Tonight I headed over to the Charlotte Premium Outlets for a tweet-up with some of the very fashionable in the Charlotte community. We were able to catch up, have a quick glass of wine and then tour the outlets with the marketing director. There are a few things I know about me: 1) I’m a reasonable woman, 2) I’m frugal, 3) These outlets could create problems with numbers one and two.
The Charlotte Premium Outlets (CPO from here on out) will house 100 upscale outlet stores. All I can say to this is “Hello Kate Spade NY Outlet that’s finally within driving distance, OMG, LET ME BUY ALL THE THINGS!” If you don’t know me personally, then you have no idea I own a collection of Kate Spade handbags and accoutrements which I’ve collected over the years. (I tend to buy the classics in the regular boutiques and more trendy, discounted items at the outlet.)
There is also a wide variety to suit everyone, including apparel, footwear, fashion accessories, leather goods, home furnishings (some of us have previously mentioned we’re building a house — luckily for me and CPO, my husband rarely reads this blog and will not know the plans I have, nor the visits I shall be making) and specialty brands.
After touring this evening, I can say CPO is the nicest outlet mall I’ve ever been too — and I’ve visited quite a few in my day friends. Designed to reflect the history of Charlotte and its namesake, Queen Charlotte, the balcony overlooking the main courtyard, heavy banister railing, and the towers in the end cap spaces are all modern twists on key features during her lifetime. Even the lighting resembles the late 1700’s with yellow lights in the wall sconces featured throughout the property.
Unlike other outlet malls, there’s plenty of covered walking space for you to worry about not getting wet when it rains. And if it does start raining, pop into the Market Hall for casual dining options and sit in comfort until the weather has let up. If you’re not into shopping, there are plenty of seats sitting outside for you to relax — all of which are soft seating lounge chairs and sofas. I tested one out and it was so comfortable, I could have napped quite easily.
CPO is also family friendly, with six family restrooms and three nursing stations. While I only shop in fits and starts, I’m happy knowing 900 new jobs were created for the Charlotte area with the opening of CPO. Sure, traffic is going to be a little sketchy on 485 while we all adjust to the added influx of cars, but I’m pretty sure it will even out soon. But that’s okay, I know a super secret back way to get in avoiding all the traffic — if you ask nicely I might give you directions.
Stay in touch with Charlotte Premium Outlets:
Twitter: @CharPremOutlets
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CharlottePremiumOutlets
Website: http://premiumoutlets.com/charlotte
Lisa is a lifestyle blogger, writer and social media strategist living in Charlotte, NC. 
