Stanley Tanger facts for kids

Stanley K. Tanger (born April 13, 1923, died October 23, 2010) was an American businessman. He was known for creating the idea of outlet shopping centers. Stanley Tanger started Tanger Factory Outlet Centers in 1981 with one store in Burlington, North Carolina. By April 2015, his company had 45 shopping centers across the United States and Canada. Many people say he invented the whole idea of an outlet mall.

Stanley Tanger's Early Life and Business

Stanley Tanger was born to Harriette and Moe Tanger in Wallingford, Connecticut. He served as a pilot during World War II. After the war, Tanger started working at his family business, Creighton Shirtmakers, in Reidsville, North Carolina.

Under Stanley Tanger's leadership, Creighton Shirtmakers grew to have five outlet stores. He then brought together other similar businesses. These were manufacturer outlets in a small shopping area in Burlington, North Carolina in early 1981. This was the beginning of his big idea.

Growing the Outlet Center Idea

His company, now called Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, grew very quickly. By April 2015, it had more than 41 outlet centers in 25 U.S. states. It also had four centers in Canada.

In 1993, Tanger Factory Outlet Centers made history. It became the first outlet developer to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange. This meant people could buy shares of his company.

Real Estate by Inc. Magazine recognized Tanger's success. They named him "Entrepreneur of the Year" in 1994. Stanley Tanger was the chairman of his company's board of directors for many years. He retired from his daily role in August 2009. He stepped down as chairman in September 2009 but stayed on the board until he passed away in 2010.

Giving Back to the Community

Stanley Tanger and his wife, Doris Tanger, were very generous people. Doris was a breast cancer survivor. They gave a lot of money to help others in North Carolina.

Much of Tanger's giving focused on helping people with breast cancer. He gave one million dollars to the Moses Cone Health System's Regional Cancer Center in Greensboro. This helped many people get treatment.

Tanger also helped make the city of Greensboro more beautiful. He paid for projects to create and take care of city parks. One example is the Bicentennial Gardens.

Stanley Tanger's Passing

Stanley Tanger lived in Greensboro, North Carolina. He passed away on October 23, 2010, at 87 years old. He died from pneumonia. He was survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris Tanger. He also left behind his children and grandchildren.

His funeral was held at Temple Emanuel, a Reform Judaism place of worship in Greensboro. His son, Steven, took over as president and CEO of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers in January 2010.