The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo set to open March 16

By Connie Dyer
After 20 months of work that included demolition of the former River Drive Mall, site work, and new building construction, The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo will open its doors to the public on Thursday, March 16, 2017. The 358,000-square-foot center will offer two-levels of retail located in the heart of downtown Laredo, with easy access to and from I-35 and International Bridges 1 and 2. CBL & Associates Properties, Inc., and Horizon Group Properties co-developed The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo, with Horizon responsible for leasing and management. The new center will feature some of the best brands in outlet retail, including Michael Kors, Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Tommy Hilfiger, and Under Armour.

“We are excited to open our doors,” said Gary J. Skoien, chief executive officer of Horizon Group Properties, “There is tremendous pent up demand from residents in Laredo, Nuevo Laredo, and Monterrey for an outlet shopping venue, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone to the center.” The center will be decked out for “Primavera,” a celebration of spring fashion, with floral displays boasting all the beautiful colors of spring.

While the center will officially open its doors on March 16, the Grand Opening festivities will occur in early April, just prior to Holy Week. The southern part of the U.S. hosts tens of thousands of international visitors who spend this holiday traveling to the United States, and Laredo is no exception. Mexicans typically celebrate the entire week of Semana Santa. Next to Christmas, it is one of the busiest shopping seasons for retail in Laredo.

A private, ticketed event will be hosted at the center on April 5, with proceeds benefiting Bethany House, a local non-profit organization. On Thursday, April 6, the celebration will continue with entertainment, musical performances, meet and greets, and an official dedication ceremony, among other highlights. Shoppers will be given a VIP coupon book, specially produced just for grand opening week, containing savings of 20 – 70% from many f the stores at the center.