Gen X’s Underappreciated Shopping Power

Everyone knows that the squeakiest wheel gets the grease. What people tend to forget, though, is that it’s not always the squeakiest wheel that holds the most power. Caught between the incredibly loud and squeaky generations of Millennials and Baby Boomers, Generation X is often overlooked and underserved, with the majority of marketing attention going to those two wheels that make the most noise. What remains to be seen, though, is how this generation will roll its rapidly accumulating dice.

If anyone wants a trip down memory lane, check out this Generation Next commercial from 1997. Gen X shopping habits are as varied as generation members themselves. Born between 1960s and the 1980s, they were raised in a primarily offline world and learned to adapt to a rapidly expanding online one. They’re equally at home online and in a brick and mortar retail store, and they have no trouble switching between the two spaces to get the service and prices they want. Gen Xers might love online shopping, but they’re also likely to meet up with friends and family members at local malls. This becomes especially true when a mall caters to their needs.

At the moment, most members of Generation X are somewhere between their late 30s and late 50s. Most of them are of an age to have at least one parent that’s getting on in years, a younger child they’re in the process of raising, or a young adult that they still financially support, if not some multiples of all of the above. This gives them unprecedented access to the squeaky wheel generations on either side of them: Millennials, who might still live at home or visit often, and Baby Boomers, some of whom are in a stage where they’re in need of care from their adult children.

Products Gen X’ers Love

Products that appeal to these luxury-loving Gen Xers will become aspirational products for their Millennial children, who remember what brands their parents were loyal to, or dream of eventually emulating their parents’ lifestyle, if not their parents’ lives. These same products can become more reminiscent ones for Baby Boomers who want to relive their glory days, and the same can be said, about both generations, for the places that Generation Xers prefer to visit.

If a shopping mall is appealing for more reasons than its retail stores, then it’s likely to draw in a slightly more diverse group of mall goers. If a shopping mall is appealing to Gen Y shopping habits, then it’s more likely to draw in those children, Millennials or not, who decide to go to the mall with their parents, and those Baby Boomers, who might be tagging along on an outing, or going to enjoy the company of their children.

Gen X Retail & Online Shopping

Gen X’ers easily bridge the gap between those primarily online purchasers and the retail-only shoppers, and by doing so, offer both groups an opportunity to find common ground at the physical mall locations. As times change, certain aspects of brick and mortar stores are changing as well. Increasingly, people seem to expect a higher level of service in person, assuming that something they can’t get done online will be much more easily handled if they can communicate the issue face to face.

By providing that service that Baby Boomers expect from their own days on top of the heap (as far as buying power), it becomes easier to win over the brand-loyal members of Generation X. This approach also works on the Millennials. For them, everything relies on word of mouth, and treating their parents fairly and decently in person will encourage them to come into actual malls and work with the people there as well.

So while it might be true that the squeakiest wheel gets the grease, in this case, greasing the silent wheel gets two more wheels greased besides, builds brand loyalty that’s more than a generation deep, and can even potentially get more people invested in their local spaces, like shopping malls and nearby stores. That’s not half bad for one wheel’s work or a generation that’s been largely underrepresented in marketing.

While we know that Gen X’ers dont love to be told where to shop or what to do, some of our most popular shops among the Gen X groups are below:

Clothing:

• Alred Dunner
• DressBarn
• VF Outlet
• C & B
• New York & Company

Home:

• Pottery Barn Outlet
• QVC Outlet
• Ten Thousand Villages

We invite you to come visit us and see all of our wonderful shops!

The Shops @Rockvale
35 South Willowdale Drive Suite 127 Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 293-9292
https://www.shoprockvale.com

source https://www.shoprockvale.com/gen-xx-underappreciate-shopping-power/

How To Pull Off Gameday Cooking Like A Boss- With Bacon

This is for all the lady bosses and fella bosses out there. We see you, wielding your grilling utensils like a pro. We’re here to help you up your game by incorporating just about everyone’s favorite add on (for my house its kind of like a main course) BACON.

And since we know that looking good, while tailgating is just about as important as the food you eat and company you keep, we have some great shops to keep you looking your best.

Whether you want some high style fashion to look your best, or you want to get geared up with your favorite football team’s gear– we have stores for you!

