Our History
Born with purpose
Tanger opened its doors in 1981 to give people a new and better way to connect with the brands they love. Since then, we've grown from one small regional shopping mall to a portfolio of vibrant, open-air retail centers that serve diverse communities across the U.S. and Canada.
Fueled by this spirit of innovation, we continue to evolve the shopping experience today.
A new kind of shopping center
1981
Stanley K. Tanger pioneers a new shopping category by opening the nation's first outlet mall — Burlington Manufacturer's Outlet Center in North Carolina — featuring overstocks of branded merchandise labeled "irregular"
1993
With a portfolio of 17 outlet centers in 15 states, Tanger becomes the first outlet-only REIT to list on the New York Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol “SKT” — representing our founder's initials
Delivering the best value
1997
Tanger expands with new centers in Sevierville, TN, and Commerce, GA, and introduces higher-volume names like Gap, Banana Republic, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Old Navy
1999
The end of the decade brings more investors to Tanger, including Warren Buffet who takes a 5% stake in the company
Community connections
2003
Tanger acquires nine additional outlet centers in eight states, adding a total 3.3 million square feet to its portfolio
2007
Tanger's national “Salute to our Troops” program launches, and the TangerPink program surpasses $5 million in funds raised to fight breast cancer
2008
Construction on Tanger Outlets Phoenix/Glendale begins and outlet centers in Pittsburgh, PA and Deer Park, NY open
2009
Steven B. Tanger is named Chief Executive Officer, as his father and company founder Stanley Tanger retires. Company breaks ground on Tanger Outlets Mebane, with an architectural design inspired by Steve's hometown community
2010
Tanger Outlets Deer Park is certified as LEED Silver Core & Shell, the company's first certification in the USGBC program
2011
Tanger expands outside the U.S. for the first time with the joint venture purchase of an outlet center in Cookstown, Ontario, and announces joint venture developments for new Tanger Outlets in Maryland and Texas
2012
The TangerKids grant program is launched to support funding needs of local schools in Tanger communities
Evolving to meet customer demand
2013
Tanger introduces TangerStyle Studio, a digital campaign to connect consumers with fall trends and sale offers
2015
Four Tanger Outlets centers open with interactive social media and digital guest experiences in Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio, and Southaven/Memphis, TN
2017
Tanger's first Corporate Responsibility Report is published, highlighting its commitment to communities and sustainability, and introduces plan to expand solar energy capacity and EV charging at Tanger centers
2018
Tanger's dividends to shareholders increase for the 25th consecutive year
Transforming the shopping experience
2020
Tanger commences its management succession plan and full refreshment of its executive management team with the appointment of Stephen Yalof as president and eventual CEO
2021
Tanger welcomes droves of shoppers to its open-air shopping centers as pandemic tensions ease
2022
Tanger diversifies its retail offerings with new and expanded brands and categories, including health and beauty, home goods, entertainment, and dining, as well as multiple luxury and direct-to-consumer brands
2023
Tanger refreshes its brand to “open-air blue” and acquires its first full-price lifestyle center in Huntsville, AL, and first new outlet center since 2016, in Asheville, NC; and opens the country's first new outlet developed post pandemic, in Nashville, TN