Premium Outlet Collection Edmonton International Airport (POC-EIA) opened in early May, drawing a massive crowd that started arriving the night before to be in line for the grand opening. POC-EIA is the only fully enclosed outlet shopping centre in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. The mall is also LEED® pre-certified, ensuring that it aims for a very high standard of sustainability and eco-responsibility.
Opening week saw plenty of giveaways and contests, including $50 POC-EIA cards for the first 1,000 people in line at Entrance 4, VIP tickets to 2018 Grey Cup, and 15 per cent discounts for Air Canada flights from Edmonton to San Francisco.
Opening day also included a charitable aspect. Jason Bos, general manager, Premium Outlet Collection EIA, announced that up to $10,000 would be donated to United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, thanks to custom-designed canvas shopping totes. The totes were designed by celebrities, such as Paul Brandt, Kevin Lowe, and Cassie Sharp. Mall patrons voted for their favourite tote, with POC-EIA donating $1 for each vote, up to a maximum of $10,000.
Dignitaries at the opening included the Honourable Shaye Anderson, Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs; Tom Ruth, president and CEO of EIA; Bob Young, mayor of the City of Leduc; Tanni Doblanko, mayor of Leduc County; and representatives from Ivanhoé Cambridge, Simon, and United Way of the Alberta Capital Region.
“We are thrilled to bring our premium shopping experience to the Edmonton International Airport and surrounding community,” said Claude Sirois, president, retail, Ivanhoé Cambridge. “Premium Outlet Collection EIA will be a unique shopping destination for Alberta, guaranteed to draw visitors from within and beyond the province. The combination of value-focused retailers, all under one roof, and our signature array of guest services and amenities is sure to please value-seeking and fashion-conscious shoppers.”
“We are so delighted to team up with Ivanhoé Cambridge in Edmonton,” said Stephen Yalof, CEO of Premium Outlets, Simon. “This is Premium Outlets’ fourth opening in Canada, and I have no doubt that our commitment in delivering sought-after brands and value will continue to resonate with our Canadian customers.”
In addition to nationally recognized chain retailers, POC-EIA also hosts a locally-focused concept called SHARE, which brings Edmonton producers, artists, and a specialty coffee shop to the heart of the retail space.
“Premium Outlet Collection EIA brings together travel, shopping, and service for the people of our region and visitors, helping EIA fulfil its mandate to drive regional prosperity,” said Tom Ruth, EIA president and CEO.
Following the success of its grand opening, POC-EIA is expected to continue to be a huge draw for both locals and tourists, with it’s six anchor tenants (DSW – Designer Shoe Warehouse, Forever 21, H&M, Nike Factory Store, Old Navy Outlet, and Marshalls, which will open during the summer opening), local and national stores, DeliverEASE to ship purchases directly to shoppers’ homes, and a refresh facility for shoppers on a flight layover.
Visit www.premiumoutletcollectioneia.com to learn more.
