If you think outlet malls are just dusty corners filled with last year’s leftover trends, think again. Hidden among the racks of markdowns and irregular items lies a secret every savvy shopper should know: outlet malls are increasingly becoming gold mines for current-season fashion—and not just at discounted prices, but often slashed by as much as 60% or more.
The key? Knowing where to look, when to go, and how to decode the often confusing landscape of retail markdowns. This guide isn’t just about clipping coupons or lucking into a one-time deal—it’s a strategy-driven approach to consistently snagging stylish, new-season pieces for a fraction of what you’d pay at traditional retail stores. Let’s break it down.
The Myth of the “Old Inventory”
First, let’s clear up a common misconception. Many people believe outlet malls are filled exclusively with outdated styles or defective goods. While this was largely true a decade ago, the retail landscape has changed. Many major brands like J.Crew, Nike, Banana Republic, and Coach now operate dedicated outlet lines that produce exclusive items just for these stores. But there’s a twist: many outlets also carry overflow stock and in-season merchandise—if you know how to spot it.
So yes, while a portion of the inventory is made-for-outlet (sometimes at lower quality), savvy shoppers can absolutely find pieces from the mainline store’s current or very recent collections, often deeply discounted.
Timing Is Everything
One of the most overlooked outlet mall hacks is timing your visit right. Retailers follow predictable cycles, and understanding them can make all the difference.
End of Season Clearances: The best time to score current-season items is at the end of that season—typically late January for winter, late July for summer. Retailers move inventory quickly to make room for the next season’s items, and sometimes those excess pieces wind up in outlet stores with steep markdowns.
Midweek Visits: Outlet malls are significantly quieter on weekdays, especially Tuesdays through Thursdays. Store associates are more likely to restock shelves, provide helpful advice, and give you first access to newly arrived merchandise. You also avoid the chaos of weekend crowds, which can strip the shelves of the best finds.
Holiday Weekends & Special Sales: Don’t underestimate the power of outlet-specific events during Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Black Friday. Stores often receive fresh merchandise in the week leading up to a major sale. Arrive early and come prepared with a list.
Know Your Labels: Retail vs. Factory Codes
One of the smartest hacks for outlet shopping is learning to read the tags. Brands like Gap, Michael Kors, or Ralph Lauren often have distinct lines produced exclusively for their outlet stores. These items aren’t necessarily bad—but they’re often made with different materials, simplified construction, or fewer design details than their full-price counterparts.
Look for subtle indicators of retail inventory that’s been offloaded to the outlet:
SKU Codes: Retail tags often contain SKU numbers that differ from made-for-outlet lines. A quick online search of the SKU can tell you if the item originally appeared in the brand’s flagship collection.
Price Tags: Items from the mainline collection may have traditional pricing labels (e.g., $198 with a sale sticker), whereas outlet exclusives often use rounded or simplified price tags (e.g., $69.99 original price).
Material Feel and Finishing: Trust your senses. Feel the fabric, inspect the stitching. Retail store pieces are often higher quality, with lining, unique buttons, or tailoring that made-for-outlet goods sometimes skip.
Build Relationships with Staff
This might seem obvious, but it’s one of the most underused strategies: make friends with sales associates. These employees know when shipments are arriving, what’s on clearance rotation, and what hidden gems are still in the stockroom.
Ask them politely when the next new stock is expected or whether they carry “retail transfers” (the magic phrase for full-price inventory marked down). Some associates may even tip you off about internal markdowns that haven’t been tagged yet.
If you shop at a particular outlet regularly, these relationships can pay dividends. A helpful associate may set aside your size or text you when a rare restock comes in.
Stack the Deals: Coupons, Apps, and Loyalty Perks
Another key hack is stacking savings. Many outlet stores allow you to combine promotions, such as:
Store-Wide Discounts + Clearance Markdowns: For example, Banana Republic Factory might have a 40% off sale on the entire store plus an additional 50% off clearance racks.
Membership and Email Lists: Sign up for outlet mall loyalty programs and individual store newsletters. Members often receive exclusive coupons or early access to sales. Combine this with in-store deals, and you’re often looking at savings over 60%.
Outlet Apps: Many malls now offer apps or QR code coupons that rotate weekly. Some, like Simon Premium Outlets, offer VIP Shopper Club benefits that include printable coupons or mobile-only flash deals.
Be Prepared to Dig—and Don’t Rush
Outlet shopping isn’t always a quick in-and-out task. The best deals are often buried in the middle racks, mislabeled, or forgotten in clearance corners. This is especially true when it comes to high-end designers like Theory, Tory Burch, or AllSaints, where $500 jackets sometimes sit unnoticed at 70% off.
Adopt a patient, treasure-hunt mentality. Try things on. Mix and match. Check both the men’s and women’s sections—styles often overlap, especially in basics like hoodies or denim.
And bring your phone. Price compare online to confirm whether a markdown is truly a deal or a cleverly disguised outlet price point.
Bonus Tip: Travel Outlet Malls vs. Local Ones
Outlet malls in popular tourist or shopping destination areas often receive better inventory from flagship stores. For example, Woodbury Common (NY), Desert Hills (CA), or Sawgrass Mills (FL) are known for their luxury brand outlets carrying direct retail overflow.
If you’re serious about scoring top-tier current-season goods at massive discounts, consider a trip to one of these larger centers. Go early, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water—you’ll need the energy.
Final Thoughts: Smart, Stylish, and 60% Off
Scoring current-season items at outlet malls is less about luck and more about strategy. Understand the inventory flow, shop at the right times, learn how to identify retail vs. outlet lines, and stack your savings through loyalty programs and coupons. With these hacks in hand, your next outlet run can feel more like a curated shopping experience than a clearance rummage.
Outlet shopping isn’t just for bargain hunters—it’s for anyone who appreciates good style and even better value. Because why pay full price, when the same polished look can be had at 60% off?
