Edinburgh Premium Outlets plans renovation: Multi-million-dollar improvements in store

EDINBURGH — A playground area, food truck plaza and a new archway sign near the entrance are among the improvements in store as part of a multi-million-dollar renovation project planned at Edinburgh Premium Outlets, located at the U.S. 31 exit of Interstate 65.

The project, announced on Thursday by Simon Property Group, will involve the creation of a food truck plaza on the southwest corner of the shopping mall with cafe seating under new pergolas, along with a playground plaza.

Both of those areas will be visible from Interstate 65 when work is completed, said Les Morris, spokesman for Simon Property Group.

A designated food truck area will provide mall visitors with new dining options to choose from, Morris said. That concept has proved to be popular at other Simon locations across the country, he said.

“We’d like it to be a regular part of the offering there,” Morris said.

The playground plaza will feature green spaces and shaded seating for caregivers, while a striking archway sign will greet visitors as they enter the property once renovation work is completed in 2019.

“We really feel Edinburgh Premium Outlets deserves a real dramatic entrance,” Morris said.

Other planned improvements include free Wi-Fi, new landscaping and seating, digital directories and signage to help shoppers, upgraded restrooms and facade improvements to facilitate better visibility into stores and shops.

“We are thrilled to announce these improvements which will enhance the customer experience,” said Heather Little, general manager at Edinburgh Premium Outlets.

Little said with the additions of outlet retailers such as Vera Bradley and Kate Spade New York, the renovations will elevate and extend customers’ shopping experiences.

“The combination of new store openings, elevated architecture and directional signs and customer amenities such as food truck plaza and playground park will be extremely well received by our shoppers and enhance the overall shopping experience at Edinburgh Premium Outlets for years to come,” Little said.

The mall, which opened in 1989 and has been owned by Simon 2004, has 85 tenants. Morris said the renovation project could attract new tenants.

Outlet brand tenants want a modern physical plant and a location that is attractive to customers, Morris said.

As vacancies occur, Simon works to add brands that customers are looking for, he said.

Simon Property Group, which operates more than 200 properties across the United States, is always assessing what changes, if any, should be made to physical locations, Morris said.

“We’re constantly thinking about how we can make them better … and better for our customers,” he said.

Similar projects are being undertaken at other Simon properties across the country, he said.

“It’s a function of making the properties the best they can be,” Morris said.

Morris said he doesn’t anticipate any impact to existing tenants or shoppers as work progresses on the project.

“We’re excited to commence the project and renovate the property,” he said. “There will be more exciting announcements to come.”

[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”About Edinburgh Premium Outlets” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]

Edinburgh Premium Outlets, which opened in 1989 and has been owned by Simon Property Group since 2004, has 85 tenants.

Stores at the mall, at the U.S. 31 exit of Interstate 65, include national clothing retailers such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, Christopher and Banks, The Gap, Eddie Bauer and Old Navy; footwear brands such as adidas, Nike and Crocs; and assessory outlets such as Vera Bradley, as well as other types of retailers.

Information: www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/edinburgh

[sc:pullout-text-end]