Little Rock's only outlet mall plans to open on Oct. 16, part of a weekend-long celebration timed near the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

The developers of the Outlets at Little Rock announced the grand opening today of the 325,000-SF shopping center, currently under construction at Gateway Town Center at the intersection of I-30 and I-430 in Little Rock.

Developers said Wednesday that they plan to mark the grand opening with a full weekend of festivities, and you can bet we'll be there with silver bells on. 

"We have a strong list of retailers on board," Michael Barelli, vice president of New England Development, said in a news release. "We know Arkansans are eager to start shopping, and the stores will be open in time for fall fashions and the start of holiday shopping."

The company hasn't released the full lineup of retailers yet, much to our dismay. But earlier this month, we noted that six shops had requested building permits at the site: China Max, Dress Barn, Express, Gymboree, Kay Jewlers and The Children's Place.

Barelli said shoppers can look for new retailer announcements a couple of months before the grand opening. We only know six of the 75 stores coming in and the anticipation is killing us.

Not only will this be the perfect way to kick off the holiday shopping season, but the Outlet's October grand opening is also timed around the final weekend of the Arkansas State Fair. Barelli said he hopes the Outlets at Little Rock will be part of attendees' entertainment plans that weekend. 

Looks like somebody has their eye on a "best in show" ribbon.