Henry Daily Herald

Photo by Hugh Osteen

By Elaine Rackley

erackley@henryherald.com

Tanger Outlet Center, located in Locust Grove, is preparing to expand.

The Locust Grove City Council recently discussed the expansion of the mall during a review of the architectural designs expected to be used for the expansion.

The council is scheduled to vote on the exterior elevations for the expansion project during its regular council meeting, on June 6.

Council members will also vote on the city's accepting ownership of the final plat for the new road, Market Place Boulevard, according to Locust Grove Community Development Director Tim Young. The new Wal-Mart store, and a new Zaxby's restaurant, are both located on the new street, Market Place Boulevard.

The expansion is a testament to the city's growth, and officials are working to lure companies to the area to increase its revenues, said Young.

"It means more retail jobs and sales, with expanding options for shopping in Henry County and the surrounding area," he said. "The expansion would raise the appeal of Locust Grove as a regional retail shopping destination."

One of the stores to be included in the new additional retail space is Under Armor, which is a new brand of athletic wear, according to officials.

Tanger Outlet Center is located at 1000 Tanger Drive, off I-75 south, and has approximately 295,000 square feet of retail.

The outdoor mall has 64 stores, including Coach, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico's and Osh Kosh B'gosh factory outlet stores.

"Last year we estimated we had over five million shoppers," said General Manager Holly Duffey. "We are trending up, and we are expecting to see that trend continue, to see more shoppers in 2011."