Best Outlet Shopping Malls in America

They say that baseball is America’s favorite pastime. But seeking name brand clothes, shoes, outerwear and accessories for steep discounts at enormous shopping venues (also known as outlet shopping) has got to be a close second. Beginning in the early 1980’s, outlet malls began popping up around major cities and have since come to total just over 450 currently operating across the country. While the outlet mall as we know it today mainly consists of true factory outlet retailers, you’ll still happen upon some regular retail stores interspersed. That means, you’ll get more variety under one roof and better odds of scoring a fantastic deal. 

You may think that if you’ve shopped one outlet mall, you’ve shopped them all since many of them do happen to have repetitive stores and brands. Think again. Arcades, restaurants, escape rooms, theaters, play areas and even bowling alleys occupy real estate at some of these vibrant destinations.

We invite you to consider a new locale and maybe make a long weekend out of your next outlet excursion. Journey along with us as we round up the 15 best outlet malls from sea to shining sea, keeping in mind brand variety and adventure worthy locations to take your retail therapy to the next level.

Sawgrass Mills Premium Outlets

Located at: 12801 W Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise, FL 33323

Total store count: 262

Stores to visit: Definitely hit The Colonnade for luxury designers like Balenciaga, Etro, Christian Louboutin, GUCCI, Lafayette 148 New York, ST JOHN and Tag Heuer. Then wander the other 2,370,000 square feet for more great stores like Psycho Bunny, Robert Graham Outlet, Theory Mens Outlet, AllSaints, Cole Haan Outlet, abercrombie kids, Fabletics and Kate Spade New York Outlet. 

Dining options: Your choices range from crepes to empanadas, sandwiches to steaks. Sip fresh juice from MiaFruta or craft beer at Yardhouse. Go from casual fare like Nathan’s Famous all the way to fresh oak-fired grilled seafood at Seasons 52. It’s impossible to be “hangry” here. 

Area attractions: Catch a concert or an NHL game at the Amerant Bank Arena, home of the Florida Panthers. Spend some time relaxing at one of Ft. Lauderdale’s pristine beaches, or head just 30 miles Southeast to Miami for some colorful nightlife. 

Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets

Located at: 498 Red Apple Ct., Central Valley, NY 10917

Total store count: 222

Stores to visit: Luxury stores include Balmain, Chloe, Golden Goose, MCM and Off-White. You’ll also find AG Adriano Goldschmied, Arc’teryx Factory Outlet, Aritzia, GANNI, Helly Hansen, Reformation and Reiss. 

Dining Options: Sip some bubbly at Bollicine & Co. Champagne Bar, try a vegetarian ramen bowl at Kinton Ramen or keep it simple with quick service at Market Hall. 

Area attractions: New York City, one of the big four fashion capitals of the world, is just an hour away from this unique outlet mall. If you are already visiting the city, there are several transportation options to get you out to Woodbury Commons, including traveling via helicopter.

Desert Hills Premium Outlets

Located at: 48400 Seminole Dr., Cabazon, CA 92230

Total store count: 166

Stores to visit: Desert Hills is California’s largest luxury outlet destination with stores like Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Philipp Plein and coming soon, Zimmerman. And you won’t want to miss Alo, rag & bone, Rails or Travis Mathew either. 

Dining Options: Food is few and far between at this location. Blaze pizza, Birba or Five Guys Burgers are your choices here.  

Area attractions: Take the kids to see the Cabazon dinosaurs, an iconic roadside attraction featured in Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure. Or make the short trip to Palm Springs where you can ride an aerial tramway to the top of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. 

Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets

Located at: 8200 Vineland Ave., Orlando, FL 32821

Total store count: 142

Stores to visit: There is both an Armani and Armani Exchange outlet store plus Max Mara, Versace, Hoka, Converse and a Tommy Bahama outlet. Unique to this outlet mall location is a Disney Character Warehouse which acts as a liquidation store for Disney parks merch. Be ready to wait in line though.

Dining Options: Table service is only available at Ford’s Garage but dine more casually at Currito Burrito in the food court or at the Viking Grill food truck. 

Area attractions: Orlando is known for its variety of theme parks so take your pick from Walt Disney World, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, SeaWorld or Universal Studios. For more shopping and dining though, head to Disney Springs.  

Fashion Outlets of Chicago

Located at: 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont, IL 60018

Total store count: 130+ 

Stores to visit: Saks off 5th anchors one side of this two-level indoor mall. Get your luxury fix at Burberry, Maje, Peserico and Vince. Make a point to hit the new Vuori store for trending activewear. 

