Shoppers lined up as early as 4 a.m. for this year’s Nell Hill’s Tent Sale, a landmark in Kansas City retail. The event drew nearly a thousand people to Briarcliff Village on the first Saturday in June for deep discounts on home goods from the famous designer. Many came from out of town, waiting in the dark hours of early morning. The tent officially opened for business at 9 a.m.

We captured the crowd in action at  Briarcliff’s most memorable sale. Below, notice how long the line is (left), while Nell Hill’s store employees look on in amazement (right).

By noon, all the merchandise had been cleared out and the tent was torn down.

Nell Hill’s Tent Sale happens once a year in June. According to store personnel, the purpose is to clear out slightly imperfect merchandise that cannot be sold for full price. Some seasonal and closeout items are also included.