Staten Island, a bit of the outcast child of New York City, is just 25 minutes from the southern tip of Manhattan via the free ferry, Staten Island Ferry.

Good news for all shopping lovers. Empire Outlet on Staten Island will open in phases between April and summer. Nordstrom Rack - one of the mall's main anchors has assured that it will open its doors on July 4th.

Located next to the Staten Island St. George Ferry Terminal, Empire Outlet features more than 100 designer outlet retailers and a 1,250-space parking garage.

The outlet, which has suffered from construction delays, will see a significant number of retailers opening in April.

The rest of the outlet stores will open at various times between April and August and the majority of the complex will be ready for you by summer. An exact schedule is currently not available.

The mall will host a special look at the Staten Islanders on April 17th. Neighborhood residents will be able to explore the site of New York City's first outlet mall, which began construction in April 2015.

The majority of public spaces will open on April 18th.

Access to the entire site, the promenade and the ferry terminal is guaranteed. A grand staircase leading to the ferry terminal will open in April.

The construction of the "New York Wheel" Ferris wheel has been put on hold until further notice due to the high costs.

Retailers that will be a part of Empire Outlet: Nordstrom Rack, Nike, H&M, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Levi's, True Religion, Cotton On, Francesca, Converse, Jockey, Starbucks, US Polo, Crocs, Black House, Columbia Sportswear Company, Guess Factory Store, Wilsons Leather, GH Bass & Co., Lid, Obey your Body, Samsonite, Walgreens, Haagen Dazs and Krispy Kreme.

Empire Outlets restaurants include various vendors: Mamouns Falafel, Wasabi Steak & Sushi, Shake Shack, Mighty Quinns Barbeque, Artichoke Basilles Pizza, Nathans Famous.