Outlet Shopping: Are You Really Saving Money?
May 24, 2007 by Deborah Ng
Filed under General
Last fall I went on a “sister’s weekend” and spent a few days with my two older siblings in 
If you shop at the right time, for instance the end of the season, you’ll do well. Though there really are some year-round savings, I’m told the best time to go outlet shopping is at when it’s time to make room for the new inventory. A friend of mine loves to stock up on coupons for the outlets and use them for even extra savings. I did find some great bargains, for instance two pairs of big, comfy flannel pajamas at the Haynes outlet. I also found some beautiful yet inexpensive jewelry to give as Christmas gifts to my nieces.
Now, outlet centers may be magnets for tourists, but if you don’t mind the crowds you’ll do well. It’s not something I would do every weekend, but it’s a nice place to shop, especially if you want to bargain shop ahead for birthdays and holidays.
I’ve never really found a good deal at Outlet malls. I suppose for name brands, you can save some money, but not as much as you do by just buying generic. Target’s got some fine merchandise nowadays, for example.
That’s a very good point. Stores such as Target will surely yield more bargains. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale however, you might try outlets for the name brands.
My hubby got a great deal on my engagement ring at a Zales outlet store. I was worried he had spent a fortune when I saw it, and we’d be paying for it for a while. He walked in with cash and left with the ring and change. I love my ring and I couldn’t believe it wasn’t more.
You have to know your prices to get bargains at outlet malls. Some things are cheaper, some are not. It’s like shopping at a warehouse store (Sam’s and the like). If you’re sharp and you’re willing to pick through the merchandise, sometimes you can come away with some things at lower prices than at retail stores.