The Vancouver Airport Authority has officially confirmed the rumours: they are planning to develop a luxury designer outlet centre on Vancouver International Airport (YVR) land in partnership with London-based developer, McArthurGlen Group. From the press release:
“We are delighted to have this opportunity to create a premium retail destination in Vancouver, our first location in North America. Already we are seeing very strong interest from our brand partners to open at the centre,” said Gary Bond, McArthurGlen’s CEO of Development. “Vancouver combines location excellence, economic strength, tourism potential and a strong partner – all elements that guarantee success when opening luxury shopping projects.”
The proposed new centre would open in phases, beginning in the fall of 2014, and feature European and North American luxury, designer and mainstream brands. The company’s outlets in Europe are known for brands such as Prada, Armani, Burberry, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ermenegildo Zegna and Michael Kors.
Vancouver Airport Authority and McArthurGlen are committed to the proposed project being built and operated to ensure environmental compatibility with the local area. Areas of the Fraser River that border the outlet centre would be protected and environmental enhancement plans include the installation of foot and cycling paths that fit into existing regional trail networks.
More details are expected to be released as the plans are finalized. Site work is scheduled to start sometime in August of this year, and Phase One is scheduled to open with 97 stores in the fall of 2014.
Many Lower Mainland residents make the trip to the Seattle Premium Outlets in search of a good bargain. Since this new outlet is being built on this side of the Canadian border, will it change the way you shop?
An artist’s impression of one of the shopping streets for the proposed designer outlet on Sea Island, to be located on Russ Baker Way near BCIT.
The new centre – a partnership between Vancouver Airport Authority and McArthurGlen Group – would open in phases, beginning in the fall of 2014, and feature European and North American luxury, designer and mainstream brands.
