Outlet Mall Shoppes Open In Oklahoma City

Dana Hertneky, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma -- It was the day shop-aholics across the state have been waiting for:  the Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City opened this morning to massive crowds and you can expect more of the same this weekend.

Friday morning before noon there were an estimated 45,000 shoppers at the mall.

"I think I saved close to $200, I don't want to say how much I spent," laughed Susan Clark, who had been shopping at the mall for five hours by the time we caught up with her.

"This is my 51st shopping center to open up and we have never experienced anything like Oklahoma," said Gina Slechta the Vice President of Marketing for Horizon Group Properties.

When the rest of the country is talking about a bad economy, Oklahomans are lining up to spend money.

"Here we are in the middle of the country in 110-degree weather, standing in line to spend thousands of dollars. This is not like the rest of the world," said Slechta.

But bargains and tax exemptions won't come easy.  On Friday, many shoppers had to invent their own parking spots--a four-wheel-drive may be necessary.

But the crowds weren't enough to change the tune of enthusiastic shoppers.  They say just bring your patience and plan ahead.

"Dress very, very cool.  It's extremely hot," said one shopper.

"Definitely bring your husband, put him in line, hand it to him, make him pay," offered Shannon Palacios when asked for advice.

"Bring some water, make sure you bring a bottle or water," said Clark.

For some time on Friday, traffic was backed up for four miles at the Council Road exit. That's why mall personnel are saying coming down Reno may be better.

Also, bring your cell phone. The mall has lots of on-line coupons at that you can pull up on your smart phone and save even more.