April 4, 2013 marked the grand opening of the new and highly anticipated Phoenix Premium Outlets in Chandler, AZ. Fashions from top designers such as Coco Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Gucci and more graced the shelves of Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. If you have visited the outlet malls in Anthem and Tempe, you know it’s uncommon to see a decent selection of products from leading designers. It was an unexpected surprise and I broke my two week tweet silence in hopes of informing Phoenix Fashionistas of the noteworthy finds.
Saks Off Fifth was stocked with the usual Saks outlet merchandise but to my surprise, there were some higher end designers not frequently seen in the outlet stores. There were Coco Chanel dresses lined with silk, St. John suits, Escada slacks and blouses and Judith Leiber handbags. Designer shoes included Gucci, Kate Spade, Chanel, Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Lanvin and more. Just a couple weeks ago, Neiman Marcus Last Call received their twice annual shipment of designer shoes. Women were waiting outside the doors, myself included, and within the first 20 minutes of unlocking the doors, the shelves were stripped of Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Chanel in the common sizes.
There were quite a few popular designer stores that were not prepared for the April opening. Stores that did not open this weekend included Ralph Lauren, Movado, Kate Spade, Crabtree and Evelyn and Cole Haan. The premium outlet website has posted estimated opening dates for these stores and others that weren’t prepared for the grand opening event. Coach made the date and shoppers were lined up outside the store until closing.
All in all, it was a pleasant surprise to see the beautiful merchandise in Off 5th. Other stores in the mall were bustling with people and cars were still arriving an hour before the mall was closing for the night. Whether or not such high end merchandise will continue to be stocked at Off 5th is yet to be discovered. It’s entertaining to handle the clothes and take the opportunity to try them on in an unpretentious setting. When they are gone, that might be it, with the exception of special arrival events.
I’m so excited to have this Premium Outlet in Chandler. I think it’s time to check it out now that the Grand Opening crowd is done. And I not sure if everyone knows about the VIP coupon at the VIP Lounge and the Exclusive on-line coupons, but they make some sweeter deals.
I can also add that I have visited the Outlets again and while I was in Saks Off Fifth, over 40 pairs of Pradas were brought out to the shelves. So, it appears they are replenishing premier designer merchandise!