Outlets of Little Rock

   Yes you read that right, Arkansas has its very own outlet mall now and it is in Little Rock. They celebrated their grand opening this weekend. A few weeks ago I got to do a hard hat tour and see how the mall would be laid out and some of the stores as they were being worked on. Last Thursday they hosted a charity event, Open Doors, Open Hearts. Ticket sells went to 20 different charities and customers got to choose where their money went when purchasing. This event was a preview shopping event with great coupons, discounts, and the chance to be one of the first people to shop in these stores.

Still during construction, one of the stores at an entrance.

   The layout of this mall is a bit different than you may be used to. It is an outdoor mall, but there are some very nice gallery roofs throughout that add a fun 'marketplace' feel. Unlike many promenades and outlet malls, the parking lot is along the perimeter. This makes me feel much safer when shopping not having to worry about cars everywhere, which many outside malls do. I really liked the fact that it is set up in a square or a circle, without any wings that can potentially cause you to miss a store. If you walk one way and get back to where you started you have seen every store. You can get your walking in for the day as well 1 time around is a mile, so workout while having fun.

Before they were finished. These are the gallery roofs. At night they are lit with colorful LED lights.

   Currently, there are 55 stores either open or opening by the end of November. Each store is an outlet or factory store translating to great prices. My favorites of our frist trip were, Wilson's Leather, VF Outlet, Beef Jerky Outlet, Lindt Chocolate and Restoration Hardware. Wilson's had some great deals which were exclusive to opening weekend, but if you have been to a Wilson's outlet before you know their prices are always nicely discounted. I will be watching for their sales and know I will be buying too many purses from them.  Yes Beef Jerky Outlet, I had no idea that was even a thing! The best part they give out samples and let you taste their wonderful product. They even have turkey jerky that was great. This location of Lindt is one of very few, along with truffles and bars they have a dipping station and coffee counter. They dip truffles, strawberries, and other chocolatey goodness in the store right in front of you, they also have coffees that you can get your favorite truffle melted into.

Beef Jerkey Outlet

   Many of these stores are the first in Arkansas. Including, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Asics, Bass Factory Outlet, Levi Outlet Store, Under Armour, VF Outlet, Skechers, Girlie Girl, Cole Hann, Restoration Hardware. The Girlie Girl shirt is actually the first storefront they have had and are an Arkansas-based business. Along with the stores, there are also various kiosk down the walkways and a good sized food court.

First sell at Famous Footwear.

See a full list of stores here. Follow the Outlets of Little Rock on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date on more store openings and store sales.

  If you are in the area I highly recommend you checking it out. It is a much better drive than Branson from the majority of Arkansas and in my opinion a much better atmosphere than the Branson Shops.