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Silver Sands Features Several Outlet Retail Chain Award Winners
Recently, Value Retail News, a publication of the International Council of Shopping Centers, announced its 2008 Outlet Retail Chain Award (ORCA) winners and several of those designer companies honored are located at Silver Sands Factory Stores. The ORCA honors outlet retailers in seven categories – Best Overall Chain, Best Value Equation, Best Marketing Program, Best Customer Service, Best Outlet Chain Newcomer, Best Visual Merchandising and Best Outlet Tenant. This year, 76 outlet retail chains were nominated from members of the outlet industry including shopping center executives. Of those nominated, 30 are located at Silver Sands.
“We are extremely proud of the unparalleled mix of high quality, true designer stores that we are able to offer our shoppers. That’s what makes us the nation’s largest designer outlet center and what has really put this area on the map as a shopping destination,” stated Traci Stokes, Marketing Director at Silver Sands.
For the third consecutive year, Coach Factory Stores have been named “Best Overall Chain” by the outlet industry. With classic, high-quality products, sound marketing strategies, and impressive price points, Coach Factory Stores has created a brand customers desire. Coach continues to be one of the most popular and successful Silver Sands stores by offering highly desirable, quality luxury items at great prices and excellent customer service.
According to Value Retail News, Polo Ralph Lauren is a standout in the outlet business which has a reputation for hiring sales associates that are knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Polo Ralph Lauren has been awarded “Best Customer Service” in the apparel category for identifying customer service as the heart of their business. Silver Sands shoppers have enjoyed the classic fashions and knowledgeable staff of Polo Ralph Lauren for many years.
The Best Outlet Tenant award is typically received by stores who are known for attracting shoppers to an outlet center and driving center sales. It is no surprise that this year’s award went to The Gap Group, to include Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Stores. According to Value Retail News, The Gap Group stores drive sales because their customer base is the typical outlet customer who comes to power shop for quality products at discount prices. Both Banana Republic and Gap Outlet are prominent stores at Silver Sands for appealing to a broader demographic with their modern styles at great discounts.
Michael Kors was named ORCA’s 2008 Best Outlet Chain Newcomer runner-up for offering distinctive yet innovative outlet stores that meet the needs of shoppers and landlords alike. The store draws in customers for their glamorous high end fashion at affordable prices. Michael Kors is one of the newest and leading stores at Silver Sands, offering upscale fashions at great price points.
Noted for its progressive advertising campaigns, Best Marketing Program winner Guess? Factory Stores, runs consistent and original ads without the aid of an ad agency. Guess? features models such as Claudia Schiffer in their black and white ads, which not only markets apparel but also fashion accessories. “We are associated with a sexy image and we should be that,” CEO Paul Marciano told The Los Angeles Times. Guess? continues to offer Silver Sands customers trendsetting apparel and accessories at reputable prices.
Offering the best pricing in relation to brand image and price points, Aéropostale Outlets has received positive feedback from consumers on pricing, quality and selection of its merchandise. Aéropostale Outlets, the 2008 Best Value Equation recipient, presents customers with simple and casual apparel at remarkable pricing. Aéropostale continues to be a ‘must shop’ at Silver Sands for young people seeking trendy yet casual apparel.
Nominated in five categories, Jockey was one of two stores recognized for its excellence. Jockey has been able to maintain customer loyalty while staying true to character. The store puts forth practical apparel at practical prices while delivering unbeatable customer service. Jockey continues to be a popular store at Silver Sands for their commitment to quality, comfort, and the needs of their clients.
The annual Outlet Retail Chain Award winners are first nominated by everyone in the outlet industry. After the nominations are compiled, a panel of outlet industry executives evaluates and selects the winners. Nominees may be any retail chain that tenants outlet centers.
ABOUT SILVER SANDS FACTORY STORES
Silver Sands Factory Stores, a Howard Group Development, is the nation’s largest designer outlet center located near Destin, FL in the heart of Northwest Florida Beaches, named one of Frommer’s top 2010 international destinations and one of Good Morning America's "10 Most Beautiful Places in America." The Center currently features more than 100 designer factory stores with 465,200 square feet of retail space, and ultimately 700,000 planned. Silver Sands is visited by over seven million shoppers each year who shop for designer merchandise at up to 75 percent off retail prices. Silver Sands is located on Emerald Coast Parkway, one mile west of Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort. For more information, call the Shopper Services at 850.654.9771 ext 1 or visit online at silversandsoutlet.com. Fan Silver Sands on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SilverSands) or follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/SilverSandsFS).
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Media Contacts:
Katie Johnson, Communications Manager
kj@silversandsoutlet.com
850.654.9771
Ashley Watkins, Marketing Director
aw@silversandsoutlet.com
850.654.9771