JENKS, Okla. — The Jenks Chamber of Commerce is providing more details about the long-awaited Tulsa Premium Outlets, opening in August of 2024.
Once complete this summer, the shopping center will create about 800 new jobs. The Jenks Chamber is looking forward to the development.
“We are thrilled to welcome Simon Mall and the many new businesses they bring to our Jenks business community. We know national brands like Polo and Nike, as well as the local flavors they are attracting will add vibrancy to our community and economy,” said Jenks Chamber of Commerce President Heather Turner.
Local business owners are hopeful that the attention on the mall will translate in some way to the smaller shops in the area.
James Pearce has owned American Heritage Antiques on Main St. for almost 25 years. He said he is optimistic that the balance between both household name brands and local businesses will benefit the entire community.
"I absolutely believe in shopping local and shopping small. Some of these are going to be national brands, and that's great that brings a different audience as well," said Pearce. "It's gonna be a huge draw. There's not anything this side of Oklahoma City that will bring that number of customers into our city limits with the intent of actually spending money."
With a number of long-standing shops in downtown Jenks, they are eager for more people to visit their city. Sherry Bonner, owner of The Pink Lily, said she is hopeful for a symbiotic relationship with the new mall.
"I think we will compliment each other because what they sell at the mall we don't sell in downtown Jenks," said Bonner. "I like to go to outlet malls when I'm out shopping, but I also like the quaintness and the smallness of a small downtown."
The project was originally approved in 2019, beginning construction in February 2020 but was effectively shut down during the COVID lockdown. It took two years before construction resumed in early 2023.
The outlet mall looks to feature 75 retailers and multiple restaurant locations. The 340,000-square-foot development includes a 2-acre park and playground, which Turner hopes is a huge draw for residents and visitors.
- Previous story>>> Tulsa Premium Outlets in Jenks to feature 2 acre park, playground
Turner said the project boosts the economic opportunities for the city and anticipates an increase of about 800 jobs after construction is completed.
The City of Jenks is looking to develop the Oklahoma Aquarium campus further across the highway from the Tulsa Premium Outlets.
Additionally, the announcement of the outlets is boosting the chamber's work to bring tourism to Jenks Main Street and River Walk. Turner said conversations and plans are being drafted to bring popular businesses to the Jenks area.
During the Jenks State of the City, Turner said the city is ready for growth, and with the developments in place and planned, it is on track to be a competitor to other neighboring cities.
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