Outlet Collection at Niagara opens

You’d have to think the weather would have an impact on the number of people shopping at Canada’s biggest “open air” shopping centre. But on the opening day of the “Outlet Collection at Niagara” — it doesn’t look like the rain kept any bargain hunters away.

The parking lot has been packed since the mall opened at 10 Thursday morning. The outlets are hoping to attract consumers to this side of the border — and so far, most shoppers seem to be local.

For these bargain hunters — one bag probably won’t be enough: “We bought this denim jacket for my daughter. It’s from J-Crew. It was $98 and we got it for $39.99.”

Rain didn’t dampen the “Outlet Collection at Niagara’s” grand opening — although it did push some visitors to shop a little faster.

But here, you don’t have to look too far for a good deal.

Bri-Ann Stuart is the General Manager: “It differs from store to store. Some stores do have their full line retail price with a mixture of outlet. A number of them are fully, completely outlet.”

Others are offering deep discounts just for the grand opening.

One of the busiest stores we found was Ugg. People were waiting in long lines to get up to 70% those famous Australian boots.”

“How much money do you think you’re going to save?” Probably a lot ’cause this one is like 70% off of the half price already.”

The mall is hoping to attract tourists visiting Niagara, and day trippers from Toronto. But on this day, most people we met up with were locals — all content to find low prices close to home.

“I got a $250 jacket for about 100 bucks. (Where was that one from?) Northface.”

“I got a polo shirt for the summer. It was originally, you can get it for, $55 at other stores but I got it at Marshalls for $2.99.”

With 100 stores and 520-thousand square feet of mall. There is enough ground to leave even the pickiest shopper tuckered out by the end of the day.

When the Toronto Premium Outlets opened last summer, it caused a traffic jam on the 401. And with these stores opening just in time for the long weekend, be prepared for backups on the QEW.