Is the new Pooler Outlet Mall going to effect the 2 Savannah Malls? (Oglethorpe: sales)

[Albania67]

Thoughts?

[ajc100890]

Originally Posted by Albania67

Thoughts?

I doubt it. It won't have traditional anchors and the stores are outlet variety. There isn't much left at Savannah Mall that would jump ship, except Dillard's. According to a SMN recently Dillard's is committed to Savannah Mall though.

Savannah Mall seeks new identity as entertainment niche | savannahnow.com

Oglethorpe Mall will continue to attract Savannahian's that don't want to drive out to Pooler. However, the outlet mall may grab the out-of-towners.

[pink caddy]

Originally Posted by ajc100890

However, the outlet mall may grab the out-of-towners.

I don't know much about malls as that's just not my thing but I have an opinion on "outlet malls'. I think in order for an outlet mall to be successful, especially with out-of-towners, it must have a aged reputation. In other words that rep is received over the years thru advertising and word of mouth that makes it a destination that one to go to if there are genuine bargains to be had for the price of gas to get there.

That takes time to build...I guess?

[gastech]

For those of us who shop online:

Who cares.

[Newsboy]

Originally Posted by gastech

For those of us who shop online:

Who cares.

Well, some of us actually prefer to purchase things IN PERSON, that we can hold and try on and see how they fit before we buy them. Also, there's something to be said about socializing and interacting with other people in a mall (or other shopping) environment. I feel sorry for people who sit home all day in front of their computers and never experience the joy of human interaction.

To the OP: I think the initial opening of the Pooler outlets will have some effect on BOTH Savannah malls, but not for the long term. For one thing, this center will have a unique collection of shops that the other malls don't have, and it's far enough away from them not draw neighborhood traffic away. Also, this is an UPSCALE OUTLET MALL ... it will not have the mainline department stores and other chains that Oglethorpe and Savannah malls have.

If the planned West Chatham Commons lifestyle center (at I-16 and Pooler Parkway) ever becomes reality, that might have a bigger effect on the other two malls.

[ellie]

It will probably affect some percentage of overall sales at the other two malls because people who shop, who also have a budget, will spend some of their money on their first couple of visits to check everything out.

But from my perspective, shopping is a perhaps a twice yearly ordeal and driving to Pooler is no pleasure. I might stop in if I'm out near the airport for some reason, but not till the traffic does down in a couple of years.

[gentlearts]

I had a milestone on Wednesday. I did a bunch of shopping errands and did not have to leave Pooler at all. If I can possibly avoid going all the way down Abercorn to shop, I will.
I imagine that you Savannah folks feel the same way. There will be a little crossover, if you need something specific, but I think most people will go to whatever is closer to them.

[Stboro]

Originally Posted by ajc100890

According to a SMN recently Dillard's is committed to Savannah Mall though.

The last couple of times I've been into Dillard's, there were only a handful workers and even fewer customers. Add in the fact that it's so old on the inside, I don't know how they're still up and running.

But I guess they have their demographic who spends enough money there.

[DanielAvery]

It's been a couple of years since I have been in Dillard's, but I liked it a lot. Great clearance racks! What I remember most, though, is the stained, dull carpeting in the men's department.

[Newsboy]

Originally Posted by DanielAvery

It's been a couple of years since I have been in Dillard's, but I liked it a lot. Great clearance racks! What I remember most, though, is the stained, dull carpeting in the men's department.

I'm pretty sure it's been updated (at least cosmetically) since then. I used to know the guy that was in charge of visuals there and I remember him talking about doing lots of painting and cleaning and new signage and stuff.