YVR makes a fashion-forward leap as the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet opens its doors
International carriers suggest you head to the airport three hours prior to departure. As of July 9, Vancouverites have good reason to buffer: McArthurGlen – Europe’s largest designer outlet chain – unveils its hotly-anticipated North American debut just steps from YVR. Marking Vancouver’s first such high-end locale, the shopping centre will boast designer brands, significant discounts and delicious local flavours to appease even the hungriest consumer. McArthurGlen Vancouver Airport will stand as the 21st fully-operating centre in the organization’s family – and the expansion rate doesn’t appear to be slowing. A second phase is already in development with hundreds of additional employment opportunities and dozens more high-end businesses slated to materialize in the next two years. Click through to find out why you’ll want to head to the airport extra early before your next flight.
High-end Labels
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport will house 240,000 square feet of retail space and some of North America’s favourite high-end brands. Luxury labels Armani, Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein will be among the denizens in the first phase of construction. Additional brands will finalize lease agreements and expand the offering as the year progresses. For some consumers, a foray to the centre may represent a first interaction with certain luxury brands so particular attention is paid to training, staffing and overall consumer experience. This is truly as far from bargain basement sales racks as a savvy shopper can get. But despite the high-quality finishes and luxurious open-air concept, consumers should not be leery: McArthurGlen knows deals. Retailers showcase discounts of up to 70 per cent and often offer product from last year’s collections to ensure visitors have access to the very best prices available. Consider it haute couture with slightly less sense of urgency.
All Aboard!
Tourists comprise a huge slice of McArthurGlen’s customer base in Europe. Most of the organization’s centres can credit anywhere between 20 and 30 per cent of sales to the wallets of those just stopping in during travels. Vancouver will be no different. YVR – Canada’s second-busiest airport – is metres from the centre and access is made even easier by the Canada Line. Shoppers can ride the passenger train to Templeton Station and walk just steps to begin their retail therapy. In fact, train access will even be complimentary for those at YVR, encouraging some of the airport’s more than 400 employees to visit regularly. For airbound passengers, electronic departure boards will share up-to-date flight information while luggage storage on-site will certainly help ease you into your travels.
Fresh and Local
The folks at McArthurGlen maintain an important mission with each expansion in their retail offering, displaying an appreciative reflection of local culture and cuisine. On-site, food options eschew the exhaustive offerings of major chains in favour of businesses with a strong connection to the local community. Stroll with a coffee in hand courtesy of Caffè Artigiano or stop for a hot slice at the BiBo, serving handmade pizza like its popular West 4th haunt. Ryuu Izakaya and Think Kitchen will also soon open to satiate culinary-oriented customers.
Familiar Surroundings
Just like with the food on offer, the architecture of the new McArthurGlen Designer Outlet will also tout a strong local aesthetic. While most of the chain’s centres reflect a similar style – with spacious, Italian-inspired piazzas and quaint tree-lined sidewalks, each centre showcases a strong dedication to local visuals. The famed façade of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver will see its inspiration woven into plans as will the popular red brick of Gastown’s historic storefronts and the green surroundings that highlight British Columbia’s finest postcard-ready photo ops. Given the expansive space – and a clear appreciation for local culture, the festive atmosphere of the new centre will be highlighted by an impressive list of special events and exhibitions that dot the calendar. At one of McArthurGlen’s most popular Italy centres, Grammy nominee Lisa Stansfield recently headlined a series of over a dozen free concerts while fashion-themed art installations and special window merchandising combine to bring McArthurGlen spaces to visual – and audible – life.
Family-friendly Fun
Depending on naptime, a long sojourn to a shopping centre can at times prove problematic for some parents and McArthurGlen has incorporated an impressive family slant to its design for this very reason. A large children’s playground will be available for use in the centre’s pedestrian area. And the long list of retail habitats also includes a number of kid-friendly favourites with OshKosh, and both Polo Ralph Lauren Kids and Tommy Kids among those soon onsite.