Tanger Outlets Columbus Will Add New Retail Tenants
Managers of local retail centers should note the addition of two national brands to the Columbus area lineup.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Tanger Outlets Columbus will expand its retail presence by adding Build-A-Bear Workshop and Sbarro to the center. These additions follow the recent openings of The Children's Place, All-Star Elite, and Spring Step Shoes during the summer of 2026.
Why it matters
The center is actively diversifying its mix of shopping, dining, and family-oriented experiences to capture foot traffic. This expansion strategy reflects a focus on increasing dwell time for visitors by blending interactive retail with high-frequency food options.
Build-A-Bear Workshop will occupy 2,160 square feet, while Sbarro will utilize 2,500 square feet at the center. These leases build on a series of recent store openings throughout the summer of 2026.
The players
Tanger Outlets Columbus
An outlet shopping center located in Delaware County serving the greater Columbus market.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
A specialty retailer offering interactive, customizable stuffed animal experiences.
Sbarro
A long-standing quick-service Italian restaurant chain marking its 70th anniversary.
The details
Build-A-Bear Workshop will be positioned between Ulta and Old Navy to leverage traffic from established anchor retailers. Sbarro, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, will occupy a space situated between The North Face and Kate Spade New York. This site selection strategy aims to capitalize on existing consumer circulation patterns within the outlet center.
Timeline
The Children's Place, All-Star Elite, and Spring Step Shoes opened in Summer 2026.
Build-A-Bear Workshop is scheduled to open in Fall 2026.
Sbarro is scheduled to open in December 2026.
Market Landscape
This development aligns with the shift toward experiential retail in suburban outlet centers where landlords prioritize high-traffic, family-friendly operators. It marks a continued effort to modernize retail mixes through strategic tenant placement.
Retailers should monitor the shifting tenant mix in large-format centers, as the introduction of food and interactive outlets often correlates with changes in peak shopping hours. Owners should evaluate whether their own site plans successfully integrate these high-draw experiential anchors.
The takeaway
The addition of high-frequency dining and interactive retail confirms that mall operators are prioritizing visitor experience to sustain traffic. Business owners should track the mix of complementary brands moving into their immediate vicinity to forecast potential changes in local consumer flow.
Further reading
For more on the retail environment in the region, see Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSYX.
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