although the typical landmark mills mall is synonymous with outlet shopping, pittsburgh mills is the only center to offer an entire lineup of full-price retailers that otherwise could be found in a traditional enclosed mall. the reason for this goes back to 1981, when developer zamias services, inc. of johnstown, planned to develop a regional mall on the frazer township site. legal setbacks and financial difficulties had postponed the project for many years, until the mills corporation announced in 1986 that they would partner in conjunction with zamias to build a retail and entertainment complex on the site.