By Michael Bradwell, Business editor

mbradwell@observer-reporter.com

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. said Wednesday it will open its new 370,000-square-foot outlet center in South Strabane Township at 11 a.m. Aug. 29.

The company said in a press release it will cut the ribbon on the $90 million center with Tanger founder and Chief Executive Officer Stanley K. Tanger; Steven B. Tanger, president and chief operating officer, and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis, along with state and local officials.

The grand opening of the center, built to reflect the style of Pennsylvania's colonial-era carriage houses, also will include a giant Ferris Wheel, carousel and carnival-style games.

The center, on Racetrack Road, will feature 75 brand name and designer outlet stores. General manager Frank Salucci said Wednesday that the store count could go slightly higher, noting that one of the buildings was created to house one large tenant or several smaller ones.

He added that while the current focus is getting the outlet ready for the grand opening, Tanger's leasing agents continue to work on obtaining tenants for several outparcels on the site. Salucci said no timetable has been established for the outparcels.

He said work will continue on the main portions of the center until Aug. 29.

"We'll be working up until the day we open," Salucci said.

According to Tanger, the project created more than 300 construction jobs during the year-long building period, which broke ground July 19, 2007. Once open, the center will generate more than 800 retail sales associate and sales management positions.

The company said its center also will provide a significant economic benefit to area hotels, restaurants and many service businesses and will generate estimated local property tax revenue of $1.2 million each year.

"Our new $90 million Tanger Outlet Center is a major tourism attraction for the Pittsburgh area and the state of Pennsylvania," said Steven Tanger. "Like our popular Tanger Outlet Center in Lancaster, the Tanger Outlets near Pittsburgh will welcome millions of brand-name bargain hunters from throughout the Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia region."

The company said it expects the center to draw more than 4.5 million visitors annually.

Headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., Tanger Factory Outlet Centers owns or manages 31 shopping centers in 22 states.

Coming soon

Tanger Outlet Center stores are scheduled to open Aug. 29. They include:

adidas

American Country Collections

American Eagle Outfitters

Ann Taylor Factory Store

Banana Republic Factory Store

Bass

Bath & Body Works

Bose Factory Store

Brooks Brothers Factory Store

Burlington Brands

Calvin Klein

Carter's

Casual Male XL Outlet

Children's Place

Claire's

Clarks Bostonian

Coach Factory

Converse

Cosmetics Company

Designer Fragrances &

Cosmetic Co.

Dressbarn

Easy Spirit Outlet

Eddie Bauer Outlet

Factory Brand Shoes

Fragrance Outlet

Gap Outlet

GUESS Factory Store

Gymboree Outlet

Hanes Brands

Harry & David

Heartstrings

Izod

Jones New York

Journeys

Justice for Girls

Kasper

KAY Jewelers Outlet

KB Toys

Lane Bryant Outlet

Lids

Nike Factory Store

Nine West Outlet

Old Navy

PacSun

Perfumania

Puma

Reebok

Rockport

rue21

Samsonite Company Stores

SAS Shoes

Skechers

Strasburg Children

Stride Rite

Sunglass Hut

Timberland Factory Store

Tommy Hilfiger Co. Stores

Totes

Ultra Diamonds

Van Heusen

Wilsons Leather Outlet

Food court

Subway

Villa Pizza

Wok & Roll

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