New Premium Retail Outlet Center Opens In South Jersey

By Mike DeNardo and Syma Chowdhry

BLACKWOOD, N.J. (CBS) -- Bargain-hunters were awaiting Thursday morning's opening of the Gloucester Premium Outlets in southern New Jersey.

The newly-built outlet center off of Route 42 in Blackwood houses 90 retailers, including Reebok, Columbia Sportswear and Vera Bradley. The complex, operated by the Simon Property Group, has stores similar to its outlet center in Limerick, Pennsylvania. But for Angela Golden of Gloucester Township, this a shopping opportunity in her neighborhood.

"We've been to other states and seen a lot of the other outlets that they have, and they're so far (away)," Golden says. "So this is a really good opportunity for maybe a lot of discounts."

Kris Albertson is also from Gloucester Township. He likes the proximity of the shopping center, as well.

"I like the idea that it's nearby," he says, "because I don't go to the other ones at all because I like to make sure I can return something."

Kaitlin Murray of Williamstown can't wait.

"I shop a lot," she says. "And Atlantic City is really far away. So it's convenient."

The doors are also opening to retailers Nike, Calvin Kline and J. Crew.

Kristen Murdica is the manager of the Gloucester Premium Outlets.  She said, "Everyone is enjoying themselves, I'm seeing a lot of shopping bags."

Some shoppers were so excited about the opening of the outlet mall, they didn't mind waiting in line for their favorite stores.

Murdica explained, "I think everyone is really happy with the choices they have here."

Even children, like Allison Butniak, enjoyed coming to the center.  "Me and my mom wanted to see the shopping stores. It's really fun so far."

"It's amazing and I think I'm going to be here all the time," Alexis DiTomasso joked.  Her mother, Debbie, added, "Be wonderful for the economy."

When asked if she will personally going to boost the local economy, Debbie DiTomasso said "I don't want to say because my husband might be listening."

Linda Shein is with the Wharton School's Jay Baker Retailing Center.  She said, "It's adding a lot to the region economically and for customers, everyone wants a bargain."

Shein says malls are trying lure shoppers in by offering family friendly events like concerts and games.  "There is a lot happening in terms of the entertainment value of being able to be catered to in a different way."

Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer said once a shopping center opens - it can lure other businesses.

"Restaurants planned, it's going to be exciting and tremendous for Gloucester Township."

The center employs 800 people, full and part-time, and it's already spurring plans for restaurants and more development in the area.