Midnight Madness at Silver Sands Factory Stores

After a full day of eating, watching football and spending time with family on Thanksgiving, the race is on for the best deals in holiday shopping. According to the National Retail Federation, 66 million people shopped on the day after Thanksgiving last year, also called Black Friday and 1 in 4 were at the stores by 5 a.m. As midnight madness grows in popularity across the country, Silver Sands Factory Stores is leading the charge as the first shopping center in Northwest Florida to open at midnight on the day after Thanksgiving.

“This is the year for outlet shopping because everyone is seeking value now more than ever. We’re extending our hours so that shoppers can take full advantage of the aggressive discounts offered by our designer stores,” stated Traci Stokes, Marketing Director for Silver Sands. “Everyday, our retailers offer 20-70% off retail prices but this year, shoppers will find even more discounts on top of these reduced outlet prices. These are the deepest discounts we’ve ever seen offered by our retailers.”

Outlet centers nationwide were among the first in the retail industry to open at midnight and have seen positive customer responses. As the nation’s largest designer outlet center, Silver Sands will be on the forefront in this market as all 100 designer outlet stores and restaurants will open from midnight to 9 p.m. on the busiest shopping day of the year. According to Stokes, the desirable mix of high-end designer names exclusive to the Center such as Coach and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH combined with the great values and discounts make Silver Sands a top shopping destination. Thousands of shoppers from across the region and nearby states travel to Silver Sands on Black Friday to power shop each year and even more are anticipated this year.

“We’re planning a true shopping event to keep the excitement going all night and day – on-site promotions, incredible blockbuster deals, special breakfasts and meals. It’s a fun time for shoppers to come early and find great deals,” stated Stokes. “With Thanksgiving falling later this year, there are five less shopping days in the official holiday season than last year. Shoppers are starting early to find the best values.”

The holiday season also means an extension of staff. Silver Sands will be hosting holiday job fairs in the next few weeks but most retailers are accepting applications now for seasonal sales staff. This is a great opportunity for high school and college students as well as senior citizens to earn some extra money this holiday season. Some retailers will hire extra staff members just for the Black Friday weekend only. Part-time and full-time job opportunities are available offering flexible hours, employee discounts and other great benefits. For a complete list of all stores, restaurants, job postings, promotions, events and sales pertaining to Black Friday, please visit www.silversandsoutlet.com or call 850-654-9771 ext. 1.

Silver Sands is the nation’s largest designer outlet center located in Destin, FL. The Center currently features more than 100 designer factory stores with 465,200 square feet of retail space, and ultimately 700,000 planned. Silver Sands is visited by over seven million shoppers each year and was recently voted “Best Outlet” by Florida Travel & Life. Silver Sands is located on Emerald Coast Parkway, one mile west of Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort.

Published on Tuesday, October 7, 2008