Mall operator Simon revealed big plans to expand its Woodbury Common Premium Outlet center in Fall 2023, including the addition of 155,000 square feet of retail stores and restaurants, a 200-key luxury hotel, a second parking facility and upgraded amenities. To cement the center’s image as a luxury destination, the first enhancement will be a VIP Suite featuring multiple private spaces with their own dressing rooms, an upscale lounge area and a private kitchen.
The VIP Suite, which is expected to open later in 2024 in the center’s luxury wing, The Adirondacks District, also will host private events and offer personalized service and curated customer experiences.
“Innovation and continually enhancing our idyllic shopping atmosphere, along with our collection of the most desirable brands, is what excites Woodbury Common’s shoppers, and we look forward to enhancing our guest service experience with our luxurious VIP Suite,” said Mark Silvestri, President of Development at Simon in a statement.
Woodbury Common, located in New York’s Hudson Valley, draws more than 10 million shoppers annually. Last year, 20 stores opened or expanded, and more than 20 plan to make their debut in 2024. New offerings include David Yurman, Roberto Cavalli, Maison Margiela, Ladurée, Bollicine Champagne Bar, Jil Sander, Eleventy and Reformation.
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Even though many shopping malls have been going through an “identity crisis,” Simon has been working to enhance the customer experience at its centers, using Dropit to offer omnichannel inventory management and fulfillment capabilities in September 2023 and equipping “helper elves” with ChatGPT 4.0-powered AI technology to assist shoppers during the 2023 holiday season. Additionally, Simon’s online marketplace, Shop Premium Outlets, launched a retail media network in March 2024.
