It was a scene unlike anything experienced in South Delta.
Thousands of eager shoppers were on hand for the grand opening of Tsawwassen Mills Wednesday, an event that has changed the retail landscape locally and regionally.
Around 3,000 people were in line when the doors opened at 10 a.m. following a ceremony within the mall on Tsawwassen First Nation lands.
Shoppers actually started arriving around midnight and the line quickly swelled a few hours before the doors opened as the first 1,000 at a designated entrance got $50 gift cards.
Once inside, the excitement level was high as the throng dispersed to various stores, many of the retailers in B.C. for the first time.
Hundreds stood in line waiting to swipe bar codes, which they had received online or through other mall promotions, for their chance at winning a $10,000 shopping spree. Stores also had their own promotions.
Some retailers were busier than others but almost all had a steady stream of customers. The biggest lineup was seen outside the Michael Kors outlet, while Lululemon athletica also had a sizable lineup.
Many others were doing brisk business and had lengthy lineups for their cashiers, including the DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse and Saks Off 5th. Bass Pro Shops was also quite busy with many people wanting to check out the unique décor and take photos of the huge fish tank.
It didn’t take too long for the 1,100-seat food hall to be jammed.
Almost every shopper who talked to the Optimist on opening day had positive things to say, to varying degrees, when it came to the deals, while all seemed impressed with the selection of retailers.
Although parking got tight as the day went on, traffic flow in and out of the mall was fairly smooth and Highway 17 didn’t experience the massive backups that were anticipated. However, that could change this Thanksgiving long weekend.
During the opening ceremonies, Daniel Fournier, chairman and CEO of Ivanhoe Cambridge, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm when describing his company’s $600-million project.
“Wow, what a day, what a place. This is emotional for us at Ivanhoe Cambridge. This is spectacular,” he said.
Praising their partnership, TFN Chief Bryce Williams described the project as a hallmark for a successful and sustainable future for his people.
“We are proud to welcome the neighbouring communities onto our lands,” he said.
