In the midst of the most challenging economic and retail environment in years, Berenson Associates, Inc., the Boston-based shopping center developer of Freeport Village Station in Freeport, Maine reported positive news, as they announced the latest additions to the line up of retailers opening at the new center this Spring.

The first wave of retailers announced at the center included LL BEAN OUTLET, NIKE FACTORY STORE, BROOKS BROTHERS FACTORY STORE, CALVIN KLEIN, VAN HEUSEN, and IZOD. Retailers announced today include three major national retail chains—COACH FACTORY STORE, PAC SUN and SUNGLASS HUT, and the very popular local gift emporium—THE MAINE DOG. In keeping with the developer's plan to incorporate lifestyle components into the center, a new LINDA BEAN'S PERFECT MAINE LOBSTER ROLL is the first restaurant to be announced.

With a May 2009 completion expected, visitors to Freeport are already remarking on the dynamic architectural features and impressive steel beam structure of Freeport Village Station, a 120,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art outlet center, designed by Arrowstreet of Somerville, MA, to enhance Freeport's authentic 19th century New England retail village. Freeport Village Station creates a new outlet shopping and dining destination, offering over 30 new retailers and restaurants and including a first for Freeport, a free covered parking deck accommodating 550 cars right in the center of Maine's most popular outlet shopping mecca.

"We're excited to provide visitors and shoppers in Freeport with Maine's newest retail destination," said Alfred R. Yebba, Berenson's Chief Operating Officer and the development director for the new center. "This line-up of major global brands will deliver a cutting edge, high quality retail experience, and we're delighted to be able to attract them to Freeport Village Station."

Cole Haan, the venerable shoe and apparel designer, and one of the original retailers that, along with LL Bean, set in motion the development of Freeport as a premiere shopping destination, has announced their own major renovation plans for the Cole Haan store including a new entrance directly onto the Freeport Village Station plaza level.

"One of the major tenets of our merchandising plan is to incorporate lifestyle offerings into the outlet shopping experience," stated Yebba. "The Town of Freeport recently approved exterior seating for multiple restaurants. Freeport Village Station will feature several new restaurant and entertainment venues, and we look forward to announcing those in the coming weeks."
 
Berenson Associates Inc