Gloucester Premium Outlets opens today

Shoppers will have a major new destination in South Jersey starting Thursday, with the opening of Gloucester Premium Outlets.

Grand opening events begin at 10 a.m. at the outlet mall, located off Route 42 (Exit 7B) in Blackwood.

A range of events, deals and refreshments are slated to take place through Sunday, including a Saturday afternoon appearance by Bethenny Frankel of the Real Housewives of New York and fireworks on Thursday evening.

Stores are planning to offer freebies, music, discounts, contests and other promotions.

The Simon Property Group shopping complex is set to host 90 retailers that include Armani, American Eagle Outfitters, J.Crew, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and many others.

The center is also slated to include restaurants, a children's play area, and a Town Square at the center, with green space, open seating and a fountain.

The outlet mall will be open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with extended hours for the grand opening events.

This week, the center will be open until 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and until 8 p.m. Sunday.

Officials have called the 450,000-square-foot mall, with 376,000 square feet of leasable space, the largest economic development project in Gloucester Township's history.