Outlet Shopping Secrets That Save You Serious Money on Designer Brands
Who doesn’t love scoring designer pieces at a fraction of the price? Outlet shopping can feel like a treasure hunt—but only if you know what to look for. And with National Outlet Shopping Day (June 11–14)—the big outlet savings event of the summer—there’s even more reason to shop smart: it’s four days of markdowns, savings and free giveaways from top brands across Simon Premium Outlets and The Mills properties nationwide.
But the truth is, not all outlet merchandise is created equal, and without the right strategy, you might miss out on the best deals. That’s why we asked fashion insiders to share their top outlet shopping tips that help savvy shoppers save big. From timing your visits perfectly to stacking discounts like a pro, these expert tricks will transform your next outlet run into a major money-saving win.
Research before you buy
“Not all outlet merchandise is created equal,” says fashion design and production consultant Mariana Leung (MarianaLeung.com). Most inventory falls into three buckets, and each one offers a different kind of savings, she explains.
Made-for-outlet items
When you want current styles for the best value, check out clothing brands design specifically for outlets, advises Leung. “They’re often simplified versions of their retail pieces—maybe fewer interior details, slightly lower-grade materials or less complex construction—but visually, the difference is minimal.”
Past-season apparel
Hunting for retail quality at a discount? Look for items that brands move to outlets at the end of a season. “Trend-driven pieces will feel dated faster, but classics—think cargo pants, dress shirts and blazers—barely change year to year.”
Overstocks and returns
If you have time to browse, it’s worth seeking out these pieces and inspecting them carefully, says Leung. Some may have damage, so check for loose seams or a small flaw. “But some of the best deals are items that others rejected for minor issues, like mislabeling a size.”
Stack these discounts
Outlet stores run their own sales which can help you save, but outlet centers often hand out discounts of their own and you can stack them on top of store-level deals. Just ask the Guest Services counter. “You may find out about senior discount days, which are typically 10% off,” explains wardrobe stylist and personal shopper Allie McKenna (AllieMcKenna.com). “Or if you’re arriving in a large group, you could contact the outlet mall ahead of time and ask for a discount pass.”
Catch fresh arrivals early
Timing matters, says wardrobe stylist Kendra Sharpe (KendraSharpe.com). “Many outlet stores receive new shipments or restock midweek, so shopping on weekdays—especially mornings—often gives you first access.”
Tap into loyalty bonuses
You can enjoy additional savings with these helpful tips:
Rack up rewards
The new Simon+ loyalty program from Simon Premium Outlets gives you cash back, points and other benefits at participating stores. You activate offers in the app before you buy, then earn rewards automatically when you use a linked card. Sign up at Plus.Simon.com.
Snag text exclusives
Tanger Outlets sends limited-time coupons to shoppers who opt in to text message alerts. To get the perks, enter your phone number at Tanger.com.
Nab email coupons
Individual outlet stores frequently send coupons and early access to sales to those who sign up for their email list.
Use AI to confirm deals
Before you buy, snap a photo of the item and ask an artificial intelligence assistant like ChatGPT to compare prices for similar products online. It will scan the brand’s site and other stores to show the best price.
This story first appeared in the June 22, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.
Copyright 2026 A360 Media
This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 3:30 PM.