Retail was hit especially hard during the days of the Great Recession. But it’s since been steadily rebounding.
For proof, look toward the Legends Outlets shopping center in Kansas City, Kansas.
This outlet shopping mall — located in Kansas’ retail and entertainment development, Village West — is home to nearly 75 stores, including such big names as Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Gap Outlet, Nike Factory Store and Tommy Hilfiger. The outlet mall draws more than 10 million visitors each year. It’s also fairly unusual in that the mall is a result of a collaboration between KKR, a global investment firm, and operating partner RED Legacy, a Kansas City-headquartered development company.
Now the outlet mall is getting even bigger as retailers continue to expand among the country’s slow but steady economic recovery.
The Kitchen Collection is now opening its first Kansas City location in the outlet mall. The housewares retailer has more than 290 stores across the country.
Stacy Scheelk, senior director of business development with RED Legacy and Legends Outlets Kansas City, said that the addition of the Kitchen Collection should provide a boost to the center just in time for its busiest time of year.
“Adding a leading housewares brand brings another option for customers, especially in time for the holiday season,” Scheelk said in a written statement.
