OKC's New Outlet Mall Packed, Parking A Problem

LaShauna Sewell, News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – Bargain-hunting shoppers create booming business for retailers on the opening day of The Outlet Shoppes in west Oklahoma City. But they also created a traffic nightmare for anyone in the area of Interstate 40 and Council Road.

Before the outlet mall opened at 8 a.m., there was a long line of customers waiting outside retailers' doors. Soon, the parking lot was packed. News 9 viewers say traffic was backed up for at least four miles on Interstate 40 with eager shoppers trying to get to the mall.

One News 9 viewer who works at The Outlet Shoppes says employees had to park off site and be shuttled in because there was no place to park.

The booming business is due in part to the fact it's tax-free weekend in Oklahoma. However, many people have long anticipated the opening of the outlet mall. Developers also said several months ago they were hoping to attract shoppers from Texas, Kansas and Arkansas.

8/5/11 Related Story: New OKC Outlet Mall Opens Friday