Good morning from rainy Savannah, Georgia!
Today’s weather may not be perfect but that still can’t ruin my time down here with my family. I’ve been able to recover from Las Vegas’ craziness quite well. I’ve definitely enjoyed some of life’s little luxuries since I’ve been home:
- Sleeping 8 hours each night in a brand new queen size bed
- Unlimited bowl of fruit including the first peaches of the season
- Nature’s Pride Bread (not available north of Virginia)
- Quality time with my family’s two cats
- Lots of laughter
In case you’re catching up, yesterday we celebrated my mom’s 60th birthday with a long walk on the beach, outlet shopping, and then dinner at Elizabeth’s on 37th. A few people have asked for tips on outlet shopping so, while I’m no expert, I thought I would provide my two cents. Based on yesterday’s experience, I’ve definitely learned a few things over the years.
Efficient Outlet Shopping Tips:
- Make sure the outlet is worth your time. Do your research ahead of time to see which stores are currently open at your outlets. Unless the outlet center is a hop and a skip from your home, it isn’t worth the cost of gasoline it if there is only one store. We’ve found over the years that stores come and go quickly so doing research ahead of time can save time.
- Check out their website or savings club. The two main outlet companies, Premium and Tanger, both have great websites. These websites feature all their outlets around the country, a list of stores, hours, and directions. In addition, they often include online coupons and savings alerts. Today on both Premium and Tanger Outlet site there are 20% off coupons to over half of their stores! Their $10 Tanger Club gives you a gift card on your birthday, coupon books, and special web offers! The Premium outlets have a similar club which is FREE!
- Make a list ahead of time of what you actually need. It’s easy to let the sale signs get you excited and then purchase things just because it’s on sale. Yesterday, I found myself trying on dresses that I didn’t need or even love just because they were half off. Luckily, my partner in crime, knew what I needed and wanted and convinced me that they weren’t worth even their sale price. Yesterday my mom and I both made a clear list of what we needed which helped us choose which stores we went to and limited our time in the stores. My list was as follows:
- Summer work dress
- Dress/romper for Miami and Bermuda
- Brown skinny belt
- Bright summer earrings
- Suit
- Bring a friend. Having a friend with you who knows your style and your weaknesses will help protect your money. Sometimes your conscience doesn’t speak loud enough during shopping trips, especially with sale signs screaming at your from every direction.
Do you have any additional outlet tips?
hmm to be honest I only shop online because I love to be able to compare and (hopefully) get the best price!
8 hours sleep – that does sound nice. Thanks for the great tips! 🙂
Love, love, love the color of your bedroom!
We have outlets by my parents house and for me I tend to buy stuff because it’s cheap.. I have defiantly tried to stray away from that now and only get items I need.. I think it’s easy to fall into but it’s only ___ dollars I have to get it and you endup buying a lot of unnessary stuff although soemtimes you can score some GREAT deals.. I got my burberry gloves for $75.00 dollars oringally $375.00 at the outlet 🙂
I always remember rewards cards…. Most of the stores in an outlet area still accept their main store reward program card to get you loyalty points racked up. And many stores there aren’t even classified as outlets, so regular store coupons would work as well. The one near my parents is split, about half the stores are outlets, whereas the other half just run different sales, etc – so a good majority have reward cards and accept regular store coupons if you have them.
I love outlet shopping and one thing I have learned is that many give student discounts and/or AAA member discounts! So random yet very helpful.
I LOVE outlet shopping…I am missing Woodbury Commons right now!
My best tip for outlet shopping is to pay attention to whether the item you want to buy is from the store’s regular line or whether it is from the store’s secondary line manufactured just for the outlets (similar designs but usually cheaper materials). These days most of the big outlets, including Gap/BR, Ann Taylor, Coach, etc., do this.
Now it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with that merchandise — one of my favorite sweaters is a J. Crew “outlet” version of one that I LOVED (but couldn’t afford) from the catalog. I just think it is important to keep in mind when deciding the real value of your “deals”.
I love the HHI Tanger Outlets! My parents live right there. Banana Republic is my favorite!
I have the same bedspread!!!! It’s so cute 🙂 I heart outlet shopping.