The mission
Tanger provides unique open air lifestyle and outlet shopping experiences at locations across the United States and Canada.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Tanger is dedicated to supporting biodiversity across its properties. The company seeks to create spaces that not only serve as retail destinations but also contribute to environmental well-being and community education.
“We want Tanger centers to be more than just places to shop. We want to be part of the communities we serve. By combining sustainability and community engagement, we’re creating spaces that connect people with nature in a meaningful way.”
– Tanger Enterprise Operations and Communications team
The solution
Through its partnership with Alvéole, Tanger has brought sustainability and community engagement programming to 10 shopping centers across the USA and 1 center in Canada. Each center is home to a beehive housing up to 50,000 honey bees.
Alvéole’s expert beekeepers maintain the health and well-being of the colonies, while interactive workshops and community events engage guests with hands-on learning experiences about pollinators and urban sustainability. These initiatives provide an opportunity for shoppers to connect with nature in unexpected ways while raising awareness about the crucial role of bees in our ecosystem.
“Through this ongoing partnership with Alvéole, we are able to support the health and vibrancy of the communities we serve and raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity – all in line with Tanger’s commitment to the value of inclusion and putting our communities first.”
– Tanger Enterprise Operations and Communications team
The results
Environmental stewardship
The urban beekeeping program serves as a highly visible sustainability initiative. It reinforces Tanger’s commitment to environmental stewardship and brings more attention to their impact through unique storytelling opportunities.
Tanger’s sustainability efforts extend beyond the bees, incorporating rooftop gardens and pollinator-friendly landscaping across its centers. These biodiversity initiatives create green spaces that benefit pollinators while offering a more sustainable and inviting shopping experience.
Community engagement
Alvéole’s programming has been embraced by Tanger’s guests and local communities. In 2024 alone, Tanger’s beehives produced over 300 pounds of honey, resulting in the distribution of 1,000 jars of raw, local honey to shoppers and local food pantries.
Additionally, workshops were hosted across Tanger centers, reaching thousands of guests and deepening their environmental awareness. In 2024, Alvéole led 19 workshops at different Tanger centers, attracting over 2000 participants.
“Our urban beekeeping program allows guests to experience sustainability firsthand. It’s incredible to see how a simple connection to nature—right in the heart of a shopping center—can spark meaningful conversations about environmental responsibility.”
– Tanger Enterprise Operations and Communications team
Strengthening sustainability efforts
Tanger’s biodiversity initiatives, including the urban beekeeping program, contribute to its broader sustainability goals. The program provides measurable data on biodiversity efforts and social engagement, helping Tanger demonstrate impact and leadership in the retail industry.
Alvéole’s solutions also play a supporting role in Tanger’s green building certification successes. All centers maintain WELL Ratings and 19 centers have earned LEED certification, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing.
“The data collected from our beekeeping program strengthens our sustainability and impact reporting, allowing us to track tangible biodiversity progress while engaging our communities in sustainable activities.”
– Tanger Enterprise Operations and Communications team