 

 

 

 

They say that 25 percent of all grillers are grilling on game day. But while this fun little trivia may or may not be completely accurate, it still shows how much we love snacking during the fall, especially when football is on. Gameday simply makes every snack about a hundred times more special (it’s science really). You get to dress up in your team gear, wear face paint and act like a lunatic fan (is that just our family?).

It’s one of the most magical times of the year, where football games bring families and friends together in front of their TVs or in the stadium parking lot. The anticipation works up an appetite—this might as well be scientifically proven by now.

And if you’re ready for an epic tailgating session, we’re here with the ultimate guide on how to cook with bacon for game day. Why bacon, you ask? Well, it’s true that there are countless recipes out there for you to try, but it’s also true that just about everybody loves bacon.

It’s still a matter of opinion, of course. But you’re probably here reading this guide on how to grill with bacon because you agree that bacon is the best.

Why Cook Bacon and incorporate into your party?

Nothing goes better with beans, and burgers, and even jalapenos, more than bacon. It’s flavorful, it’s high in protein, and it’s probably bad for your health. But who says we can’t indulge in the good things every now and then?

For those of you who are following a strict diet, game day is probably the perfect day to give yourself a break. Call it a cheat day, if you will.

Why should you grill with bacon for game day? Well, it’s just delicious. You can wrap so many different ingredients in bacon—you’re free to get creative with the recipes as long as you’re grilling the bacon right.

Grilling With Bacon: The Unexpected Challenge

 

 

Bacon is tasty and nearly everybody loves it—but we also know it can be a challenge to cook. One word to summarize the experience is “splatter”. We’re all familiar with how violent these things can be when they’re being cooked- HOT!

But beyond this, there’s another challenge you should be aware of: the smell.

Now here’s the thing about bacon: it smells good. We all know that. You can probably imagine the smell right now, just by reading this. But the smell can outstay its welcome, especially if you cook it indoors. The smell of bacon tends to linger, so even if you like the crispy, salty smell of it, you might just get sick of it.

Unless you live in a massive house, we suggest you cook this one outdoors. You don’t want to be smelling day-old grease after game day is over.

Take it outside and use a tiny grill. It will cook quickly and evenly. But make sure to wrap the bacon in tin foil so you dont lose all the grease and taste- or cook it in a pan. You also get the bonus benefit of not having to deal with any lingering smells. It will still splatter all over the place, but not anywhere you have to care too much about.

Another Tip for Grilling Bacon on Game Day

Anything that cooks fast on the grill is great for tailgating. Years of tailgating experience would tell you that. But if you want to enjoy your snacks more quickly, prepare as much food as you can ahead of time. A little preparation is key here. If you’re going to wrap anything in bacon and it has to be prepared ahead of time, you need to do so before driving off to the stadium.

To avoid having to bring a carload of ingredients, try using sauces, rubs, and marinades. If there are essentials that you need to pack, have a checklist for them. Some of these things are easy to forget. You don’t want to leave behind your napkins and tin foil.

How to Grill Bacon the Right Way

Making bacon on the grill is simple. Just use a cast iron skillet to make the process easier.

First, preheat your grill to 400°F. Place the cast iron skillet on the grates to preheat it too. If your skillet is a bit old and rusty, do this one first.

Next, place the strips of bacon down. Lay them out on the skillet and close the grill. Don’t leave it behind. It cooks for just about 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of each strip. Open the grill and use tongs to turn the bacon over. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes after flipping each strip.

You’ll know it’s ready when the bacon is gold and crispy. Notice how the color is much more appetizing compared to stove-top bacon.

The last step is to enjoy your grilled bacon. Use tongs to place the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels. You’re ready for that tailgating session now!

Avoid Grease Fires!

Now one thing you need to master if you want to become a professional is how to grill bacon-wrapped foods. Even if you’re not trying to become a chef, you’ll still want to know how to grill bacon properly, especially because bacon-wrapped snacks are great for game day.

Wrap your seafood, your vegetables, and your meats with bacon to give it that extra flavor. Wrap shrimp, scallops, and cheese stuffed peppers. Bacon-wrapped boneless stuffed chicken is also getting more popular these days.

But while making these delicacies, make sure you avoid grease fires. Bacon-wrapped foods are not as easy to grill as just plain bacon. You need to watch out for grease fires.

