What Will National Harbor Outlets, Potential Casino Mean for Old Town?

Tanger Outlets at National Harbor, a new 330,000-square-foot center that will have approximately 80 retailers, is scheduled to open in time for Black Friday just across the Potomac River from Alexandria in Prince George’s County, Md.

Hundreds showed up for a job fair for the outlet center this week, according to The Washington Post.

“For the first time, people are going to come to Prince George’s County to shop,” County Executive Rushern Baker III told The Post. “It is just exciting.”

Many retailers have been announced for the outlet center, including Banana Republic, Coach, White House Black Market, Brooks Brothers, IZOD and H&M, among others.

Old Town already has a Banana Republic. H&M recently opened on King Street, while White House Black Market is scheduled to open this fall at 903 King St.

Baker is also trying to lure a high-end casino to National Harbor, which he says would grow commercial revenues and add more jobs.

MGM Resorts International executives are confident they will win a license to operate a casino there, according to a Washington Business Journal report published Wednesday.

“People have asked what I think about a casino coming to National Harbor,” Mayor Bill Euille said Wednesday evening during remarks at the brand launch for the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association. “Duh, it’s good for the local economy. … We’ve embraced National Harbor. It’s good for the region, particularly here in Alexandria.”

How do you think an outlet mall and casino will impact Old Town? What are your concerns? Are you excited for nearby outlet shopping and slot machines? Tell us in the comment section.