Columnist Muriel Stevens: A sneak peek at Primm's new Fashion Outlet

Don a pair of comfortable shoes for Thursday's opening of the Fashion Outlet of Las Vegas. You won't want to miss one inch of this spectacular outlet speciality mall.

Driving from Las Vegas to the Primm Valley Resort, 35 miles south, where Fashion Outlet is anchored, was a cinch. Even with some early morning traffic, it took just 35 minutes.

I'd expected a high-quality mall. The developers, Gordon Group Holdings Ltd. (The Forum Shops at Caesars) and TrizecHahn Development Corp. of San Diego are known for retail centers that are the utmost.

The same high standards were applied to Fashion Outlet. This remarkable center offers glorious shopping at outlet prices.

In this distinctively themed outlet mall (another first) with a New York/ Miami motif, there's a wonderful balance between high-end and mainstream shops. Some stores are making their first appearance in an outlet setting -- Bath and Body Works, Colorado Pen Co., El Portal Luggage Factory Direct, Optica, Schillaci Eyewear, Swenson Ice Cream, The Money Store, The Icing, J. Crew, J. Peterman, Imposters, Krazy Kids and Le Gallerie Lumiste, a Thomas Kincade Signature Gallery.

With general manager Hugh Crawford leading the way during my pre-opening tour, I was introduced to every nook and cranny of this wondrous place. My charming, enthusiastic guide said there is not another outlet mall anywhere that compares to the Fashion Outlet. He didn't have to do much to convince me. It was all there to see.

The decor of the mall flows from the glamour of New York City to the colorful funk of Miami's South Beach. I loved the racetrack design that requires no backtracking. Walk the full circle and end up where you began.

William Sonoma's Marketplace, a very large store, is a terrific concept that includes Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Gardener's Eden and Hold Everything all under one roof. Boxes were being unpacked as I watched. I was ready to shop right then.

Last Call from Neiman Marcus The Clearance Center was almost ready to do business. Rack after rack of fashions filled the front of the spacious store. There was plenty more merchandise in back, all representative of what Neiman Marcus stores stock. It was frustrating not to be able to go inside, but I was a week too early.

Some of the best known names in the fashion world have outlets here: Calvin Klein, Bally, Escada, Gianni Versace, Donna Karan, Brooks Brothers, Natori, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Burberry, St. John Knits, Jhane Barnes Xtras, Tommy Hilfiger, Benetton, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Guess?, Johnston and Murphy, Kenneth Cole, Nautica, Quiksilver, Reebok and Timberland. And there's more.

A multilingual concierge, foreign exchange service, and a shipping service that will wrap, pack and ship parcels all over the world are welcomed amenities.

Grab a bite in the food court or relax at one of the restaurants. Bertolini's will open soon.

Don't want to drive? Take the direct shuttle from New York-New York. It costs $10, but includes a coupon book worth many times the fare, and a reserved return seat. The first shuttle departs at 9:15 a.m. and arrives at 10 a.m., when the mall opens. Fashion Outlet hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday-Sunday.

Grand opening festivities are Thursday through Sunday. Come early!

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