Prime Outlets (formerly Belz)

[SimonV]

Here's some more up-to-date news on the new Prime Outlets shopping centres (formerly the Belz Factory Outlet World). I spoke with their centre manager yesterday and she says the plan is for an 'extreme makeover' of the former Belz malls and annexes over 3 years starting early in 2006. They are currently operating the same as under the Belz banner, just with a Prime Outlets sign instead. All the shops that were there under Belz are still there but, over the next 6-12 months, some will be closing and new stores will be coming in (although no new leases have yet been signed). From next year, parts of the Outlets will close to be refurbished and, in some cases, rebuilt, but there will still be plenty of stores open at any one time. The 'makeover' includes ne building, new aesthetics and new stores, concluding in 2008 with a completely new-look outlet centre. This refurb will also include what was Belz Designer Outlet Center further down I-Drive, with this latter being incorporated into the overall Prime Outlets set-up.

 

[wicket2005]

Thanks for that update Simon.

 

[terrynewpack]

Good news because it was looking very run down and becoming basically a dump.
Sorry to see little or no progress with their Festival Mall across the road. We went the other week and it is still about 70% empty which is about the same level as just before Christmas.


Terry

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I belive that the Kissimmee/Orlando area has hit saturation point with shopping centres, the only ones doing any good are the upmarket ones and the ones the locals themselves use.
Belz was always too "Chavvy" for us.

 

[SimonV]

It's an interesting point. Certainly, the northern side of I-Drive (above Sand Lake Road) has suffered a lot in recent years from falling trade, and the quality of shops there is distinctly bargain-basement orientated (cheap and cheerful, without the cheerful in many cases), but it is hard to say which factor drives the other. The Mercado has also suffered a lot from declining business in recent years (although that is a different story in some respects as they have only just emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and have suffered from lack of investment as a result), while even The Pointe, which opened only in 1998 and is right next door to the lucrative Convention Center, has suffered from falling trade. Conversely, the Orlando Premium Outlets and Mall at Millenia have seen a BIG upturn in business in the last year or so (the OPO is the highest-earning outlet mall in the USA and is absolutely PACKED at weekends and public holidays as EVERYONE seems to flock there, while the MaM is also incredibly busy at the weekends with local trade). It seems there is just as much shopping business beind done, but it is concentrated in different areas - and in areas that have invested heavily either in smart surroundings or in big-name brands at discount prices (Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores also does well in the latter category). Ultimately, it could be that the shops have to appeal to the locals first and foremost to stay busy and they are put off by the cheaper-style outlets (and the congestion on I-Drive in general). Prime Outlets seem sure to completely revamp the old Belz properties, but, unless they can get better road access to that end of I-Drive, they may struggle to improve business there.

 

[DebbieLovesDisney]

Went to the new Prime Outlet (old Belz) that opened today. Many great deals.

 

[wayneg]

Went to the new Prime Outlet (old Belz) that opened today. Many great deals.

Us too, 3rd weekend in a row we have been up so glad it was open at last. Nice roomy store, I get fed up with Disney cramming too much stuff into stores and everyone knocking into each other. Called at World of Disney tonight, I hate this store everyone banging into each other, lines at tills were 10-15 mins, worse than rides in Magic Kingdom

 

[natalielongstaff]

lines at tills were 10-15 mins, worse than rides in Magic Kingdom

i hate Q'ing to pay !!!

 

[wayneg]

i hate Q'ing to pay !!!

Got in an even worse line today, just to get 3 chicken parmesan meals at universal, 25 mins. I should have come out and gone to Macs or BK but AP discount makes it same price and its a lot tastier.

 

[disneyholic family]

Got in an even worse line today, just to get 3 chicken parmesan meals at universal, 25 mins. I should have come out and gone to Macs or BK but AP discount makes it same price and its a lot tastier.

we had that experience at sea world.....really put us in a sour mood....we were desperate for a drink and there were very few places, each with a line 4 miles long.....i don't mind lines....lines are to be expected in the summer in orlando.....but not 20 minute lines to buy a drink...that's pushing my limits....

 

[paulfoel]

Went to the new Prime Outlet (old Belz) that opened today. Many great deals.

Is it the same building? Or have they built new ones?

Last time we were there (11 months ago) oen of the buildings was gone..

 

[wayneg]

Is it the same building? Or have they built new ones?

Last time we were there (11 months ago) oen of the buildings was gone..

Totally new development. They are going onto next phase now and knocking more down and rebuilding.

 

[DISWolves]

i hate Q'ing to pay !!!

I hate paying !!!