Crowds Descend on Fashion Outlets of Chicago For Opening Day

Written by Pam DeFiglio

So many people were trying to get into Fashion Outlets of Chicago for its opening day Thursday that Rosemont streets and parking lots were overwhelmed.

The area is not very pedestrian-friendly, and after the FOC parking lot filled, people had to park in other Rosemont lots and tramp over grass, through bushes and across a six-lane highway entrance to get into the mall. Rosemont police were out directing the constant stream of cars and pedestrians.

The first floor of the mall looks like most other malls, with an entrance to Forever 21, one of the mall's four anchors, and Clarks, Naturalizer and Carter's outlets. 

Earlier: Huge upscale mall opening in Rosemont

A food court containing mostly fast-food outlets, such as Chicago Burger and Wetzel's Pretzels, was mobbed, with shoppers waiting in long lines to grab some lunch.

Most of the high-end stores, such as Gucci, Prada, Calvin Klein, Tory Burch, Armani, Longchamp, Ports 1961 and Coach, are on the mall's second story. The line to enter Gucci wrapped around an entire large staircase area; there were probably about 200 people in line at about 1:30 p.m. Long lines also formed for Tory Burch and Prada.

There were some opening day glitches, such as a host at Villaggio Italian restaurant turning diners away because a food delivery had not arrived.

Unlike most malls, which cater to either upscale or affordable price points, Fashion Outlets has a true mix. Developer AWE Talisman and owner Macerich earlier said they are positioning to attract travelers flying in and out of O'Hare as well as local shoppers. 

The next few months will show whether that's the right strategy for this mall, as well as what the shopper mix will be and whether it pulls shoppers away from Niles' Golf Mill Shopping Center. 

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