The new outlet mall at I-45 and Holland opened its doors Friday, causing an impressive traffic jam in the area.
Several thousand showed up for the grand opening of the Tanger Outlet Center. They came early, on the hunt for opening day deals.
The lines started well before you even got to the stores.
"We plan to shop 'til we drop," said shopper Dee Stanley.
So many tried to attend opening day the exits off I-45 were shut down for a time.
"I wish I could shop. I'd be shopping right now!" said security guard Debra Swan.
Once inside, you find a coastal-themed 350,000 square foot center. Billed as an upscale outlet with 80 brand name and designer stores.
"We brought over 900 jobs just with the retailers that work here," said Tanger Outlet GM Aimee Braswell.
Developers say the location is ideal because of its proximity to Houston, Galveston and cities in between. They're hoping to pull in locals and tourists who otherwise have been driving to outlets in Cypress and San Marcos.
"This is a great thing for Texas City," said shopper Karen Schmidt.
The economic impact for Texas City is expected to be significant.
Brittany Schroeder is from Dickinson and finds herself leaving with bags of what she says are bargains.
"A lot of stuff is on sale. We've spent a lot of money, but we've saved a lot," Schroeder said.
If all the bags here are any indication, there's plenty of that going on at Tanger Outlet.
"We're about ready to leave. We spent about all of our husband's money, so we're gonna go now," said shopper Lisa Pilcher.
The outlets are open late Friday night. There's a free concert and fireworks show from 7-10pm.
