Move over Hudson Yards! A fabulous new shopping center called Empire Outlets has just opened right across the river in Staten Island. It's a place where all your needs are satisfied from A to fabulous.
Manhattanites (like me) are unaware of how fantastic Staten Island is. Empire Outlets only enhances that aspect as it is the first place that greets you the minute you get off the (free) ferry from downtown New York City (a 30 minute ride that runs all night. WHAT?)
I'm a sucker for outlet locations like this as looking great on a discount is a win win situation for this New Yorker. Empire Outlets provides its customers with several top of the line brands that sells its items at a fraction of the cost compared to what you would get at a regular retail store.
Yes, this is something you can get at other places. But what they don't offer that Empire Outlets does are panoramic views of Manhattan and a strong sense of belonging the instant you hit their property.
Speaking of shopping, Empire Outlets is home to dozens of retailers including its anchor tenant Nordstrom Rack, Aerie, American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic Factory, Brooks Brothers Factory, Columbia Factory, Crocs, Gap Factory, Guess Factory, H&M, Levi’s Outlet, Nike Factory, Old Navy Outlet, Samsonite, True Religion, and U.S. Polo Association and many additional premier brands.
The holiday season will also provide its customers with a ton of delicious restaurants located on its property that will give you that necessary bolt to keep on shopping as the day continues.
Wasabi, an upscale sushi and hibachi restaurant, providing a unique tableside dining experience where every table is a chef’s table, is one of those spots. Visitors will also be able to indulge in staples like Mamoun’s Falafel and Shake Shack – which will open this holiday season -- as well as Haagen-Dazs, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and Starbucks that are already open. My mouth is watering just thinking about all that delicious food and drink!
They are also going beyond the typical shopping experience by having their own virtual reality location! Virtual Reality Rush allows you to escape Staten Island and enter many different worlds as you are on the edge of your seat while the ride rushes you through each of them. I got to try it yesterday and its nothing short of absolutely thrilling.
That's not all. Here's what else is in stores for Empire Outlets in the upcoming weeks. They will debut new shopping deals, thousands of LED lights and garlands that will illuminate the space, a pop-up holiday market, Snug Harbor’s Lantern Festival Exhibit at Empire Outlets, Black Friday specials with a “Rejuvenation Station,” a tree lighting ceremony on #GivingTuesday, photo ops with Santa throughout December and more. Oh my freaking GOD!
If you are tired of the same ol same ol you find in Manhattan shopping then Empire Outlets is the answer for you. Everything you want is there for you... just hop on the ferry and truly enjoy the ride.
More information about Empire Outlets can be found here.
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