Video: H&M part of Southcenter mall remodel

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TUKWILA, Wash. - Shoppers lined up for hours to enter the newly remodeled Westfield Southcenter mall Friday morning.

Mall employees launched the hype shortly after dawn-with prizes and giveaways.

Inside, the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds took in the three-level, $240-million dollar mall expansion. The expansion includes 75 new shops, an AMC six-screen theatre, five new sit-down restaurants and views of Mount Rainier.

Some of the stores making their debut were so popular that employees had to direct traffic.

Shoppers could hardly wait to spend their hard-earned cash at European giant H&M's new Northwest flagship store.

"They're all over, New York, Europe, so we're super excited for them to finally be in Seattle," said Allison Thomas.

But it's also exciting for the many new employees earning an income.

"We're going to add 1,500 jobs to already 3,700 jobs," said Governor Chris Gregoire.

Other new stores include Coach, Sephora and Lucky Brand Jeans. Restaurants include Joeys Grill and Lounge, BJ’s Brewhouse, Blue C. Sushi, Duke’s Chowder House and RACHA Thai.

Despite recent news of an economic slowdown and record high gas prices, many shoppers showed up-prepared to blow their budgets.