Desert Hills Premium Outlets celebrates expansion opening day

A major expansion at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets gave county leaders and shoppers a lot to celebrate at its opening ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday.

Thanks to a $100 million expansion project you can shop ’til you drop at 50 new high-end stores, including Alexander McQuenn, Fendi, La Perla and Valentino. The expansion celebration welcomed bargain hunters from near and far.

“I’m just having a ball. I got such a bargain. I’m real happy with what I got so far,” said Annette Stannsauk, of Banning.

“We come here every year and we’re excited about the new stores,” said Sharon Davis, of Seattle.

Mark Sylvestri of Simon Property Group said it took five years to plan and reel in some of the best brands in the world. It took 18 months to revamp the old stores and expand with new ones.

“It’s another destination. It’s one more thing to add to the intinerary. It increases the stay, people come and stay longer.”

“This is an amazing place, only 20 minutes from Palm Springs. It’s a shoppers paradise,” said Fred Simon, of Rancho Mirage.

Instead of seasonal work, the expansion creates 400 permanent jobs.

“If I like it, I’m going to buy it,” said Stannsauk.