BYRON CENTER, Mich. - Seventy-five name brands will be coming to the Grand Rapids area in just another week as the Tanger Outlets are getting close to opening.
The center opens on Friday, July 31 and there is still construction going on.
“You can’t see that from the road, so it may look like we’re a little behind, but we’re right there and ready for Friday," said Randy Zimmerman, Tanger Outlets general manager.
Along with the last-minute construction is the last-minute hiring and not just at the mall. The Citgo gas station and the 84th Street Pub and Grille nearby are also hiring because of an expected increase in business.
“We did more hiring I think than we’ve ever done since we opened, just so we can prepare and not be behind," said Becky Smith, 84th Street Pub and Grille assistant manager.
The restaurant is still hiring line cooks, who can apply in person, as well as the Citgo gas station on 84th Street SW, which is looking to hire several part-time positions.
“It’ll be awesome for business, I’m excited," said Amy Maycroft, Citgo gas station manager. “We will have more people working, I’m doubling up all my shifts, just enough staff to hopefully accommodate everybody.”
The mall will employ about 1,200 people, Zimmerman said. About 500 people worked on building the mall over the last year. The mall cost about $71 million to build and expects to bring in about $7 million in tax revenue for the area.
Traffic is also a concern, so there are new traffic lights installed at the entrance on 84th Street SW. Those lights will start switching from flashing yellow to regular lights by this weekend. Shuttles will also be available for people to park at Byron Center High School for the opening.
“When you come out on Friday be patient, we’ll get you into the lot as soon as possible," said Zimmerman. "If I can give you a tip, park at Byron Center High School and take our shuttle.”
