After breaking records when it opened in July 2015, the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets at Vancouver International Airport is planning for a massive expansion.
Scheduled to open in Spring 2019, the expansion will introduce 84,000 square feet of retail space and up to 35 new brands at the centre.
Currently, the centre holds 240,000 square feet of space with over 70 luxury, premium and lifestyle brands.
Entitled Phase II, the expansion will also create 400 jobs for the construction and retail sectors.
The new phase will adjoin east of the existing centre and will mirror the current European design, expanding on the centre’s notable open-air village style, with luxury piazzas, cobblestone walkways and a variety of facades. Phase II forms part of McArthurGlen Group’s plan to develop over 1.6 million square feet of retail space over the next three years across its 24-centre portfolio.
The centre welcomed over 170,000 shoppers during its opening weekend and has experienced steady business ever since.
“Shopping, Chinese restaurants, visiting Steveston – those are the top three things visitors want to do while in Richmond,” says Bruce Okabe, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Richmond.
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McArthurGlen Outlet Centre and YVR
While the centre will attract shoppers from across the region, it also plays a vital role in business operations at the Vancouver International Airport.
“The success we’ve seen so far at the centre has been incredible and we are excited to provide the community with more shopping options with Phase II kicking off this Spring,” said Scott Norris, Vice President, Commercial Development, Vancouver Airport Authority.
“The Designer Outlet Centre not only creates jobs and encourages tourism for our local community, it is one of the ways we look at generating revenue outside of airport operations with the goal of keeping costs for our passengers and airlines low. This innovative business model enables us to continue building YVR as a world-class connecting hub.”
Indeed, the airport itself is undergoing massive construction that will cost approximately $5.6 million to complete.
YVR was voted the best airport in North America for the eighth year in a row in 2017.