Press
Silver Sands Features Six Outlet Retail Chain Award Winners
Miramar Beach, Fla. (January 31, 2012) – Recently, Value Retail News, a publication of the International Council of Shopping Centers, announced its 2011 Outlet Retail Chain Award (ORCA) winners and six of those designer companies honored are located at Silver Sands Factory Stores. The ORCA honors outlet retailers in six categories – Best Overall Chain, Best Value Equation, Best Marketing Program, Best Customer Service, Best Outlet Chain Newcomer and Best Visual Merchandising. This year, 72 outlet retail chains were nominated from members of the outlet industry including shopping center executives. Of those nominated, 35 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 Ashley Watkins, Marketing Director at Silver Sands.
For the fifth 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, “Michael Kors clearly regards customer service as the heart of its business with sales associates and managers that are well-trained, understand the chain’s products and policies and go the extra mile in assisting and advising customers.” Michael Kors has been awarded “Best Customer Service” and their VP of Outlets, Jeff Dunn commented, “This is the award we were hoping to get. Customer service means everything to us.” Silver Sands shoppers have enjoyed the outstanding designs and knowledgeable staff of Michael Kors since they opened in 2007.
Cole Haan and Nike Factory Store share the same parent company as well as the ORCA’s 2011 “Best Visual Merchandising” award for their outstanding visual merchandising. With attractive, easy to shop and well-designed stores these two retailers provide the ambience of a specialty store at factory store prices. Cole Haan at Silver Sands recently remodeled their store to reflect the new and improved concept store design and Nike Factory Store will unveil their remodeled store on February 17. “Silver Sands is constantly renovating the Center to provide the best value and a unique shopping experience to our visitors,” added Watkins.
Noted for its impeccable promotional programs, “Best Marketing Program” winner Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, was praised for also reliably participating in center-specific promotions. “We’re always striving to please the customer with specific communications,” stated Amber Cacali, VP of Marketing for Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH. “The contact is made with shoppers as soon as they come through the door and continues after they’ve left the center.” Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH.continues to offer Silver Sands customers trendsetting fashions and award-winning communications during and after their visit.
According to VRN, “price, quality and selection make up the value equation and Carter’s Outlets consistently excels at all three components.” As the 2011 Best Value Equation recipient, Carter’s Outlet presents customers with the best pricing and value. Carter’s continues to be a ‘must shop’ at Silver Sands for children’s apparel.
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