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Este informe no está disponible en español. CARIBBEAN BUSINESSBelz Outlet Mall Soft Opening In Canovanas Set For Aug. 16Outlet mall in Canovanas to initiate operations with 25 to 30 stores in Old San Juan ambianceBY EVELYN GUADALUPE-FAJARDOAugust 9, 2001 Belz Factory Outlet World will open its doors next week on PR-3 in Canovanas, just minutes away from Puerto Rico landmark El Yunque Caribbean National Forest. A soft opening scheduled for Aug. 16 will be the scenario for 25 to 30 stores initially opening for business. By October, 85% of Belz’ 70 stores are expected to be ready. Convenience and comfort are the two words used to describe the island’s newest outlet mall by Andrew Groveman, president of Factory Outlet Division in Tennessee. "Everybody loves to shop at outlets," Groveman said. "In Puerto Rico, everybody loves to shop period. It’s almost considered a sport." The local Belz outlet decor emulates the streets of Old San Juan and is painted in vibrant colors to resemble houses in the Old City. However, there is a major difference–this shopping strip is air-conditioned. Besides the architectural rendering of the Old City, the outlet mall will feature hand painted murals reflecting local vegetation and animal life. The mall’s exterior is designed to resemble a fort similar to El Morro. Working with architectural firm Jerde Partnership, Belz Enterprises has employed its best resources to make the outlet attractive, easy to reach, and widely visible. Belz is minutes away from two of the island’s major resorts–The Westin Rio Mar Beach Resort, Country Club & Ocean Villas in Rio Grande and the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Country Club in Fajardo. Besides El Yunque, it is also close to two other tourist attractions, the Fajardo Lighthouse and Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve. "The eastern part of the island has many tourist attractions such as hotels and beaches. But let’s not forget about the No. 1 treasure of the western hemisphere, El Yunque Forest," Groveman said. "We are confident we will be able to lure tourists, the outlet’s main market segment, to shop here by offering them packages. Especially those from the cruise ship piers and from nearby hotels." Additional tourists that Belz plans to attract are inter-island or regional visitors from other Caribbean destinations. Belz’ 446,000 square feet of space will be occupied by Nike, Gap, Dockers/Levis, Maidenform, DKNY Jeans, Liz Claiborne, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Samsonite, Polo, Mikasa, Timberland, Reebok, Oshkosh, Geoffrey Beene, Bass, Izod, among many others. Stores will offer products directly from the factory to make their merchandise more affordable. This Caribbean Business article appears courtesy of Casiano Communications.
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