FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Carly Plotkin
The Howard Hughes Corporation
carly.plotkin@howardhughes.com
504-256-7169
Jess Brown
Deveney
jbrown@deveney.com
504-949-3999, ext.223
NEW ORLEANS (May 14, 2015) - In recognition of the first anniversary of the grand opening of The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk®, The Howard Hughes Corporation® (NYSE: HHC) and the iconic downtown outlet center are hosting a Memorial Day weekend of revelry on the river.
"We are proud to celebrate the first anniversary of The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk. This development symbolizes the attractiveness of our city to investors and national brands while underscoring the growth of our economy through increased sales tax revenue and new jobs and opportunities for the people of New Orleans," said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "Riverwalk has anchored this important corridor, and we will continue a place-based strategy that turbo charges the riverfront."
Following an $80 million transformation of the property, The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk opened on May 22, 2014 with an all-star line-up of over 75 popular national brands and local favorites. In addition to being the nation's first outlet center in a downtown setting, The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk is also the first location in the region for a number of tenants, including Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio, Coach Men's Factory Store and Tommy Bahama Outlet.
Repositioning of the former Riverwalk Marketplace included a complete redevelopment and a significant expansion of approximately 50,000 square feet to the upper level, bringing the total to 250,000 square feet of much-needed retail space. With 30 percent less retail per capita than the national average, New Orleans was significantly under-retailed prior to the opening of The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, which welcomed more than 2 million shoppers within the first six months.
As a testament to the Riverwalk's growing economic impact, the center will soon welcome its four millionth shopper and continues to prove itself as New Orleans' premium shopping destination where visitors can indulge in the latest fashion. Popular among locals and tourists alike, 58% of shoppers at The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk live in the New Orleans area, and 84% of visitors reside in the U.S., many within a short drive or plane ride. Store sales have continued to exceed retailer expectations, and the center has created more than 1,000 jobs for the local community.
"Our one year anniversary, in addition to the many milestones we've celebrated in the past year, is confirmation that The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk plays a vital role in New Orleans's growing reputation as a shopping destination," said Frank Quinn, General Manager of The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk. "The retail economy is up throughout the city, and our transformation and revitalization along the riverfront is contributing to that success."
To reiterate its ongoing commitment to the local community, The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk is featuring Local Appreciation Days Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25. The first 400 shoppers each day, with a valid Louisiana driver's license and proof of purchase, will receive free parking in the adjacent "Whale Lot," located at the corner of Convention Center Boulevard and Julia Street.
The Memorial Day weekend celebration will kick off with a Sno-Ball Social on Friday, followed by a Crawfish Boil on Saturday and a Sunday Funday Field Day and Food Truck Round-Up. The weekend will conclude with an exclusive Movie on the Mississippi screening of the Academy Award-winning blockbuster "Jaws."
A detailed list of Anniversary Weekend Events is below:
FRIDAY, MAY 22nd
Sno-Ball Social
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza
Free and open to the public
In a special nod to its downtown neighbors, the center is offering complimentary sno-balls in exchange for business cards. Guests will receive one free sno-ball per person, courtesy of Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls. Guests will be entertained by local favorite, DJ Mike Swift.
SATURDAY, MAY 23rd
Crawfish Boil on the River
1:00 p.m.
Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza
Open to the public; $7.00 per pound (includes corn & potatoes)
In partnership with The Crazy Lobster, the center is hosting a holiday weekend Crawfish Boil, complete with live music and family-friendly activities, to celebrate its one year anniversary.
SUNDAY, MAY 24th
My House NOLA Food Truck Round-Up
12 - 10 p.m.
Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza
Open to the public
In partnership with My House NOLA, visitors can indulge in local food truck favorites, including La Cocinita, Diva Dawg, The Holy Grill and Dirty Dishes, on Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza.
Sunday Funday Field Day
3 - 6 p.m.
Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza
Registration is FREE and open to all guests 21 years and older. Register at www.playnola.com/events
Young professionals can enjoy a Field Day in collaboration with playNOLA, with games including Cornhole, Giant Jenga, Mini Putt-Putt and a Basketball Hot-Shot Court. Prizes and giveaways will be provided to all participants and winning teams. In honor of Memorial Day, any Field Day participants who donate to the Wounded Warrior Project will receive a free beer, courtesy of Southern Eagle Sales and Service.
Movie on the Mississippi: New Orleans Film Society screening of "Jaws"
8:15 p.m.
Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza
Free and open to the public
In partnership with the New Orleans Film Society, guests can end the evening with a free screening of the original summer blockbuster, "Jaws." This riverfront 40th anniversary screening will include complimentary popcorn provided by Popcorn Bistro. Guests are encouraged to bring their own seating.
A DJ will be on-site for all outdoor events in Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza, and the Riverwalk Jazz Band will perform in the Food Court in honor of Memorial Day on Monday. As a free service to shoppers, a face painter and balloon artist will also be stationed in the center, and proceeds from their donations will benefit Wheelchairs 4 Kids. No ice chests, skateboards, bicycles, pets or glass are allowed on Spanish Plaza during events. For more information on Riverwalk's Anniversary Celebration, please visit www.riverwalkneworleans.com/events.
About The Howard Hughes Corporation®
The Howard Hughes Corporation owns, manages and develops commercial, residential and mixed-use real estate throughout the U.S. Our properties include master planned communities, operating properties, development opportunities and other unique assets spanning 16 states from New York to Hawaii. The Howard Hughes Corporation is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as HHC and is headquartered in Dallas, TX. For additional information about HHC, visit www.howardhughes.com.
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