MONROE — Move over, flea markets.

For at least one day, and probably for years to come, the Cincinnati Premium Outlets was king in Monroe.

The outlets, which have sprouted near Ohio 63 for the last year, finally opened Thursday, Aug. 6, to rave reviews as shoppers pushed the recession aside and opened their purses and wallets.

By the time the ribbon was cut at 9 a.m., thousands of customers were rushing into the stores, especially those that offered gift cards or free merchandise.

Several shoppers said they were impressed by the design of the center. Landscaping at the outlet mall includes a number of trees, shrubs, flowers and grassy areas. Benches line the aisle ways, and mall maps can be found in multiple spots.

“It’s nice to shop and still have some elbow room,” said Michelle Schon, who had her 18-month-old son Andrew in a stroller. “I figured it would be crowded, and it is, but I don’t feel cramped.”

Traffic snarls, especially along Ohio 63, which is under construction, didn’t deter shoppers. But it did slow down motorists, especially those trying to get to Interstate 75. The line of eastbound traffic at one point stretched from I-75 to Main Street in Monroe. And, for the evening rush hour, I-75 was nearly at a standstill on both sides of the Monroe exit.

Within two hours of the mall’s opening, the food court’s four restaurants — Chicken Now, China Max, Steak It Out and Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen — were hit with a lunch rush. All the tables were full as the line stretched outside the food court.

John Klein, president of the Chelsea Property Group, was pleased with the turnout. “There are lots of early shoppers and good traffic. In this environment everyone loves a bargain,” he said. “In this economy, this opening is a sign that good things are happening. This center is a good destination within Monroe. People will eat, shop and drop their money and go home.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2842 or rmccrabb@coxohio.com.