- February 11, 2025
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Performers strolled the mall including Caitlin Skye, of Cirque du Jour, of Orlando. Photo by Wayne Grant
Paola Corea and her son, Martin, enjoyed getting balloon animals. Photo by Wayne Grant
Music was provided by the Atlantic High School Band, of Port Orange. Photo by Wayne Grant
Drew and Jonathan Scott, from the “Property Brothers” TV show, second and fourth from left, helped cut the ribbon. Photo by Wayne Grant
It rises from a huge open field, luring shoppers from near and far. The white buildings, adorned with colorful logos, shine with promise like a Christmas present under a tree.
Tanger Outlets, the new outdoor mall near the corner of LPGA Boulevard and Williamson Boulevard, has the tag, “outlet,” but it’s stylish and modern, like any other brand new shopping mall.
Opening a week before Black Friday, its 75 apparel, footwear, accessory and specialty stores are ready for holiday shoppers.
On its first day, it drew a crowd that packed the parking lot by 10 a.m. Special sales, the approaching holiday season and curiosity must have brought out the throngs.
While located in Daytona Beach, it’s a quick drive for Ormond Beach holiday shoppers. It’s also convenient for anyone seeking work.
Nancy Keefer, president of the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce, said about 900 full and part-time jobs are expected to be filled when the mall is built out.
“These are great jobs for young people and seniors,” she said. “What fun working here will be.”
The land around the mall will not stay empty, according to Jason Davis, outgoing Volusia County chair. He said the county committed $2.5 million for the area, called the Tomoka Town Center, toward roads, sidewalks, etc. to spur development.
“There’s more to come,” he said.
He estimated that growth in the area over the next 30 years will bring $50 million into County coffers.
It was obvious the community is excited about the mall, as members from the Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach chambers of commerce and government officials were in the audience for the ribbon cutting.
The ceremony was delayed because the stars of the “Property Brothers” TV show were stuck in the mass of traffic that was snaking into the mall. But the crowd seemed to forgive their tardiness, however, as cries of “I love you guys,” and “Welcome to Florida,” were heard when they went onstage.
Derrick Henry, mayor of Daytona Beach, said many developers have promised things for the area and not delivered.
“They left us feeling disappointed and jilted,” he said. “But much to my pleasure, their promise has been fulfilled.”
The mall is also expected to boost tourism. Lori Campbell Baker, director of the Daytona Beach Visitors Bureau, said the mall is an “amazing addition” to a destination that draws nine and half million visitors every year.
Steven Tanger, president and CEO, said the company gets involved in local communities and they concentrate on children’s causes and the fight against breast cancer.
“We raise money for local schools,” he said.
Will the outlet mall bring in visitors that will spend their money around the county? Will it draw business away from other retail centers?
Time will tell.
QUOTE
“Their promise has been fulfilled.”
DERRICK HENRY, Daytona Beach mayor
BOX
The company
There are 43 Tanger outlet malls in 23 states and Canada.
