Travellers heading north along Highway 400 this long weekend will notice a major construction project – the Tanger Outlet Mall is undergoing a huge transformation.

Mellissa Tolch says outlet malls give shoppers an added bonus over regular malls.

And as busy as it was inside Tanger Outlet in Cookstown on Friday – it was busier outside the 17-year-old mall as almost 100 construction workers continue the massive construction project.

“We’re virtually doubling the size of the outlet centre. We’re offering 35 more brand name stores and designer outlets so it will be a great shopping experience for everyone when this is done,” says Tanger Outlets property manager Jodi Chamberland.

Tanger says the renovation will be complete by October of this year – with a grand re-opening planned for November. The $60 million project will bring the total number of stores to 82.

“We’ll be welcoming The Gap, Banana Republic, Nike, American Eagle Outfitters, Swarovski and Famous Footwear just to name a few,” adds Chamberland.

A recent U.S. study found that shoppers spend 79% more money at outlet malls than regular malls. The renovations also mean jobs for the region.

“They’ll 400 new full-time and part-time positions and manger positions created here at the shopping centre,” says Chamberland.

One of the last construction projects to deal with on the site is the landmark water tower. The tower is still a working water tower providing water to all the stores in the mall. But soon the tower will be decommissioned, drained but not tor down. In fact Tanger Outlets plans on refurbishing the water tower because it is part of the mall’s history.