An Empire Outlets, a retail center in Staten Island, is the only outlet mall within the five boroughs of New York City.
Construction of new retail center
Construction on Empire Outlets started in 2015. The original opening date for Empire Outlets was scheduled for fall 2017. However, in early 2017, the opening was delayed to March 2018 in order to coincide with the New York Wheel’s opening. Later that year, the mall’s opening was delayed again to late 2018. By July 2018, the mall was mostly complete, and was projected to open that November. However, in September 2018, the mall’s opening date was postponed again, this time to spring 2019. The mall’s opening date was later set at May 15, 2019. On its inaugural weekend, Empire Outlets had over 165,000 visitors.
Location and opening hours
Empire Outlets is located near St. George Terminal and Richmond County Bank Ballpark. The mall is located next to the site of the unbuilt New York Wheel, a 625-foot tall giant Ferris wheel that was canceled in 2018. With its picture-perfect views of lower Manhattan, a lush landscaped plaza with tranquil fountains, and access to some of the best deals, Empire Outlets is unlike any other shopping destination in the city.
Take the Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal in downtown Manhattan to St. George Terminal, directly adjacent to Empire Outlets. The Ferry runs 24/7 and departs every 30 minutes. From there, it’s less than a five minute walk to Empire Outlets.
When you’re finished shopping you can also visit nearby Staten Island cultural gems such as the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, a historic area with antique architecture, 14 botanical gardens, and a Children’s Museum.
Retail center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Shop and eat
When completed the 350,000 sq ft (33,000 m2) mall will feature 100 designer outlet stores and a 120,000 sq ft (11,000 m2) hotel with 200 rooms. There are also 3.5 acres (1.4 ha) of outdoor space with a staircase leading to a green roof. There are well 22 escalators and 21 elevators available.
List of brands available in Empire Outlets:
- AERIE
- AMERICAN EAGLE
- BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY STORE
- BROOKS BROTHERS FACTORY STORE
- BROOME AND GREENE (coming soon)
- COLUMBIA FACTORY STORE
- CONVERSE (coming soon)
- COTTON ON
- CROCS (coming soon)
- DENNIS BASSO (coming soon)
- FRANCESCA’S
- GAP FACTORY STORE
- GNC
- GUESS FACTORY STORE
- H&M
- IOPTICS (coming soon)
- JEWELERS ON FIFTH
- JOCKEY
- LEVI’S OUTLET STORE
- LIDS
- NIKE FACTORY STORE
- NORDSTROM RACK
- OLD NAVY OUTLET
- PARFUM EUROPA (coming soon)
- SAMSONITE
- TRUE RELIGION
- U.S. POLO ASSN.
- VERIZON WIRELESS (coming soon)
- WALGREENS
Empire Outlets also offers several dining options for shoppers. Popular Greenwich Village falafel shop Mamoun’s will open at location, as well as the unbeatable Shake Shack. Both restaurants will be joined by the complex’s 40,000-square-foot food mall, MRKTPL, opening later this summer. Starbucks, Häagen-Daz, and Wetzel’s Pretzels are already open on site for tasty coffees, ice cream, and pretzels during your day of shopping.
Where to eat?
- BAKE CULTURE (coming soon)
- HÄAGEN-DAZS
- MAMOUN’S (coming soon)
- MRKTPL (coming soon)
- SHAKE SHACK (coming soon)
- STARBUCKS
- WASABI (coming soon)
- WETZEL’S PRETZELS
Attractions will eventually come to Empire Outlets, though they’ve yet to be scheduled, with fashion shows, bands, and even petting zoos potentially on the horizon.
Where to park in Empire Outlets
The Empire Outlets features a 1,250-space parking garage, located underneath the shopping center. The lot, which can be accessed from Richmond Terrace via the ramp between Empire Outlets and Richmond County Bank Ballpark, will offer valet parking at an increased rate, or allow shoppers to park themselves.
Self parking rates are as follows:
Up to 3 hours: $5
Up to 5 hours: $10
Up to 8 hours: $15
Up to 24 hours: $25
Valet parking rates are as follows:
Up to 3 hours: $10
Up to 5 hours: $15
Up to 8 hours: $20
Up to 24 hours: $35
Other parking options
In addition to the 1,250-spot parking lot located underneath the Empire Outlets, St. George features numerous other nearby paid lots for shoppers that don’t mind a short walk.
St. George ferry terminal
Hourly parking rate: $1.50
Daily parking rate: $12.00
St. George Courthouse
First hour: $1.75
Additional hours: $2.00 per hour
Max to closing: $8.00
Special event rate: $7.00
New York Wheel
Day rate: $8
Special event rate: $7
Monthly rate: $135
St. George Theatre
Up to 3 hours: $10
Up to 12 hours: $15
Up to 24 hours: $17
Theatre Events: $17
Monthly: $180
Wall Street
Daily rate: $10