Whitney Ullman
Jun 25, 20203 min
As some of you know, I love to shop, especially at the Tanger Outlets in Atlantic City, so you can imagine how deprived I've been these last few months. In fact, I'm pretty sure we are all in the same boat - am I right? Well when I heard this news today, it literally made me pop up out of bed - don't judge - and find out as many details as possible. Especially since this is the first-of-its kind in outlet shopping! So here's the skinny:
Details from the press release:
Tanger Outlets announced the launch of a new virtual shopper concierge, a service that gives shoppers the best of outlet shopping without ever having to leave home. In addition to the Virtual Shopper, they are also open for in-store shopping with modified hours of 11am – 7pm daily, at select locations, and offer curbside pick-up.
With the Virtual Shopper, shoppers can shop remotely for their favorite brands and styles by simply filling out a virtual shopping form, detailing their preferences, identifying their favorite brands, with access to over 2,800 stores at our locations in the U.S. and Canada, including Tanger Outlets Atlantic City, and sharing the items with their personal shopper, who then shops in-store at Tanger Outlets on their behalf. Their personal shopper concierge can help connect style and brand inspirations to the best deals. Shoppers can also explore brand catalogs, including Polo Ralph Lauren and a Tanger Exclusive – Estee Lauder. Curbside pick-up is available at Tanger Atlantic City or shoppers can opt for delivery if they’re not yet ready to visit in person.
“The Virtual Shopper program will open a new lane of engagement, driving sales to our retail partners, while also expanding shopping opportunities for our customers,” said Steven B. Tanger, CEO of Tanger Outlets. “Given the ever-changing landscape related to the COVID-19 pandemic, constant innovation is more critical than ever before when it comes to serving retailers and customers. The Virtual Shopper program is part of the solution and one of our new initiatives to support the ecommerce and omni-channel ecosystem.”
Through Tanger’s new ‘Virtual Shopper’ program, shoppers can now shop remotely for their favorite brands, styles and outlet value deals across multiple retailers via onsite shopping specialists and stylists. The new program serves to drive in-store sales for brands and retailers, functioning as a digital, service-minded extension of the brick-and-mortar retail experience.
The Virtual Shopper program provides a range of services, from finding a specific product to customer styling, all at no cost to shoppers. It also gives shoppers the ability to access Tanger’s entire portfolio, not just the center nearest them.
“Now, more than ever, it’s critical for Tanger to come up with new and innovative ways to meet the needs of our shoppers and retailers,” said Stephen Yalof, COO and President of Tanger Outlets. “Our Virtual Shopper program gives shoppers an insider VIP experience by connecting them with a personal Tanger associate that knows the hottest and best deals as well as new product launches offered in each store. With the wellbeing of our customers being a top priority, we wanted to provide more options for those who may not be ready to visit us in-person but still want to experience the fun and savings Tanger has to offer.”
Shoppers simply fill out a virtual shopping form, detailing their preferences, explore their favorite brands and share the items they want with their personal shopper, who then shops in-store at Tanger Outlets on their behalf. After selecting their products, shoppers can either opt for curbside pick-up or have the items delivered to their home. Tanger shoppers have access to locations in the U.S. and Canada and over 2,800 stores to find exactly what they’re looking for.
In addition to the new Virtual Shopper program, Tanger Outlets is open for in-person shopping in accordance with local, state and CDC regulations, having implemented a wide range of safety protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With many brands now offering curbside pick-up, Tanger also established convenient locations around each center where shoppers can pick up items from multiple retailers.