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Simply Thrifty

Outlet Shopping: Are You Really Saving Money?

by Deborah Ng on May 24th, 2007

Last fall I went on a “sister’s weekend” and spent a few days with my two older siblings in Manchester, Vermont. My sister chose Manchester because of the fall foliage and also the outlet shopping. I’m not one who frequents outlets, but was curious to see if the prices were cheaper than those at the shopping mall. Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

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.

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4 opinions for Outlet Shopping: Are You Really Saving Money?

  • Wallet Rehab - Ways to save money
    May 24, 2007 at 10:03 pm

    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.

  • Deborah Ng
    May 25, 2007 at 4:36 am

    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.

  • Rebecca
    May 26, 2007 at 2:20 pm

    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.

  • Susan
    May 31, 2007 at 12:48 pm

    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.

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