Taubman Prestige Outlets Draws 10,000 in Opening Hours

The first people through the gates of Taubman Prestige Outlets in Chesterfield Valley this morning had been waiting there since 4:45 a.m.

Justin Workman was finishing his overnight shift when his wife, Amy, called him and told him to meet the family there. He arrived at about 5:45 a.m. and was one of 1,000 who received a $25 gift card.

(Planning on visiting the outlet this weekend? Here's everything you need to know.)
 
His likely purchase? Baby clothes for the child he and his wife are expecting, their third. They were also accompanied by their pup Chloe.

"She was the very first dog here," Workman said.

There was a distinct Black Friday-like vibe in the air as the line grew throughout the morning ahead of the 9:15 opening. People sampled from food trucks, a brass band marched up and down the extensive queue, and shoppers made friends with those in line next to them.

At 9:30 a.m. the official opening ceremony began with remarks from Chesterfield Mayor Bob Nation, Taubman CEO Robert Taubman and St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission President Kitty Ratcliffe, who said the outlet would serve as a regional attraction.

"We have really lacked something like this," Ratcliffe said. "There isn't a better day for tourism in St. Louis."

The dignitaries then cut the giant ribbon lowered before them and the confetti flew. The swirling storm of white drifted into the crowd, now officially unleashed on the shopping complex's 47 initial stores.

According to a press release from Taubman, 2,000 shoppers were waiting in line with the gates opened at 9:15 a.m. this morning and by 1 p.m. a full 10,000 people had visited the outlet center. 

It's a scene that will likely be repeated in just a few short weeks, when their inter-Valley rival St. Louis Premium Outlets opens Aug. 22 just a few miles away on Chesterfield Airport Road.

Fore more information on Taubman Prestige Outlets, such as what stores it has, check out some of our previous coverage.