Medford Outlet Center

Medford Outlet Center, also known as Ultra Outlets of Medford, is an outlet shopping mall located at 6750 West Frontage Road in Medford, Minnesota. Medford is a small city situated about 55 miles south of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, along the Interstate 35 corridor. The mall benefits from its proximity to this major highway, providing easy access for travelers and shoppers coming from the Twin Cities area as well as nearby towns like Owatonna and Faribault. The surrounding region is primarily suburban and rural, with Medford serving as a local commercial hub. The area is not a tourist destination with beaches or resorts but is strategically positioned for regional retail traffic along I-35.

The outlet center opened in 1991 and was the first outlet mall in Minnesota. It features a single-floor layout with around 54 retail spaces, although in recent years many storefronts have become vacant due to shifting retail trends and competition from larger outlet centers closer to the Twin Cities. The mall’s gross leasable area is approximately 223,000 square feet, with ample surface parking providing over 1,100 spaces. The tenant mix typically includes national and regional outlet stores specializing in fashion, footwear, and accessories. Notable retailers have included Old Navy Outlet, Eddie Bauer, Maurices, Famous Footwear, Bath & Body Works, Justice, and Carter’s. The mall historically offered a range of apparel for men, women, and children, along with some home goods and specialty products.

In terms of services, Medford Outlet Center provides basic amenities such as air conditioning, surface parking, and signage for easy navigation. Food options are limited, typical of many outlet malls, with a focus on quick-service or snack offerings rather than full-service dining. The center has hosted seasonal events and features some community-oriented spaces like a dog park. Operating hours generally run from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, with shorter hours on Sundays, typically closing around 6:00 PM.

Overall, Medford Outlet Center serves as a regional shopping destination primarily for outlet apparel and footwear, with convenient highway access but facing challenges from larger competing malls and changing retail habits.