Unfortunately, grease fires are very common when cooking bacon-wrapped snacks. If dripping bacon fat comes into contact with lit charcoal or propane flames, you can expect a fire to flare up. Always cook bacon-wrapped food with indirect heat. You’ll greatly minimize the risk of grease fires that way. Use a disposable aluminum drip pan underneath the food when grilling with indirect heat.

The only challenge now is actually getting your bacon to cook at the same time as the other thing wrapped by it. To accomplish this more easily, use thinly sliced bacon instead of thick cut varieties.

Grilling  On Game Day?

Stop by The Shops @Rockvale and get your supplies a day ahead of your tailgating session with friends. The Shops @Rockvale is Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s favorite premium outlet mall. It boasts more than 70 brands featuring high-end and premium brands you love. If you’re looking for kitchen equipment, you’ll find plenty of those here.

We recommend Kitchen Collection for your game day grilling needs. If you’re looking for the perfect kitchen tools, this is the place to be. You’ll find plenty of grilling tools, baskets, pans, barbecue racks, roasters, mitts, gloves, aprons, and lots more. Everything you might need—at up to 75 percent off traditional retail prices every day! From preparation to serving, Kitchen Collection has you covered. Also check out the Corningware Outlet.

Come to The Shops @ Rockvale and discover all the premium shopping stores. If you want to shop for clothes, we have plenty of designer brands. You can also find high-quality appliances. And if you’re tired of shopping, there are many places for you to eat. You can choose from a variety of sit down dining restaurants and fast food chains

 

source https://www.shoprockvale.com/how-to-pull-off-gameday-cooking-like-a-boss-with-bacon/

The Top Breweries in Philly

Philadelphia has quite the reputation when it comes to craft beer. In fact, you’ll often hear it being called “America’s Best Beer Drinking City”. If you want to grab a cold one, this is one of the best places in the country you can visit. And if that’s precisely what you’re planning to do, don’t miss the finest breweries in Philadelphia.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered: here we’re listing some of the best local breweries in Philadelphia. Time your visit right and you can join in on the fun once Philly Beer Week rolls around. You might just have the time of your life, considering how other cities all around the world have been trying to emulate this event.

It’s safe to say beer thrives in this city: it has been that way ever since the first brewery opened in Philadelphia back in 1683. They even have a neighborhood called Brewerytown! With such a rich beer making tradition, expect nothing but the best when it comes to the breweries at Philadelphia. And without further ado, here are the top local breweries to visit there!

Top Local Breweries in Philadelphia

1. Yards Brewing Company

While this list is in no particular order, we thought we should first mention the largest brewery in Philadelphia. Yards Brewing Company has been brewing beer since 1994. It moved in late 2017, and is now located in a large, modern brewery along Spring Garden Street.

They offer many different styles of beer, but their most notable ones are the Ales of the Revolution beers. Why are they called the Ales of the Revolution? Well, these three beers are based on beer recipes once brewed by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin!

2. Love City Brewing Company

Love City Brewing is remarkable because it’s one of the newest breweries in Philadelphia, and yet it’s already making waves. It first opened its doors in April 2018 in the Callowhill neighborhood near the new Viaduct Rail Park, offering a cool and relaxed ambiance inside a large tasting room. Even with a currently limited menu, people are raving about the place.

“Unlimited bar snacks and a flight with a pairing of quality craft beer and some spirits for UNDER $20? Sign me up!” one reviewer says. “My experience at Love City Brewing Company definitely took me by surprise! Awhile back, I had one of their beers with a dinner and felt intrigued to come to the source.”

3. Wissahickon Brewing Company

Speaking of newer breweries in Philadelphia, Wissahickon Brewing Company still fits that bill nicely. It was opened in April 2017 as a family business, founded after winning awards at national homebrewing competitions.

That’s surely an impressive backstory to have—and they have equally impressive drinks to back it up. The Devil’s Pool Double IPA is a fantastic beer that you should try at least once. The tasting room provides both indoor and outdoor seating. Oftentimes, there are also food trucks present for those who want to grab a bite to eat.

It is located north of Center City Philadelphia.

4. Crime and Punishment Brewing Company

Crime and Punishment Brewing Company offers all of the popular styles of beer you’ll find at other breweries, so if you want a wider selection, this might be the place for you.

Since this is actually found inside Brewerytown  proper, this is a must see destination while in the area.

