Nike is the latest retailer to sign on to be part of New York City’s first outlet center being built on the St. George waterfront.
Joseph Ferrara, a principal with BFC Partners, announced the Nike Factory Outlet lease at the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation’s (SIEDC) 18th annual business conference at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield on Wednesday.
“We have positioned Empire Outlets to be one of the top tier retail outlet destinations in the world,” said Ferrara, who was honored by the SIEDC at the conference along with 30 other “people and institutions of influence to Staten Island’s economic development.”
“The impact Nike will have on Empire Outlets will be resounding as the amount of visitors Nike draws itself from all over the world will most certainly add and complement the visitor experience by leaps and bounds …Once complete Empire Outlets will offer over 1,000 employment opportunities and will generate tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue for the city of New York,” he added.
Said James Prendamano, managing director of the St. George-based Casandra Properties, leasing agents for Empire Outlets, “We are thrilled that Nike Factory Stores will be joining the Empire Outlets family. Nike Factory Stores are regarded as a cornerstone anchor in top flight outlet centers across the United States. This deal further proves that the retail giants understand Staten Island’s buying power, and are willing to invest in our borough.”
The sporting goods retailer will take up 17,000 square feet at the outlet center, said Ferrara. Nike Factory Stores typically offer active wear for men, women and children, sneakers, and other sports related items.
Located directly adjacent to the St. George Ferry Terminal and the future NY Wheel, the multi-million dollar Empire Outlets project will include 340,000 square feet of prime retail space, a 190-room hotel featuring a rooftop venue with expansive waterfront views, a 1,250-space structured parking garage, and a 40,000-square-foot food and beverage deck that will provide views of the Manhattan skyline.
OUTLETS TO OPEN NEXT YEAR
With the outlets more than 50 percent leased, a host of retailers are gearing up to be part of mega outlet mall already taking significant shape on the North Shore and slated to be complete next year.
Brands that have signed leases and/or announced plans to be part of Empire Outlets include: Nordstrom Rack, Jewelers on Fifth, H&M, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Francesca’s, Starbucks, U.S. Polo, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Store, White House Black Market, Columbia Sportswear Company, Guess Factory Store, Wilsons Leather, G.H. Bass & Co., Lids, Obey Your Body, Innovation Luggage, Walgreens, Haagen Dazs, Krispy Kreme, Nathan’s Famous, Marketplace at Empire Outlets (MRKTPL), Mighty Quinn’s Barbecue, and Yong Kang Street restaurant.
OTHER SIEDC AWARD WINNERS
The 30 other award winners included: Staten Island University Hospital, Richard & Lois Nicotra, The Staten Island Mall, NY Wheel, The Staten Island Advance, Lighthouse Point, Empire State Development, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, Staten Island Foundation, Assemblyman Michael Cusick, Councilman Steven Matteo, Borough President James Oddo, Vincent Ignizio, and many more.
