A mall developer has unveiled a plan for a new upscale outlet facility in Windsor Locks, near Bradley Airport.
The Simon Property Group, which owns the outlets at Clinton Crossing and Waterford’s Crystal Mall says it plans a center with up to 100 stores, a food court and restaurants, to be called Hartford Premium Outlets. The developer must receive a zoning change for the land of I91, which is currently listed for agricultural use.
Retail Space for Entrepreneurs
Meanwhile, a New York-based real estate developer is expanding a program that offers entrepreneurs incubator space in shopping plazas. Kimco Realty says some of its facilities in Connecticut will now participate, offering entrepreneurs space rent-free for one year, as a way to help businesses get started. The service will be offered at plazas in Enfield, North Haven and Wilton.
Manufacturing Slide Slowing?
Connecticut's manufacturing sector lost over 917 jobs last year, but the rate of loss has slowed from previous years. A new report from Manufacturer’s News, says the data could mark the beginning of a turnaround for Nutmeg manufacturers. The study finds the state has 5,042 manufacturing companies, employing 205,523 people. It cites the state’s highly educated workforce and available capital as assets, but says the industry here remains vulnerable to the loss of defense contracts.