The Outlets at Corpus Christi Bay in Robstown opened in March 2017. Now 22 months later, the mall has been taken over by the lender that financed the project. Corpus Christi Outlets declared bankruptcy last year and were sold in auction on Feb. 5, 2019. Courtesy photo
March 1 is a big day in Coastal Bend shopping history. The Outlets at Corpus Christi Bay in Robstown are hosting a VIP premier shopping night, which will raise money for Dress for Success Corpus Christi, Ronald McDonald House Charities Corpus Christi, Junior League Corpus Christi and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The event is set for 6-9 p.m. with tickets at $25 each. The price includes wine, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, prize giveaways and exclusive savings at the shops.
The very next day, Thursday, March 2, after almost a decade of anticipation, the first outlet mall in the area will be open to the public for business.
“As a Coastal Bend resident, you no longer have to travel two hours away to get the outlet experience,” said Kimberly Perez, spokesperson for the mall. “Also, with the amount of jobs and economic development it will bring, it is really exciting for this area.”
Shops currently at the Outlets at Corpus Christi Bay are H&M, Brooks Brothers, Express, Guess, Toys ’R’ Us, Sketchers, Journeys, Nike, Kay Jewelers, Zales, Amish Furniture Factory and more. When all phases of construction are concluded, the outlets are expected to have contributed 2,000 jobs — both construction and retail — to the region.
A recent two-day job fair brought in 1,000 applicants the first day and 500 the second day, Perez said.
“The hiring is going great,” she said. “The janitorial team, housekeeping, have all been hired. Our tenant clients are doing well also.”
While the new mall will provide the same great shopping experience of just about every other outlet mall, this one has some new features that set it apart.
Instead of the traditional food court, Curb Side, a food truck court, will provide an ever-changing variety of food and drink. Six food trucks will be on hand with some serving as anchors and others rotating to keep the choices fresh.
“It’s the thing now to go eat at food trucks,” Perez said. “We are banking on it being a popular place to be whether you’re shopping or passing through or a local on lunch break.”
Perez also extolls the beauty of the mall itself.
“The amount of detail that has gone into the building is extraordinary,” she said. “You are going to love the experience you will have walking through this outlet mall.”
First planned in 2007, the mall has now become a reality and is ready for its debut. Tickets for the VIP shopping are available through any of the charities involved. For more information, visit corpuschristioutlets.com.
And, as of March 2, it will be open to the public, and work on planning Phase II will begin, Perez said.
The mall is located at the intersection of Interstate 69 and Texas 44, adjacent to the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds.
