STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Empire Outlets has launched a new specialty leasing program that allows small business owners to set up a kiosks at New York City’s first outlet mall.

The program offers customizable retail kiosks with 360-degree visibility and personalized leases available in short-term formats.

“Empire Outlets is home to iconic brands, like Nordstrom and Nike, and now with our specialty leasing program, local Staten Island business owners and others looking to establish a physical retail presence will be able to do so with flexible lease kiosks at one of New York City’s most shopped locations,” said Joseph Ferrara, principal of BFC Partners and developer of Empire Outlets.

Local business leaders said they see the program as a good way for entrepreneurs to launch another arm of their businesses.

“As always, BFC and Empire Outlets are setting the trend in innovative promotion for business,” said Cesar Claro, president and CEO of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC). “SIEDC believes that the retail merchandising unit is a great asset for Staten Island, and we encourage our members and all small businesses to participate.”

STORES OPEN AT EMPIRE OUTLETS

New York City’s first outlet center opened in May with about a dozen stores. Its developers say more eateries and retail stores will open before the end of the year.

Stores already open at Empire Outlets include: Nordstrom Rack, Levi Strauss & Co.Banana Republic Factory StoreU.S. Polo Assn, Samsonite, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc./Aerie, Lids, True Religion, Walgreens, Nike, H&M, Brooks Brothers Factory StoreColumbia Factory StoreOld Navy, Crocs, Cotton On, Guess Factory Outlet, Gap Factory StoreJockey, Francesca’s and GNC.

Food venues already open include: Haagen-DazsStarbucks and Wetzel’s Pretzels.

Work is still being completed on a 40,000-square-foot food and beverage deck that is scheduled to open with dozens of food concepts — including MRKTPL, Staten Island’s first artisanal food hall — in the fall. The food and beverage deck was initially scheduled to launch this summer.

Original Story: https://www.silive.com/empireoutlets/2019/08/kiosks-available-for-small-business-owners-at-empire-outlets.html