Merrimack Premium Outlets Grand Opening

Shoppers were at the ready this morning at least an hour before the Merrimack Premium Outlets stores opened.

They strolled about the sidewalks, checking they layout preparing their plan of attack when the doors were unlocked at 9 a.m.

In the center of the shopping center, the stage was set for a short ribbon cutting ceremony with remarks from Premium Outlets officials, Town Council Chairman Tom Mahon, and Gov. John Lynch.

They spoke about the road that led to this weekend and the road ahead that Lynch said will bring millions of visitors to town and create thousands of jobs.

Retail is important to New Hampshire," Lynch said. "One in five of our workers are in the retail trade and we have the highest per capita retail sales in the region driven in large part by cross border sales."

Lynch spoke again of the importance of retail jobs in a brief interview with Patch following the ceremony.

"The fact that they've created 1,000 new jobs in retail is huge for New Hampshire," he said.

Standing outside the Lindt Chocolate store, "the sweet spot" of the shopping center, Lynch remarked on the aesthetic appeal of the Premium Outlets.

"It's much more like being in a village than a mall," Lynch said, adding that it's  great location to come with the family to do some shopping and spend an afternoon.

A fire pit outside the indoor/outdoor food court abuts a courtyard of tables and chairs on one side and a children's play area on the other. Landscaping around the property includes trees, flowers shrubs and even some blueberry bushes.

"It's gorgeous," Town Council Chairman Tom Mahon said.

Mahon said Merrimack is going to see some great growth down the road now that the outlets have opened.

"Nanocomp just received $25 million in funding (from global chemical company DuPont). They're adding 40 jobs. The Atrium plans are coming in on the 26th ... they're just two huge anchors on the industrial side of things."

Mahon said they've already started seeing inquiries coming in from other businesses interested in planting roots in Merrimack.

"We knew that was going to happen," Mahon said. "Within three to five years, we'll see this expansion. This is a huge magnet."

Merrimack Premium Outlets General Manager Elaine Devine called it a "halo effect."

She said the company has seen it happen in other cities and town where they've built, businesses coming in on the heels of the opening of one of their shopping centers.

Devine said being a part of this community is important to them for more than just the business they expect to bring in.

"I'm really looking forward to the day, maybe its a year from now, when I hear a business owner say 'the center has helped grow my business.'"

Devine said she couldn't be more excited for the outlets to have finally arrived.

"We're excited to be a real part of this community," Devine said. "This town is wonderful. It has been so supportive."

And according to Executive Director of the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce Deb Courtemanche, they are already seeing the effects of 100 new businesses in town.

Ralph Lauren Polo, Lindt and Tommy Hilfiger have already joined as members of the Chamber of Commerce and Tommy Hilfiger has signed on as a sponsor of the Chamber's fall golf tournament.

"It's just kind of an unanticipated benefit of the Merrimack Premium Outlets locating here," Courtemanche said.

Another unanticipated effect? Mike Lachance, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Nashua, said Nike has become a community partner with the YMCA and is providing $2,500 in scholarships for kids who wouldn't normally be able to, to attend YMCA camps and programs.

They're also providing Fisher Cats tickets to children who wouldn't normally get the chance to go.

"This is a really great ongoing partnership, we're very excited about," Lachance said.

With all the buzz building, it's bound to be a busy summer at the Outlets, but Renu Body Spa and Salon owner Lisa Tamplin said it well when she said "This is a very exciting day for Merrimack."