Outlet Stores and More

Mount Vernon’s in-town and nearby shopping options have always been somewhat limited, meaning students typically drive to Columbus or Newark to find a complete shopping experience.

But that all changed this summer, when Tanger Outlets opened a brand new mall just 40 minutes southwest of campus, in Sunbury, Ohio.

The 56-acre complex, located at I-71 and U.S. 36, holds 80 stores including Nike Factory, Old Navy Outlet, American Eagle Outfitters, The North Face, Victoria’s Secret, Sperry, Dressbarn, Book Warehouse and Bath and Body Works. There are a few specialty food shops too, like Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Starbucks Coffee and Godiva.

The June opening of Tanger Outlets is great news for students who like to shop but want to stay budget-conscious too. The outlet offers discounted prices year round, as well as seasonal sales and extra coupons online and through a phone app, Tanger Outlets.

The app tracks upcoming events and notifications on special deals, TangerClub rewards points, and extra percentage-off coupons. You can also find this information at tangeroutlet.com/columbus.

The outlet also provides ample opportunity for students looking to obtain employment. According to 10TV.com, “the project has created 900 full- and part-time jobs.”

Many stores are still hiring part-time help, and most pay $9 or $10 an hour.

Alexis Davis, junior business administration and business tech major, found a job working at Auntie Anne’s this summer.

“I think it’s a great place to work, and it’s given me a new appreciation for the hard work people put into giving you a pleasant experience at the mall,” Davis said.

The stores are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

However, if Sunbury is still a little too far away for you, the city of Mount Vernon is also adding to its retail repertoire this fall. Three new stores are currently under construction on Coshocton Avenue, near Vernon View Drive.

Marshall’s, an off-price retailer is set to open later this month next to Buffalo Wild Wings, where Big Lots formerly was located. Marshall’s carries a department store selection of goods, discounted 20-60 percent off suggested retail pricing. Also going into the complex this October will be Maurice’s, a women’s fashion clothing store that carries sizes 1-26. Job postings for both stores can be found at snagajob.com.

Also opening this fall, in a brand new building behind Tim Horton’s, is MC Sports. No job listings for this store could be found.