It’s more than big brands at a great value that draws hundreds of thousands of people to Charleston’s Tanger Outlets each year. The relaxing atmosphere sets this shopping destination apart. Locals and tourists alike flock to this charming city to gain access to high-quality merchandise in a district adorned with countless dining options, a riverfront park, and even a firefighter museum. With historic downtown Charleston ten miles away, shoppers are treated to Tanger’s ode to the area's history and the city’s unmistakable style, shown off with signature architecture and world-class landscaping features.
Challenges
Let’s begin with design challenges. The client wanted to stay on course with their five-year budget plan while still making impressive upgrades to connecting outdoor spaces. the definitive “Charleston look” also had to be woven into each design element. Finally, heavy vehicle and foot traffic put pressure on our landscape designer to use innovative ideas to minimize damage to plants.
Then you have South Carolina’s hot, humid climate to contend with on a property meant to be enjoyed indoors and outdoors. Shade would be crucial for protecting shoppers and landscape elements, especially with differing microclimates scattered along the property. Intense summer heat would also be a constant threat to the health of plants and trees. Getting enough water to them in a sustainable manner would be a factor, too, particularly with newly installed plant materials.
Last but not least, we had to plan for the worst that comes with hurricane season, as the often-stormy coast is only about 20 miles away from this commercial property.
Results
Here’s a close look at how Yellowstone Landscape is overcoming the unique challenges at Tanger Outlets, while providing outstanding results for the property owners.
- The client realized substantial savings through complementary access to our design team that comes with our contractual maintenance services.
- Our designers’ expertise in planning for yearly stages of landscape upgrades has safeguarded the client’s long-range budget.
- Extra vehicle and pedestrian leeway is protecting landscape beds and planters.
- Trees were strategically installed to maximize shade for the next several decades.
- Additional overhangs provide cool shaded areas for hotter microclimates in spaces where trees couldn’t be planted.
- Inviting courtyards have proved wildly popular, playing a huge role in keeping shoppers engaged in the outdoor mall experience.
- Local Charlestonians are pleased with the appealing hardscaping and landscaping designs that provide an authentic match for their beloved city.
- Irrigation reports, “wet checks,” and timer maintenance ensure every plant is receiving proper moisture.
- We remain one of the few landscaping companies in the area with certified arborists on staff, ensuring Tanger’s trees receive the best healthcare posssible.
- Trees are also less vulnerable to disease and pests under our full-time arborists’ watchful eyes.
- Tree root management among tons of pavement and hardscaping is another concern alleviated by Yellowstone’s experienced arborists.
- When storms are on the radar, our company begins staging equipment and employees to maximize response time.
- For large storms, we have plans in place to bring in our workforce from surrounding states if needed for support.
What Shoppers Have To Say:
“Lovely benches along the breezy, very open, central, and oft-shaded walkways.”
“Beautiful walkways and a really great atmosphere.”
Therapeutic Outdoor Shopping
As online shopping becomes increasingly convenient, many retail businesses are struggling to be an attractive option for shoppers who can easily stay home and shop. Tanger Outlets in Charleston, SC, however, is thriving. It’s as popular as any boutique shopping destination because it’s designed to be attractive, welcoming, and relaxing—inside and outside.
Yellowstone is proud to play a key role in creating this enticing environment for shoppers who can comfortably flow in and out of stores. Whether browsing designer clothes racks, enjoying a snow cone beneath a Palmetto tree, or grabbing food truck bites in a quaint courtyard, shoppers feel right at home in this beautifully designed retail space.
Shopping on a screen has its place. But we feel that online experience will never replace a meaningful family outing. At this retail property, outings are looked forward to—partly because of post-pandemic realizations that going out is vital to human and societal health. So are pleasant green spaces that fit the local vibe that attracts people in the first place. This case study proves this level of success can be achieved in stages for budget-conscious clients who can find a landscaping partner with the expertise to create their vision.
If you want to upgrade your commercial property but feel your budget is a roadblock too big to get around, don’t be so sure. Contact Yellowstone Landscape so we can talk about all the options you might not have considered yet.
