “is unique enough that it complements not competes with King of Prussia’s offerings.”
The center recently announced the upcoming openings of Tory Burch, the retailer’s first outlet shop in the Philadelphia area, and Calvin Klein Underwear, both expected to open in time for Black Friday.
Philadelphia Premium Outlets are located off Route 422 at 18 W. Lightcap Road, Limerick. For more visit www.premiumoutlets. com/philadelphia.