Outlet stores 'in the black' Friday

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Updated: 6:46 PM Nov 27, 2009 Outlet stores 'in the black' Friday Outlet shopping keeps drawing Black Friday buyers from miles around. Posted: 7:40 PM Nov 27, 2009 Reporter: Sara Shookman Email Address: sara.shookman@wvlt-tv.com

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PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Outlet shopping keeps drawing Black Friday buyers from miles around.

The Tanger Five Oaks Mall opened at midnight Friday morning and a constant stream of shoppers continue to come through. If you haven't been to the shops yet, you're running late.

"I've got friends that left at 8 p.m. last night to go stand in lines," says Chastity Elliot, the storeroom manager at Reebok.

"It has been phenomenal. We have probably set a record," says David Farmer, with Ultra Diamonds.

Some shoppers say they were looking for holiday gifts, others just a good bargain. "We're just shopping for ourselves not for any Christmas presents or anything," says Misti McCombs. She and boyfriend Jeremy Easter drove the five hours from Birmingham to shop. "It's way too early for that."

Compared to years past, this year's slow and steady stream of shoppers are keeping retailers happy. "This is whole different animal," says Elliott. "It seems like there's not a lot of people here as I expected but we're still doing very well."

Finding a good deal, now that wasn't difficult. The biggest challenge was where to park. "If you look at the parking lot right now, you get a feel for what happens on the weekends here. It's very busy," says Farmer.

Once the parking lot was filled, late arrivers were sent into the grass. But old and young say it was worth the trip to see Black Friday excitement in action.

"Just looking around seeing what kind of deals there were. Nothing special just looking," says Karlie Rife. "Christmas presents and stuff mostly," says Tiffany Rife, both of Maryville.

If you didn't brave the crowds on Black Friday, many stores will maintain their deals through the weekend. Saturday Five Oaks is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, it opens at 8 a.m. again, and closes at 7 p.m.

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