Simon Expands in Windy City

By Keith Loria, Contributing Editor

Chicago Premium Outlets

Simon Property Group has expanded its popular Chicago Premium Outlets with an additional 250,000 square feet of outdoor shopping space.

Located at 1650 Premium Outlets Blvd. in Aurora, Ill., the 10-year-old outlet center added 30 stores to what was already Chicagoland’s largest outlet.

“We have a number of retailers who have been with us since the center opened in 2004 and they were so successful that they needed more space so we have quite a few who relocated within the center and taken more space,” a Simon spokesperson told Commercial Property Executive. “We also have brand new tenants. The market loves our products and it’s not uncommon that we would expand.”

Coach, Cole Haan, Guess Factory Store, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Skechers, Under Armour, and Vera Bradley have all increased their space at Chicago Premium Outlets, while new stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Columbia Sportswear, UGG Australia, Vince, and Clarins luxury skincare have all come in as new retailers.

More stores are expected to open in the center during the fourth quarter of 2015 and early 2016.

“Chicago Premium Outlets has been one of the country’s most successful outlet centers for more than a decade,” Mark Silvestri, Simon Premium Outlets’ COO said in a prepared statement. “Today’s openings, along with new and expanded retailers debuting during the fourth quarter, will enhance this popular center as a must-shop destination for holiday 2015.”

The new section of the center includes fireplaces, art installations and a feature pond, along with the addition of 2,200 parking spaces and new amenities. Additionally, the first phase is undergoing a complete renovation including an updated food court, new pedestrian walkways, landscaping, lighting, seating, and signage.

Expansion is nothing new for Simon. Earlier this summer, the company expanded its space at the San Francisco Premium Outlets by 185,000 square feet, and also upped its foothold at Las Vegas North with 25 new stores.