Great Lakes Crossing Celebrates a Transformation to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Taubman Centers, Inc. (NYSE: TCO) announced today that Great Lakes Crossing has changed its name to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. At 1.4 million square feet, the fully-enclosed Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is the largest outlet center in Michigan, offering shoppers 185 retail and dining options including 10 new stores announced today.

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"Based on the success of the existing value and outlet retailers at Great Lakes Crossing, and consumer demand for more fashion outlet options, it is the right time for this change to an outlet shopping center," said William Taubman, Taubman Chief Operating Officer.  "We are celebrating the opening of some of the most well-known names in the outlet industry, and many of our traditional retailers have now converted to outlet formats as part of the re-merchandising strategy."

"We have debuted many brand-name outlet stores over the past year and we are very excited to unveil even more new names today," said Kimberly Savona, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets General Manager.  "We have truly transformed this shopping center – with more to come in the months ahead."

New Outlet Stores Announced Today

New stores opening in time for the Celebration Weekend, October 9 - 11, include:

Lord & Taylor Outlet, HUGO BOSS Factory Store, Talbots Outlet and Movado Company Store, all with their only Michigan locations at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, as well as Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Wilsons Leather Outlet.  Lacoste Outlet, aerie outlet by American Eagle and Swim 'n Sport Outlet will open in the coming weeks.  

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets also announced Art Van Furniture, the first shopping mall location for Michigan's largest furniture chain.  The 43,000-square-foot showroom, opening in November, will showcase a full line of furniture along with an "Art Van Pure Sleep" mattress aisle, "Paul's TV" electronics and an Art Van Clearance Center.

These new retailers will join several others that have opened in the past year, including Banana Republic Factory Store, BCBGMAXAZRIA Factory Store, Calvin Klein Company Store, Chico's Outlet, Coach Factory, Crocs, Dakota Watch Company, Johnston & Murphy Factory Store, Michael Kors Outlet, Papaya Outlet, Stride Rite Outlet and a spacious, newly expanded Forever 21.

Enhancing the shopping experience at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets are some unique and palate-pleasing new dining options, including Bar Louie, near the theater, and "Michigan's only" locations for Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill, Lik Gelato Bar and Olga's Market Fresh Grille. Opening soon, Sweet Lorraine's Mac N' Cheez! Kitchen, from one of metro Detroit's favorite eateries.

Along with the new name and the many new stores and restaurants, visitors to the center will notice new interior and exterior signage, additional seating areas, new furniture, new carpeting and more.

Celebration Weekend

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets invites the public to help celebrate its transformation with a "Celebration Weekend," Saturday, October 9 through Monday, October 11.  In store for shoppers:

Giveaways*:  The first 1,000 people in line at Entry 1 each day of the Celebration Weekend will receive a $20 gift card and a Great Lakes Crossing Outlets signature tote bag.  Must be 16 years of age and show identification to receive the gift card.

Deals:  Retailer discounts and special offers exclusively during Celebration Weekend can be found among the more than 185 stores and restaurants at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets.

Entertainment:  A variety of entertainment for all ages will surprise and delight shoppers throughout the weekend.

Celebration Weekend Hours:  Saturday, October 9, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.;

Sunday, October 10, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday, October 11, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, Michigan's largest indoor outlet shopping center and entertainment venue, is located at I-75 and Baldwin Road in Auburn Hills.  It features more than 185 shops, restaurants and entertainment options, including manufacturer outlets, unique themed restaurants, a 1,000-seat food court and a 25-screen, state-of-the-art theater megaplex, featuring Michigan's largest IMAX theater – all situated in a single-level, easily accessible racetrack design.  Shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.  Preview the stores, the styles and the sales at www.greatlakescrossingoutlets.com or call 877-SHOP-GLC for more information.

Taubman Centers is a real estate investment trust engaged in the development, leasing and management of regional and super regional shopping centers. Taubman's 26 U.S. owned, leased and/or managed properties, the most productive in the industry, serve major markets from coast to coast. Taubman Centers is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and its Taubman Asia subsidiary is headquartered in Hong Kong. Founded in 1950, Taubman celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2010.  For more information about Taubman, visit www.taubman.com.

For ease of use, references in this press release to "Taubman Centers", "company" or "Taubman" mean Taubman Centers, Inc. or one or more of a number of separate, affiliated entities.  Business is actually conducted by an affiliated entity rather than Taubman Centers, Inc. itself.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements reflect management's current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expected because of various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to the continuing impacts of the U.S. recession and global credit environment, other changes in general economic and real estate conditions, changes in the interest rate environment and the availability of financing, and adverse changes in the retail industry. Other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

*No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited.  Must be 16 years old or older and show valid proof of identification.

"Promotion Period" begins 10/9/10 and ends 10/11/10.  To receive a free Gift (defined below), be one of the first 1,000 people in line at Entrance 1 on either: 10/9, 10/10 or 10/11.  The free "Gift" includes: one Great Lakes Crossing Outlets branded tote bag (value $3) and one Great Lakes Crossing Outlets branded water bottle (value $2) and one voucher redeemable for one $20 Great Lakes Crossing Outlets gift card, for a total Gift value of $25.  Voucher can be redeemed in District 2 until 11 a.m. on 10/9, until 12 p.m. on 10/10 and until 11 a.m. on 10/11, after which times, you may redeem the voucher at the Center Guest Services desk located in District/Entrance 6.  Gift card is subject to terms and conditions, available at Center's Guest Services desk.  Original voucher must be forfeited to Center at the time of redemption.  Only original vouchers will be accepted.  Gifts are non-transferable and may not be bartered or sold.  There are no cash or gift substitutes.  The Center reserves the right to substitute gifts of equal or greater value.  A total of 3,000 Gifts are available for the Promotion, however, only 1,000 Gifts shall be distributed per day during the Promotion Period.  See Guest Services and www.greatlakescrossingoutlets.com for complete rules.

SOURCE Taubman Centers, Inc.