Dining Options: Not many exist inside the mall itself but head across the street to Fogo de Chao, Sugar Factory or Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar. 

Area attractions: Use the many modes of public transportation available to head Southeast into the city and take advantage of all Chicago has to offer. Shop more luxury and high end designers on Michigan Avenue, take in spectacular city views from the Willis Tower or see a show at the famous Chicago theater. 

San Marcos Premium Outlets

Located at: 3939 I-35, San Marcos, TX 78666

Total store count: 123

Stores to visit: Outfit your home with discounted pieces from the Pottery Barn Outlet or Williams-Sonoma Outlet. Outfit yourself for less at Paige, Orvis, Steve Madden Outlet and Bonworth. San Marcos has tossed some luxury designers in as well like Ferragamo and Valentino. 

Dining Options: Mostly snacking options but you can sit down for an All-American diner meal at Johnny Rockets. 

Area attractions: Keep it weird and experience the eclectic city of Austin where you can enjoy the outdoors year-round. Eat and shop your way through this joyous place or celebrate any genre of music at one of the many festivals hosted here annually. 

Seattle Premium Outlets

Located at: 10600 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, WA 98271

Total store count: 120

Stores to visit: Fashion meets function at Pendleton, Sorel, the Nautica Factory store, Dr. Martens, Prana, the Nike Factory store, Le Creuset Outlet and Fjall Raven. 

Dining Options: A mostly generic food court, table service at Ram Restaurant & Brewery or a unique Indian food truck.  

Area attractions: Next door to the Seattle Premium Outlets is the Tulalip Resort and Casino. If you aren’t into that kind of entertainment, check skydiving or a sunset hot air balloon ride off your bucket list. 

Outlets at Castle Rock

Located at: 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock, CO 80108

Total store count: Just over 100

Stores to visit: Shop for your favorite outdoor brands at stores like Ariat, Spyder, the Timberland Outlet, the Norrona Outlet, Stance and Mammut. And don’t skip a trip to the Freebird Warehouse pop-up or the Restoration Hardware Outlet. 

Dining Options: Literally none unless you are hungry for sweets or fudge. 

Area attractions: Explore the Rocky Mountains on a zip-line adventure through the air or stay grounded with a walking tour of the nearby Colorado Red Rocks Amphitheater. 

Tanger Outlets Sevierville

Located at: 1645 Parkway #960, Sevierville, TN 37862

Total store count: 87

Stores to visit: At this Tanger property, you’ll find Southern Tide, Offline by Aerie, Birkenstock, Oakley, Levi’s Outlet, Huk and Clarks Outlet stores. The Palmetto Moon store stands out too with its offerings of southern lifestyle apparel, footwear and collegiate wear.  

Dining Options: Not for a meal (although it could be) you must try the beef jerky outlet. Other snack-y stops are mixed in but for lunch or dinner the only option is Chop House. 

Area attractions: Be in absolute awe of the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. The Pigeon Forge Trolley has routes from the Tanger Outlets all the way to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg to fill your day with all things touristy. 

Outlets at Orange

Located at: 20 City Blvd. W, Orange, CA 92868

Total store count: 86

Stores to visit: Get a breezy California beach vibe from stores like Hollister, BoxLunch, Hurley, O’neill, PacSun and Tilley’s. You can also go full skater at the large Vans retail store which also houses a full skateboard pro shop. 

Dining Options: There is a large food court here but many more sit down options including Saddle Ranch Chop House and L.A Italian Kitchen. The legendary IN-N-OUT Burger is said to be opening soon. 

Area attractions: There is a movie theater on site as well as Dave & Busters and bowling at Lucky Strike. Venture a short four miles down the road though for a magical day at Disneyland. 

The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta

Located at: 915 Ridgewalk Pkwy., Woodstock, GA 30188

Total store count: 84

Stores to visit: Plenty of true outlet locations live here with the Fossil Outlet, Lee Wrangler Clearance Center, Lane Bryant Outlet, Express Factory Outlet and even a Vineyard Vines Outlet. 

Dining Options: Again, not many except for Fresqo Burger, Fresqo Fresh, Fresqo Pizza and Fresqo Wings. 

Area attractions: Journey 30 quick miles into Atlanta to see the Olympic Rings sculpture at Centennial Olympic Park and tour the World of Coca-Cola. If you’re a fan of America’s team, try to visit when the Braves have a home game. 

