The multi-million dollar expansion of Chicago Premium Outlets will bring more than 50 stores and 300 jobs to the Aurora outlet center by the end of August.
In anticipation of the center’s expansion opening, Chicago Premium Outlets is holding a job fair on July 9 to fill approximately 300 new full- and part-time positions.
The fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Pipers Banquet Hall, 1295 Butterfield Road in Aurora, and will consist of more than 65 future and current Chicago Premium Outlets retailers looking to hire.
“A great component of this expansion is providing the additional employment opportunities for Chicago residents,” said Phil Whitsel, area manager for Chicago Premium Outlets.
The expansion will add 50 stores, 2,200 parking spaces and 250,000 square feet, bringing the center to 170 stores, 4,390 parking spaces and 688,000 total square feet.
“There are so many stores here already,” said Sheila Maul, a shopper from Naperville. “I can’t imagine what is left to come.”
The 50-store expansion will bring more designer and name brands including Abercrombie & Fitch Outlet, Express Factory Outlet, The Limited Outlet, Old Navy Outlet, UGG Australia Columbia Sportswear, Quicksilver and Vince.
In addition, the Aurora outlet center will be home to the first stores in the Midwest region for Clarins, a luxury European skin care shop; Robert Graham, an “eclectic American” clothing line; and Saks Fifth Avenue off 5th.
Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ M Burger and the region’s first Rise Pies handcrafted pizza restaurant are also among the new eatery options to come.
More Top Picks Best 50 Inch Tvs
According to Whitsel, the expansion just makes sense, given the area the outlet mall draws from.
“Working here in the office, it is so interesting to listen to where our visitors are traveling from,” Whitsel said. “I’ve heard people from China, South America and the UK. I think it’s due to the fact that Chicago is such a great travel destination.”
Brands are drawn to the Aurora outlet center because the Chicago area has a great market to get a cross-section of a lot of different shoppers, Whitsel said.
Renovations to the existing center are also underway, including an outdoor fireplace, art installations and a pond. Enhanced landscaping, newly-paved sidewalks and upgraded seating areas are among the many upgrades in the works, mall officials said.
The grand opening of the expansion is set for Aug. 27.