5. Evil Genius Beer Company

Despite the name, there’s nothing really “evil” about this particular genius. It’s all very good, actually. Aside from providing some of the best brews in Philadelphia, this brewery also has one peculiar specialty: naming their beers.

They use various pop culture references to make every drink more interesting. Try their Purple Monkey Dishwasher Porter, or their Bye Felicia IPA. Their tasting room is called The Lab, and it features many board games for visitors to enjoy. This is one of the most unique and laidback breweries on this list.

6. Fermentery Form and Blendery

This brewery may have a smaller tasting room, but their beers are delicious. This “secret brewery” doesn’t actually brew their own beer, but they purchase it from other breweries and then use their own aging and flavoring process. This gives each drink that signature Fermentery Form taste.

Try to spot this brewery in a back alley in Kennsington. The mystique of this place is one of its charms. Though they specialize in sour beers, the most captivating element is the fact that the place is in a secret location. It doesn’t get any cooler than that.

7. Philadelphia Brewing Company

We’ve covered some of the newer breweries that are making their mark. But capping off this list is Philadelphia Brewing Company, one of the oldest craft breweries in Philadelphia. It first opened its doors in 2001. And if you want a great introduction to craft beer, this is the place to be.

Not only can you get great-tasting brews, you can also take a free 30-minute tour of the brewery if you come there on a Saturday afternoon.

Visiting a Brewery Soon?

If you’re looking to get the most out of these breweries, you can stop by The Shops @ Rockvale and buy some essentials. Looking for great beer mugs and other merchandise? The Shops @ Rockvale has more than 80 outlet brands you can visit, with big bargains on all the brands you love.

Try visiting Kitchen Collection, an outlet store that’s complete with all the perfect kitchen tools you need. You can shop for name brand items like KitchenAid, Wilton, Cuisinart, and Hamilton Beach—all at everyday value prices.

Ever visited a brewery and felt hungry afterward? If you are headed back through Lancaster PA, then The Shops @ Rockvale offers both sit down and fast food options so you can choose from a wide variety of popular brands like Burger King, Olive Garden, Subway, Ruby Tuesday, Cracker Barrell, Long John Silvers/KFC, Qdoba, and Rockvale Diner!

Visit The Shops @ Rockvale at 35 S. Willowdale Drive, Lancaster, PA 17602 today!

source https://www.shoprockvale.com/the-top-breweries-in-philly/

How To Throw The Perfect Tailgate Party No Truck Required

Tailgating is that great, all American pastime. Many fans love the thrill of spending time outdoors with others. If you are thinking about throwing this kind of party, you’ll want to do it right, from the jump. This means careful advanced planning and consideration of the circumstances of the party at least several days before you begin (or the night before- come on am I right?).

It helps to think about specifics. You should plan a menu, think about who’s coming with you and how everyone’s going to eat their food. It also means making sure you get the details right so you can celebrate your favorite team in true style.

Planning a Menu

One of the most important parts of any tailgate plan is the right kind of menu. You want to think about foods that you know everyone will love. You also want to think about the ages of the people who are coming to your party. For example, small children often have different tastes than adults. They tend to like food that is less hot and more mild. Another person in your party may be allergic to certain ingredients.

You want them to be able to eat anything you make. Your menu should include at least several courses. This way, everyone can find something they like best. It’s a good idea to think about appetizers, the main course, desserts and drinks. You might start with a few types of appetizers such as hot wings, chips and dips and then some sliced, blanched vegetables. After that, the main course such as chili, burgers and grilled chicken brings the party to life. Make dessert special with a homemade cake or some cupcakes. The Pepperidge Farm outlet store can provide you and your guests with all sorts of wonderful baked goods including the buns for any hamburgers and hot dogs as well as various types of dessert cookies.

Offering Drinks

Another fabulous part of any tailgating party are a selection of drinks. Chilled wines from Nissley Wine Shop makes it easier than ever to pick out the perfect brew. Think about other kinds of drinks as well. Lemonade is cheery and inviting. Fall makes the perfect time to bring out the hot cider and pair it with cinnamon sticks and honey. If you’re serving a large crowd, you can offer other types of drinks for all ages. Chilled soft drinks offer sweet flavors just right on a crisp autumn day. Flavored seltzers are good for those who are watching their weight but want something with a kick.