Tanger Outlet of Columbus

Located at: 400 S Wilson Rd., Sunbury, OH 43074

Total store count: 77

Stores to visit: The Tanger Outlet properties offer more common mid-range fashion. You’ll still rack up great savings here at the huge Old Navy Outlet anchor store, Simply Southern, Charlotte Russe Outlet, Columbia Clearance Store, Puma Outlet, Talbots Outlet and Yankee Candle Outlet. 

Dining Options: A very small number of food choices but you can get handcrafted pizza at Rise Pies or a caffeine pick me up at Starbucks.

Area attractions: If you’re with a group, book a party bike with Trolley Pub to experience food, drink and the electrifying art scene of downtown Columbus. For family friendly fun, walk through the scenic campus of The Ohio State University, visit Bicentennial Park or the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Phoenix Premium Outlets

Located at: 4976 Premium Outlets Way, Chandler, AZ 85226

Total store count: 77

Stores to visit: Check out the Adidas and Reebok Outlet stores for a good deal on sneakers. If you need career or business casual attire head to Banana Republic, J. Crew or CABI, each of those being factory outlets. For clothes to beat the Arizona heat, try Quicksilver or Under Armour. 

Dining Options: Just a tiny food court here but you can build your own pasta at Al Dente Adesso. Head due North of the mall for additional sit down choices.

Area attractions: Enjoy some southwestern flair at the Desert Botanical Garden. Keep it outdoors and kayak or watch dragon boats paddle down Tempe town lake. 

Pro Tip: Continue shopping just 22 miles away at one of only two Anthropologie home outlet locations in the US. 

Tanger Outlets Asheville

Located at: 800 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806

Total store count: 70

Stores to visit: The most noteworthy here are the West Elm Outlet, Crate and Barrel Outlet and Dillard’s Clearance Outlet. Fan favorites like Lucky Brand Jeans, New Balance Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Coach reside here also. 

Dining Options: Sadly just Starbucks, Acropolis pizza and The Spotted Banana Food truck on the weekends.  

Area attractions: Take ALL the tours. Hiking, haunted, art, trolley, train but especially the unforgettable Biltmore Estate. Envy the mansion, the grounds, the gardens and better yet, see it all during the holiday season. 

Settler Green Outlet Village

Located at: 2 Common Ct, North Conway, NH 03860

Total Store Count: Around 60 stores and services 

Stores to visit: Many of the stores in this popular ski destination are geared toward outdoor activities like the Eddie Bauer Outlet, Merrell, REI Co-op, Craghoppers and Cotopaxi. North Conway holds true to its small town charm too with local stores like The Soapery off Main and the North Conway Olive Oil Company. 

Dining Options: Eat local as well at Cheese Louise or Stonewall Kitchen. 

Area attractions: This mountain community has a ton to offer in the way of outdoor activities. Stay at one of the many ski resorts and play on the slopes, find a climbing spot or take a hike. 

Pro Tip: There is no general sales tax on goods purchased in New Hampshire which equals even more savings on your purchases there. 

How We Chose the Best Outlet Malls in America

You’ll likely notice this list is in order starting with the largest number of stores down to the least. That’s because we like variety. We want you to get the most savings under one roof — just like when you shop cash back deals with us at RetailMeNot.

We also considered the level of savings by seeking out luxury designer offerings along with true outlets and factory stores.

Last but not least, we looked at other things to do in the general area of these locations. Not that you need an excuse to go shopping, but now you have an excuse to make a road trip out of it. 

What to Consider Before Outlet Shopping

You can easily study any specific outlet location with a quick visit to its website.

Consider the weather at a primarily outdoor mall and dress accordingly. A hat, sunscreen or gloves may be needed depending on the local climate.

Have a transportation plan. Where will you park? Will you make necessary trips to your car to drop off bags so you can shop more freely without lugging your hefty loot? Strategize!

Be sure to dress appropriately if you will be hitting the dressing rooms frequently and always wear comfortable shoes, plus clothes to get in and out of with ease.

Bringing a water bottle and a snack wouldn’t be a bad idea either. You’ll need sustenance because shopping for hours on end can take a lot out of you.

Additional Tips for Shopping at Outlet Malls

• Be prepared. You are most likely on a mission anyway whether it’s shopping for an event, a holiday, or the perfect date night outfit. Try making a list of stores you want to shop and plan the easiest route to accomplish it. 
• Scope out the parking situation prior to arrival as well since some of these venues can be quite spread out.
• Consider setting a budget.
• Be mindful of crowds and lines if you are shopping under time constraints.
• Carry essentials in a crossbody bag or fanny pack to keep your hands free for browsing.

The post Best Outlet Shopping Malls in America appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.