The new premium outlet has made way for an additional range of stores within Tulsa.
Offering over 75 stores, Tulsa’s new premium outlet opened in Jenks approximately 20 minutes from downtown Tulsa, according to Simon Property Group. The short distance to the outlet from downtown increases accessibility for many members of the public. Simon Property Group made sure to highlight that the outlet is accessible by car, encouraging families to visit this outlet due to the “open air concept” offering a “contemporary family-friendly experience with a 20,000 square foot children’s play area.” Alongside the play park, the outlet has a variety of green areas for gathering, a fire pit and a water fountain. Stores include Tory Burch, Coach, Micheal Kors, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren and Vinyard Vines. Simon Property Group promises you will “enjoy Oklahoma’s newest outlet shopping destination with exceptional brands at extraordinary savings of up to 65 percent every day.” Amenities on site include an ATM and bike racks located on the sidewalks on the lower levels of the center, encouraging the use of bikes. A bus stop is identified on-site giving access to those who do not drive. Two family restrooms are located on a map in the northwest and southwest areas of the outlet. Complimentary wheelchairs, strollers and WiFi are offered on-site, as well as Lost and Found services for any goods missing. Shopper Assistance is also available for anyone unable to find services.
The premium outlet is owned, operated and developed across many retail formats including Regional Malls, Premium Outlets, The Mills and International Properties managed by Simon Property Group. Simon owns or has interests in 235 retail real estate properties coming to 191 million square feet in North America, Europe and Asia. This includes Malaysia, Japan, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany and Austria. Simon Property Group won the award of the #1 CEO in the real estate industry by Institutional Investor from 2009-2018. Simon focuses heavily on sustainability, being recognized as “storm ready” by national weather services. Further Simon Property Group achieved CDP’s leadership recognition for top sustainability performance from 2016-2017.
Kaya Smith, who lives in Jenks and visited the new outlet on opening day said, “I went to the mall on opening day and it was so hot and overcrowded. It was a great day with prize-winning contests, food trucks and music playing. There were long lines to every store but such good sales.”
Vincent Nwagwu Ume-Ezeoke, who is from out of town, came back to Tulsa and visited. He thought the outlet “was a great asset to the area of Jenks. It brings a lot more people to the area who wouldn’t usually visit this side of Tulsa.”
This new outlet will come into competition with Woodland Hills Mall, which is similar however the new Jenks outlet is considerably bigger including a larger variety of shops. The outlet will appeal to younger shoppers and those with families because of the promise of family-friendly facilities and the vast outdoor space. Woodland Hills Mall however does have a competitive food area that could compete with the food provisions within the Jenks outlet. Woodland Hills Mall holds many community events such as American Sign Language events, highly important to the large community present in Tulsa. It will be interesting to see if events such as these will be held in the premium outlet and how popular they will become due to it being a little out of the way downtown.