Plates and Other Items

You want to make it easy for your guests to enjoy your food. The right plates & silverware and other items are essential. Allow at least two forks, knives and spoons per person. Bring a stack of paper and plastic plates with you. If you’re serving something like chili, you’ll also need to have bowls on hand. A cooler is also useful as it keeps your drinks cold. Even on a cold day, drinks and other items can get hot quickly as they sit in the sun. When you have a cooler with you, you have a way to keep your hot foods and your cold foods at the right temperature all game long. The Pottery Barn outlet has lots of places to find the right home decor to wow your guests.

Wear It With Pride

Your tailgate party should include lots of ways to cheer on your favorite team as the game continues on. Stop by our Eagles store or if you are more into the terrible towel head over to Steel City Sports, to rep your team. As the weather turns colder caps keep your head warm and tell everyone which team you like best.

Decorating Your Car

Part of the huge fun of having a party is decorating your car. Look for items in the same colors as your team. You can line the interior with plush blankets and throw blankets from Orvis for everyone else to share. You can bring out footballs for your guests so you can all play along with your team as the game continues.

A Place to Sit

Everyone should have a place to sit and celebrate. Convenient, durable navy outdoor folding sports chairs from Kirkland offer lots of ways to give your guests a place to sit as the game goes on. Proper advanced party planning will make every one of your guests happy.

Thanks for reading. We would love for you to subscribe to our blog.

Come visit us at:

The Shops @Rockvale
35 South Willowdale Drive Suite 127 Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 293-9292
https://www.shoprockvale.com

 

source https://www.shoprockvale.com/how-to-throw-the-perfect-tailgate-party-no-truck-required/

Your Ultimate Guide to Grilling for Game Day

We all know a game day isn’t complete without meat grilled to perfection and some veggies on the side. That said, are your grill skills still intact? Have you got all the right equipment? Making game day perfect is your ultimate goal here. Let’s make sure that happens with the tips below. Need to pick up some grilling utensils? Check out The Kitchen Collection!

Pre-Game Preparation

Let’s assume you already have the best grill for your tailgate — how’s the gas level? Make sure it’s full before you start grilling your favorite foods.

Not sure how much gas you have? Here’s a trick: tilt the propane tank and pour hot water onto the side of the tank. Feel the side of the tank to feel the area that’s cool even after you’ve poured hot water on it. That cold area is the gas level in the tank.

Of course, before using your grill, clean the grates first and oil it up. You don’t want your meat sticking on it, do you? Give your grill enough time to heat up before using it too.

Considering there are a lot of things you need to prepare for a game day cookout, make a checklist in order not to forget to bring a utensil, a condiment, or a piece of vegetable for your skewer. You may want to check your stuff for bottle openers. Two is okay, but four is definitely better.

Make sure your coolers are ready too. Gameday coolers for meats should not be less than two. Use one cooler for raw meats and the second cooler for cooked meats. Never ever mix them.

To hold your condiments and ensure that one type of sauce doesn’t get lost, you can use a six-pack holder. Beer is awesome, but it’s even better when it comes in a six-pack.

Food Ideas

Corn

It’s remarkably good to eat, but one problem with corn is that it can be difficult to husk after grilling. To soften the husk and make it easier to take off, place the corn in a pot of water with the stems end up and the silk and husk still intact. Allow the corn to boiling for up to seven minutes.

Next is to fire up the grill. Grill the corn with the husk over medium heat. Wait for the husks before removing the corn off the grill. Finally, remove the husk down from the tip. The silk and husk should come off together easily.

Ribs

When cooking ribs, transform your grill into a smoker by putting a woodchip-filled tin foil pouch atop the burner. As the meat grills, spray some apple juice all over it to improve its flavor and looks, as well as the tenderness of the ribs.

Kebabs

For some reason, food on a stick just tastes better, and kebabs are definitely one of them. To make better kebabs for game day, use two skewers when grilling instead of the usual one. This will prevent the skewered meat and vegetables from rotating accidentally while you turn them on the grill. This is one of the best ways to prevent unevenly cooked kebabs.

Burgers

Nothing screams game day than grilled burgers, right? To ensure the insides of your patty retain its juiciness, a trick is to hide a piece of ice cube in the patty. However, this only works if you’re making your own patties. This technique will work best if you are making the patties immediately before grilling them. You should be careful not to place the ice cube too long inside the patty to prevent it from soaking the meat.

