Branson/Tri-Lakes News: Retailers hoping for positive holiday sales

Retailers in Branson are looking forward to Thanksgiving shoppers, and police will be on hand to keep traffic flowing.

Branson's year-end numbers are fueling optimism. For the fiscal year ending in September, revenue from the city's 1 percent sales tax was up 4.4 percent compared to 2007, said city spokesman Jerry Adams. Tourism tax revenue collected on amusements, hotels and food was up 5.8 percent.

Jamie Whiteis, general manager of Tanger Outlet Center, said sales and traffic have been close to last year's totals, despite the nation's sluggish economy.

"August was the best month," he said. "The back-to-school shopping was strong."

On Thanksgiving night, Tanger stores for the third year will open at midnight for "Midnight Madness," Whiteis said. The first 100 shoppers age 18 or older will get a $10 Tanger Gift Card. The next 200 get a "Chris Moose" plush toy. Refreshments and coupons will be offered at many of the stores.

Whiteis said shoppers arrive throughout the wee hours. He's talked to consumers from Springfield who shop at Tanger until 2 or 3 a.m. and head back for early bargains at Springfield stores.

On Black Friday, named for the beginning of the period retailers' profits historically move into the black, Tanger offers Early Bird Savings 7-11 a.m. There are also "Night Owl Savings" after 5 p.m. Nov. 28-29 and other specials all day Nov. 30.

This year, a third access to Tanger should ease congestion, said Branson Police Chief Carroll McCullough. The once-steep Forsyth Boulevard is now revamped, with a round-about and the extension of Oak Creek Drive to Tanger.

Factory Merchants mall will open noon-6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, and the next day, at least one store - Carters - is set to open at 6 a.m. with the rest open at 7 a.m.

At Branson Landing, some merchants will open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

During the shopping weekend, Branson Police will direct traffic at key intersections including the new signal at State Highway 76 and Fall Creek Road, McCullough said. Drivers should be patient, and he suggested shoppers get a city map with colored routes showing alternative ways to get around.