Tough times keep customers looking for bargains at outlet stores

While many traditional retail operations are squeezing dollars, Tanger Outlet Mall just invested $20 million into a complete overhaul of the Highway 501 location.

Dee Ann Nesbit, a representative of Tanger said, “As Mr. Tanger quotes all the time, when the economy is good, customers come here looking for a bargain, when the economy is bad, they come her because they need a bargain.“

Even on a very rainy day, customers, both locals and tourists, grabbed up bags full of bargains.  Nesbit said Tanger doesn’t release statistics on sales, but both sales and traffic show a slight increase.  In light of the economic crisis, they are happy with that increase and happy to help customers.

“They appreciate coming here, because they can get more value for their money and stretch their money further,“ said Nesbit.

We found Lisa Higgs and her family shopping at the 501 mall. They were on a week-long vacation from Raleigh. She said her family is feeling the money pinch via gas prices.

“The gas prices are not working well,” said Higgs. “They are very expensive and my husband has a business and he relies on driving.  Higgs said they were on the hunt for holiday bargains this trip.

“We’re going to K-Bee toy outlet,” said Higgs. “We’re going to get some Christmas presents.“

Higgs said her kids hope they don’t have to cut down on toys this year, but she’s just not sure yet. She’s expecting her third baby right before Thanksgiving.

For the past week, we looked at different local businesses, including restaurants, a specialty retail store and the real estate market.

Sales for both the restaurant and the specialty retail store we’re up and real estate is seeing a turn with the bargain prices. The commercial construction business, while it’s experiencing a downturn, it’s not flat.