Hotdogs

To make sure your hotdogs grill evenly, spiral cut them using a knife and a skewer. Be careful not to let your hotdogs sit too long on the grill. You want them to be tender and juicy, not completely dried out.

Let’s not forget the need to wear your favorite team colors. If you love the Eagles then head on over to The Eagles Pro Shop, Steel City Sports or The Fan Cave to see what they have in store for you.

Post-Game Cleaning

While cleaning up after a game is considered not fun at all, you still have to do it in order to make sure your tailgate equipment stays in tip-top shape and thus can be used again on the next game day.

Starting with the grill, cut a large onion and scrub it on your grill while it’s still hot. The onion will help get rid of the oil and other residues from grilling, and at the same time will season your food the next time you use it again.

Check the area for trash too. Make sure your party place is free of empty bottles, skewers, tissue, memorabilia, and others after the game. Bring lots and lots of trash bags and use them accordingly. Do not mix leftovers with plastic or paper — always segregate. Gameday is where you have a crazy and exciting day with friends or family, but it doesn’t mean you should stop being responsible.

Put your team’s jersey on and fire up the grill — let the game day preparations begin!

We look forward to see you at The Shops of Rockvale.

 

source https://www.shoprockvale.com/your-ultimate-guide-to-grilling-for-game-day/

Tent Sale 2018

Please join us Aug 30th-Sept 3rd for some amazing tent sale shopping!

Why People Love Tent Sale Shopping

There’s no doubt that people love to go shopping. Even in an age when many people make use of online retailers, the act of visiting a place of business still has a lot of appeal. One of the more popular ways to shop is attending a tent sale. If you are in the Lancaster PA area, this type of shopping setting is not uncommon. Here are a few of the reasons why people keep coming back whenever they hear vendors are going to hold tent sales outside their brick and mortar shops.

Fresh Air and Sunshine

In ages past, open-air shopping was the way things were done. That’s still true in many parts of the world. The nice thing is that shopping outside allows you to enjoy plenty of sunshine and fresh air while you find the things that you need- or want. When the outdoor sales are held in close proximity to outlet shops, you get the best of both worlds. Spend as much time outside as you like and still have the chance to see what’s being offered inside. What could be better?

More Variety

When The Shops @Rockvale decides to plan a tent sale, you can bet the variety of quality goods offered will be impressive. In fact, you may find something that you’ve wanted for the home or for yourself but never got around to buying. At the very least you have the chance to spend as much time as you like browsing and taking in all the possibilities. Even if there is nothing in particular you need, it’s not unusual to find at least a few things that you can put to good use.

A Different Way to Shop

Variety is the spice of life, or so the old saying goes. It certainly applies when it comes to shopping. There are times when you really don’t want to shop online and walking around in a traditional retail store is only marginally appealing. What really sounds good is spending an hour or so browsing at a tent sale held at a local outlet mall. It’s a different type of shopping experience and one that is likely to yield some great results. At the very least, it’s a break in the normal routine, something everyone needs now and then.

Taking Advantage of Great Prices

Anyone who has ever gone to tent sales held outside premium outlet shops knows they often have some great bargains. Some of the merchandise may be priced to move because it’s items from last season. At other times, there are overstock bargains that you can use for yourself or maybe tuck away as holiday or birthday gifts for others. The fact that the prices of these types of sales are so competitive that it allows you to stretch your dollars while shopping in a setting that’s not available every day.

Are you in the mood to take advantage of some great sales? Set aside some time to visit The Shops @Rockvale in Lancaster PA. Browse their tent sales as well as the variety of items found in each outlet shop. There’s sure to be something that you would love to take home with you.

Sign up to become a preferred shopper to get all the benefits that come along with it!

We can’t wait to see you at the tent sale. Come shop Lancaster’s Premium Shopping Center.

 

source https://www.shoprockvale.com/lancaster-tent-sale-2018/

The Best Discount Shopping Centers in Pennsylvania

“Looking For The Top Premium Outlet Centers in PA?”

Who doesn’t love a good bargain? Even if you don’t “love shopping” like the Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, we’re sure you appreciate every opportunity to save some of your hard-earned cash. But with outlet stores in Pennsylvania, you can get more than just a bargain or two—they provide some of the best deals consistently.

