By midnight last night, over thirty people were lined up at the Denver Pavilions, waiting for today's noon opening of H&M. The first 500 get a gift certificate for between $10 and $500; the exact amount is random. At least those who get stuck with the $10 cards can treasure their memories of a night out in freezing weather. Memories such as: having a blanket stolen by a homeless man, the camaraderie of strangers sharing the propane-fueled space heater one woman brought to the Pavilions plaza.
At 7:15 a.m. today, the masses (by then, approximately 150 had gathered) were aroused from their slumber and made to stand in line while a DJ played in the background. No sleep + bumpin' beats at 7 a.m. = not so hoppin'. Wendy Manning, marketing director for Denver Pavilions, says she expects a 2,000- person line by the time the store opens.
In the meantime, here are the people of Occupy Denver Pavilions.
H&M is this dashing duo's second time camping out; IKEA was their first. The family (mother, father and baby boy Voss) arrived at 6:45 p.m. and spent the night watching Dexter and trying to keep Voss from crying while crews started setting up at midnight. Expect to get: "Anything is better than nothing." Arrived just after midnight. Demand: "At least three digits." Arrived at 3 a.m. Demands: "$5. It's fine. It was just fun coming out." Waiting since 3 a.m. Demands: $100 or $200. Arrived at 7 p.m. and shared a tent with a propane-powered space heater. The girl has pink eye and would like $50 for her troubles. The guy didn't wear socks with his moccasins because, even though it's freezing outside, you still have to look good for the H&M opening.
