Mention
”
Gilroy
”
to most Northern Californians, and the first images that come to
mind are garlic and the outlets.
Mention “Gilroy” to most Northern Californians, and the first images that come to mind are garlic and the outlets.
The Gilroy Premium Outlets has become a major draw to the city since the center opened 20 years ago, drawing millions of people to more than 100 name-brand stores.
On Saturday, Gilroy’s Chamber of Commerce recognized the outlets for its efforts during its annual Spice of Life award dinner, naming it Large Business of the Year.
“They’re a very strong economic force,” said Chamber president Susan Valenta.
The outlets opened in Gilroy in 1990 with remodeling and additions taking place from 1991 through 1995. New Jersey-based Chelsea Property Group bought the shopping center in 2000.
Jane Howard, executive director of the Gilroy Visitors Bureau, said that Gilroy Premium Outlets is one of three major reasons that tourists come to visit Gilroy. The other top attractions are the Garlic Festival and local wineries, she said.
General manager Jeannie Omel, who has served on the Visitors Bureau board for the past four years, has been extremely active since she started work at the outlets in 2006, Howard said. Before her arrival, the outlets were not nearly as involved in the community at large, she said.
“Jeannie’s mindset is much different,” Howard said. “She’s very community-minded.”
The outlets donate baskets to community fundraisers, and Omel has helped promote Gilroy tourism in general, Howard said.
A link to accommodations and attractions on the Gilroy Premium Outlets’ Web site lists several hotels in Gilroy and Morgan Hill as well as local wineries, Gilroy Gardens, Goldsmith Seeds and the Gilroy Visitors Bureau.
Omel stated on a video shown during the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce awards dinner Saturday that she was thrilled to attract people from all over the world not only to the outlet center but also to other local attractions, such as wineries and Gilroy’s downtown area.
“It’s great to be part of a small community,” she said on the video.
The outlets also has been a boon for the city coffers over the years, bringing in $2.3 million in sales tax revenue between June 30, 2008, and June 30, 2009, alone – about 20 percent of the city’s total sales tax revenue during that period, according to City Finance Director Christina Turner.
“It’s certainly a revenue generator for the city,” Turner said.
Busloads of people come from out of town to visit the outlets, and some of them also stay at local hotels, contributing transient occupancy tax dollars to the city, Turner said.
Omel noted in a prepared statement that the shopping center regular attracts customers from the Bay Area and beyond. California shoppers travel to Gilroy from as far south as Los Angeles to as far north as Sacramento, outlet officials said.
They said they were pleased to receive the chamber award.
“We are tied to Gilroy’s identity and pleased to be able to bring tourists here from all over the world not only for fabulous shopping but also to enjoy our local wineries and outdoor recreation,” Omel said. “We plan to be a vibrant part of the Gilroy community for years to come.”
