There will be outlets for Gap, Chico’s, White House/Black Market, Brooks Brothers and Calvin Klein among the 80-plus stores scheduled to open at the National Harbor in time for the 2013 Christmas shopping season.

“I’m reminded of the song of the great Etta James: ‘At Last,’ ” county council member Obie Paterson (D-District 8) told a crowd that attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the outlets Thursday.

Scores of county residents and workers crowded in and around a large white tent for the official groundbreaking. The nationally acclaimed Oxon Hill High School marching band kick-started the celebration with popular tunes, and Radio One personality Sheila Stewart served as host.