The Outlet 66 Mall formerly known as the Belz Factory Outlet World, also later being known as The Outlet at Route 66 is an enclosed shopping mall in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico. Anchor store for the mall is a Burlington Coat Factory, accompanied by a Caribbean Cinemas, and many other stores.
History
Development
In June 1998, it would be reported that Memphis-based Belz Enterprises had broken ground for Puerto Rico's first enclosed factory outlet mall. The site of Belz Factory Outlet World Canovanas was located 15 miles east of San Juan along Highway PR-3, a major east–west corridor. Working with world-renowned architects, Belz had planned the ultimate facility, combining outlet shopping with unique restaurants and entertainment components. The enclosed mall would consist of five connected buildings, each with a different mood and streetscape depicting Old San Juan. The center's food court would feature a rain forest/entertainment theme with rockscapes and waterfalls. Phase I of the Belz Factory Outlet World in Canóvanas would have approximately 350,000 sq. ft. of space with more than 80 tenants. Belz had chosen Soltero Muñoz Architects to work on the project. The renowned Jerde Partnership from Encino, California, had been engaged as the design architect.
In Spring 2000, it was reported by Belz Enterprises that “Pre-leasing has never been stronger,” said Andrew J. Groveman, president of Belz's Factory Outlet Division. “Belz Factory Outlet World in Canóvanas is more than 65 percent pre-leased, this is a ‘tenant-driven’ location.” Groveman said. In addition to factory outlet stores, Belz Factory Outlet World in Canóvanas would feature an all-stadium seating, multiplex movie theater. Belz Enterprises planned to open the much anticipated center in the spring of 2001.
Opening and success: 2000s
On August 9, 2001, it was reported that a soft opening for the Belz Factory Outlet World in Canóvanas was scheduled for August 16, and would be the scenario for 25 to 30 stores initially opening for business. By October of that year, 85% of Belz’ 70 stores were expected to be ready. Convenience and comfort were the two words used to describe the island's newest outlet mall at the time by Andrew Groveman, president of Factory Outlet Division in Tennessee. "Everybody loves to shop at outlets," Groveman said. "In Puerto Rico, everybody loves to shop period. It’s almost considered a sport." The local Belz outlet decor emulated the streets of Old San Juan and was painted in vibrant colors to resemble houses in the Old City. However, there was a major difference. This shopping strip was air-conditioned. Besides the architectural rendering of the Old City, the outlet mall would feature hand painted murals reflecting local vegetation and animal life. The mall's exterior was designed to resemble a fort similar to El Morro. Working with architectural firm Jerde Partnership, Belz Enterprises had employed its best resources to make the outlet attractive, easy to reach, and widely visible. Belz’ 446,000 square feet of space would be occupied by Nike, Gap, Dockers/Levis, Maidenform, DKNY Jeans, Liz Claiborne, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Samsonite, Polo, Mikasa, Timberland, Reebok, Oshkosh, Geoffrey Beene, Bass, Izod, among many others. Stores would offer products directly from the factory to make their merchandise more affordable. It would also feature a 32,000 square foot 10-screen multiplex movie theater with all-stadium seating.
On August 11, 2001, it was reported that some of the stores that had already opened at the Belz Factory Outlet World in Canóvanas had sold more than their counterparts on the U.S. mainland, according to General Manager Guillermo Cray. The outlet mall was also opening more stores, he said, adding that Belz was 90% leased and the remaining space is being negotiated. "Stores such as Clarks and Bostonian are breaking sales records in comparison to the same stores in the U.S.," said Cray. "Gap and Liz Claiborne sold more than their counterparts in the U.S. during their first day operating at Belz." Cray said that he expected more stores at the 500,000 square foot mall to have similar sales experiences. Among the new stores that would be opening was Nautica. Other well-known chain stores from the U.S. would follow but Cray was unable to disclose their names as they were still in negotiations. Establishments that had opened recently included Polo Ralph Lauren and Banco Popular. The food court would also open more spaces. Eateries that would open in the following weeks included Burger King, La Estrella, El Meson Sandwiches, a co-branded Baskin Robbins and Dunkin Donuts, Hunan House, Subway, a Taco Bell, and KFC & Pizza Hut, which would share the same space.