It’s Morre Than Shopping- It’s An Experience

And for these outlet centers, shopping is more than just plastering the word “sale!” and hoping for the best. Shopping is all about the experience. It’s all about having a fun time with your family: eating together, shopping together, and enjoying each other’s company.

Younger Generations: Shifting Attitudes toward Retail Shopping?

You might think millennials and generation z won’t be interested in discount outlet stores—but that’s where you’re wrong. If you look closer, you’ll see that shopping trends are shifting because of these younger generations.

It is estimated that generation z will be responsible for $145 billion in direct spending by 2020. They’re not so glued to their screens after all: they’re not favoring online shopping, but rather taking an interest in retail. Rather, they use online shopping to check prices before going to the actual stores.

And these are the generations that are most interested in treating shopping as an experience. This is perhaps why gen z-ers are drawn more towards outlet malls than regular malls. They are motivated by a variety of sales and discounts, which they conveniently found online.

So what does this mean? It means that business is booming for outlet centers all over Pennsylvania—meaning now is the best time to pay them a visit and see what’s on offer. And it also means that you can take your whole family with you!

And Millennials and Gen Z’ers aren’t the only ones that are rediscovering the amazing experiences that coming to a physical place with family and friends to shop. Moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas are all finding that, while shopping online is a major convenience, you can have a much more enjoyable time spending time with your loved ones and getting your shopping done.

It’s really all about dictating the pace of the shopping. If you go in with a time-crunched schedule, it will make the experience that much less enjoyable. However if you have a few hours to enjoy walking around, and grab a bit to eat, then the shopping experience is much more enjoyable.

Finding The Best Shopping Centers Near Me

Now the tricky part is looking for the best outlet center near you: nobody has the time to go around comparing them with one another. Why waste time and money when we can just give the answers to you? Here we’re listing down some of the best discount outlet centers in Pennsylvania—many of which are near Lancaster.

Top 5 Best Discount Outlet Centers in Pennsylvania
1. The Shops @Rockvale

At the risk of being self promotional -We’re starting this off with a particularly high note: The Shops @Rockvale is the premier place to find high-quality clothing, home décor, as well as great restaurants. With more than 80 outlet brands, this outlet center provides bigger bargains on many popular brands.

At The Shops @Rockvale, they offer discounts of 35 to 75 percent every day. Convenient if you’re not willing to wait for department stores and malls to have a sale. It’s conveniently placed on route 30 in Lancaster, PA, so you won’t pay sales tax on clothing and shoes.

If you’re on your way to popular attractions like Strasburg Railroad, Kitchen Kettle Village, the Rainbow Dinner Theatre, you can pay them a visit. It is just across the street from American Music Theater and down the street from Sight & Sound Theater.

If you’re looking for clothes, The Shops @Rockvale offers a selection including women’s clothing, men’s clothing, and children’s apparel. There are brands like Carter’s, Puma, Disney Store, Steel City Sports, Janie and Jack, Alfred Dunner, New York & Company, and many more.

And after shopping your family might want to stop for a while to re-energize: The Shops @Rockvale has restaurants that can offer a wide selection of food ranging from quick snacks to heavy meals: Burger King, Olive Garden, Subway, Ruby Tuesday, and more!

One reviewer praises The Shops @Rockvale saying, “I really love these outlets. The prices are great. Such a huge selection of stores. Plenty of free parking. There is a courtesy shuttle that takes you around the outlet.I really like shopping here. Will I be back? YUP!”

The Shops @Rockvale isn’t just your ordinary outlet center. It is the place to be.

2. Tanger Outlets Lancaster

Here’s another option if you’re in Lancaster and you enjoy fashionable savings: Tanger Outlets Lancaster. Sure, it has fewer stores, with just over 65, but it also boasts brand name stores like Polo Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Nike, Coach, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Reebok, Guess, and Banana Republic.

It is located at 311 Stanley K Tanger Blvd, Lancaster. To make the most out of your visit, you’ll want to pick up a coupon book or join TangerClub for additional savings.

“Although we only went to three stores our shopping experience was very good,” says one reviewer. “The staff in Clarks Shoes and Columbia were especially helpful. There is a discount book available at Customer Service with many store discounts, it had a cost of $5 but usually they are free with a coupon.”

