One of the most treasured shopping outlets in Southern California is Citadel Outlets in Commerce, and we are very proud to feature them on this week’s blog. The Citadel Outlets first opened in 1990 and was purchased by Craig Realty Group in 2003. Upon gaining new owners, the outlets underwent a major renovation and boasts an impressive 700,000 square feet of pure shopping heaven. To date, Citadel Outlets currently houses more than 130 top name brand stores and restaurants, including Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Tommy Hilfiger, Armani, Hugo Boss, H&M, and Ruby’s Diner just to name a few.
For those who are unfamiliar with this gem, Citadel is LA’s only outlet shopping center. It welcomes over an estimated 20,000,000 shoppers every year from both Los Angeles and all over the world. The outlets are located just 10 minutes south of Downtown LA, 25 minutes north of Anaheim, and 20 minutes from the San Gabriel Valley,
Before the center became a major shopping destination, it was originally constructed as a tire manufacturing plant in 1929. The original building with its iconic castle wall is still visible from the 5 freeway to this day.
Many people have wondered what inspired the unique architecture for the center, but we have the answers. The original architects designed the structure in the style of an ancient Assyrian palace, which has been maintained in the modern architecture of Citadel Outlets to this very day.
Most recently, Citadel Outlets underwent another groundbreaking renovation of the center’s most focal point: the redevelopment and building of a 65,000 square foot luxury, two-story centerpiece for four of the mall’s flagship brands (Coach, Hugo Boss, Guess and Tommy Hilfiger).
In addition to housing brand name retailers, Citadel Outlets also hosts many special events throughout the year.
One is the Annual Shopping Extravaganza. Each September, Citadel Outlets hosts its annual Shopping Extravaganza, Los Angeles’ premier shop-for-a-cause event. The charitable shopping day features exclusive additional discounts at dozens of top brand name stores, catered lunch, wine tasting, live entertainment and over $90,000 prize drawing tickets for the chance at over $90,000 in gift cards and prizes.
Another is the Tree Lighting Ceremony & Concert. Every holiday season, over 18,000 LED bulbs light up the World’s Tallest Live-Cut Tree (110 ft.) at Citadel Outlets’ Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Concert. The free concert is a family-friendly holiday tradition and includes a mix of original pop songs and holiday favorites from emerging pop stars. Past performers include Ariana Grande, Justin Beiber, Demi Lovato, and Maddie Poppe.
As L.A.’s only outlet center, Citadel Outlets provides an unparalleled elevated shopping experience, meeting the needs of both the SoCal tourist and the local shopper. By continually expanding and improving, Citadel Outlets aims to become the world’s number one outlet center.
If you’re curious to learn more about Citadel Outlets, visit their website at https://www.citadeloutlets.com/.
We are very proud to be a supporter and DJ of Citadel Outlets. If you happen to experience one of the center’s special events, keep your eye out for a Famous DJ–you just might catch us playing some bops while you shop.
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