It is described as “very clean and roomy,” with “lots of parking.”

But bear in mind, not all the reviews are as stellar: “we stopped here on our way through Lancaster. I have to say it was quite a disappointment. Many of the shops were no longer in operation and it seemed to be a bit of a ghost town.”

What this outlet store seems to lack is, well, more stores. But by filling up those empty spaces, Tanger Outlets Lancaster can definitely be among the top outlet stores in Lancaster, service-wise.

3. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet

Looking for a bargain? Another outlet center you might want to check out if you’re in Lancaster is Olle’s Bargain Outlet. Even the word “bargain” is on its name! It’s located at 2090 Lincoln Hwy E if you’re interested.

This one is fascinating because it doesn’t have a large “fanbase” in particular. They don’t have too many loyal customers. It has a weird reputation. But people find themselves going there very often anyway!

One reviewer says it best: “I’ve never been a fan of Ollie’s on the regular. Too many bad memories of my dad stocking up on strange and expired food from here may have traumatized me, but slowly I find myself coming here more often. This location is my favorite. I think they’re cleaner, less crowded, and have more room in their isles. I also tend to find more of what I’m looking for at this location vs. the others. What I have learned in my past few visits at both locations as this isn’t a bad store, and certainly one to add to my thrift rotation when I’m shopping.”

You might find the food, clothing, and beauty departments a little bit lacking. The service has been described as “almost non-existent.”

But if you want great deals on your rugs, your vinyl, your outdoor plastic grass, your hardwood flooring, and other similar items, you’ll find plenty of those here. Books and toys are abundant, and you’ll surely find something you’ll want to give to your kids. Is it too early to stock up on Christmas presents? No, it is not. It’s never too early to stock up on future gifts/supplies.

Customer service may be a bit lacking—but who can say no to that year-round sale?

4. The Crossings Premium Outlets

These last two entries are a bit more on the “honorable mentions” side of the story. These are still some of the best outlet centers in Pennsylvania, but they’re not in Lancaster per se. The Crossings Premium Outlets, for example, boasts quite an impressive collection of many fine brands. You and your family will surely enjoy your time here.

One reviewer says: “I really enjoy a day at Crossings Premium Outlets. My favorites are Coach, New York & Company, Michael Kors, Nike, Crocs just to name a few. The complex is rather large and has premium name brand shops for everyone’s taste. My recommendation is to go during the week day, where parking is available everywhere and it’s much less crowded. I also think the sales are better on the weekdays too. The weekend tends to be extremely crowded and parking sometimes is a struggle.”

“No restaurants located in center. There is a food court(which is okay). Auntie Ann’s & Dunkin’ Donuts is where I may grab something quick to hold me over.”

There are a few complaints, however: “went to check out this so-called premium outlets, parking was very limited, entire mall was more like a small strip mall and it was very old and dated! Major wear and tear on the outside of the buildings! Needs a major overhaul.”

People may have varying opinions on it, but at least it’s still worth checking out. Come and see it for yourself. The Crossings Premium Outlets is located at 1000 Premium Outlets Dr, Tannersville, PA.

5. Ross Park Mall

Another honorable mention is Ross Park Mall, located at 1000 Ross Park Mall Dr, Ross Township, PA. It’s an outlet center that features a multitude of high-end stores from which you can choose from. It has some very popular consumer-favorite brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Apple, Armani Collezioni, Kate Spade, Macy’s, Crate & Barrel, and The Cheesecake Factory. It’s safe to say it has a bit of everything for everyone.

Reviewers praise it for not being “super busy” and for having decent stores. “The lines for Santa and the Easter Bunny have always been reasonable, as well. This mall is never too crowded and easy to get in and out of.”

This multi-level indoor mall has over 160 shops. “There are lots of nice specialty shops. It was a good place to stroll around one evening after dinner.”

“We enjoyed our experience at this mall. It was a clean, safe environment and had a good variety of stores so there was something to keep everyone happy. Lots of great little restaurants in the food court as well!”

Outlet stores are all the rage nowadays. And it helps that the younger generations are developing a taste for great bargains as well. Take your whole family and visit one of these fine outlet centers today!

source https://www.shoprockvale.com/the-best-discount-shopping-centers-in-pennsylvania/