Everyone loves snagging deals on apparel and accessories from their favorite brands, especially pricey brands that might be out-of-budget. It’s also why outlet stores have been popular among deal hunters for nearly 100 years.
What Are Outlet Stores?
If you’ve never had the privilege of visiting one of these destinations for deals, you probably have some questions. What are outlet stores and how do they differ from the brands’ regular stores?
Outlet stores are places where brands go to sell discounted products directly to consumers. In some cases, they’re selling what they couldn’t sell in their regular stores (ie, overstocked, previous-line or out-of-season items). In other cases, they are selling “cheaper” versions of their items made especially for outlet stores that never see their regular-store shelves. While these outlet versions may be of lower quality, perhaps it’s enough for some shoppers just to have the look of a beloved luxury brand.
All these factors combined keep outlet prices lower than what you’d find in the brand’s regular stores. Semiannual and holiday sales, including Black Friday promotions help make the products even more affordable. This combination of lower prices and brand-name merchandise is what has encouraged shoppers to make the trek to outlet malls around the country.
What is an Online Outlet?
Online outlet stores are the online component of physical outlets and sell the same types of products. Some outlet stores have started offering an online experience, so that you can snag the outlet bargains without the effort of driving out to an outlet mall. In most cases, these outlet stores exist as subdomains of a retailers’ main site. In other cases, “outlet” products will show up as you search the store’s regular site, but will be labeled as “outlet” items.
The Best Online Outlet Stores
These are the top online outlet stores that you can shop anytime of the day or night to find incredible deals that you won’t see anywhere else. As you shop them, be sure to take advantage of all the perks of shopping online, including snagging promo codes and cash back offers.
1. Coach Outlet Online
What It Sells: Coach is famous for its iconic purses and handbags, but this brand also sells everything from sunglasses and shoes to clothing for both men and women. Coach Outlet is one of your best bets to find these items for less.
Why It’s a Bargain Hunter’s Paradise: Many people think that Coach products are outside of their budget. However, Coach Outlet makes them much more attainable by offering up to 70% off on items from every department of the store. For example, we recently found a mini crossbody with a value of $228 for just $89.
Other Ways to Save: If you really want to save big, you should check out the clearance section of Coach Outlet. You can also drop your total at checkout even lower when you join Coach Insider. As a member, you’ll receive early access to products, birthday gifts and personalized offers, which sometimes include free shipping.
2. Nike Factory Outlet Store Online
What It Sells: Nike is a leader in sneakers and athletic apparel for men, women and kids, and Nike Factory Outlet helps make these sought-after products more affordable. You can find everything from graphic tees to fleece joggers.
Why It’s a Bargain Hunter’s Paradise: This outlet stands out because it offers up to 40% off on popular Nike products. It’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, thanks to the different filters on the Nike Factory Outlet website, which is integrated into Nike.com.
Other Ways to Save: When you become a Nike member, you gain access to a new level of savings. In addition to getting free shipping and free 60-day returns, you’ll also be among the first to see the latest Nike products. Not only that, but you’ll also get a reward for your birthday. RetailMeNot frequently offers cash back on Nike Factory purchases, so activate the latest offer.
3. Banana Republic Factory Online
What It Sells: Banana Republic Factory sells apparel and accessories for men and women that offer the timeless and stylish appeal of Banana Republic products. Whether you’re looking for a new pair of PJs or some stylish new shoes, this online outlet store has got you covered.
Why It’s a Bargain Hunter’s Paradise: Fans of the Banana Republic aesthetic will love being able to save 40% to 70% on items that will fit in perfectly with any wardrobe. Another perk is that Banana Republic Factory sells a variety of sizes, including tall, petite and curvy.
Other Ways to Save: You’ll want to be sure to enter your email address to sign up for the brand’s weekly emails. These emails discuss new product arrivals and upcoming sales. Signing up also gives you 15% off your next purchase. Another great way to save at Banana Republic Factory is by shopping when you can earn Style Cash. You can earn up to $100 to spend on future purchases, so you’re basically being paid to shop. RetailMeNot also frequently offers cash back at the Banana Republic Outlet, so check the latest offer here (we recently saw 8% back!).
4. J.Crew Factory Online
What It Sells: Much like J.Crew, J.Crew Factory sells apparel, shoes and accessories for women, men, girls and boys. Depending on the season when you shop, you can find everything from boots and sweaters to sandals and sundresses.
Why It’s a Bargain Hunter’s Paradise: You can find styles that embody everything that J.Crew represents for just a fraction of the price. Not only that, but you can also shop the clearance section of the J.Crew Factory website to save even more.
Other Ways to Save: Throughout the year, J.Crew Factory has sales that help you save even more green. For example, this online outlet store has featured deals like 40% off everything and an extra 15% off on orders of more than $125. Another tip for smart shoppers is joining J.Crew Rewards to earn points on every purchase. We also recommend signing up for Factory emails to get the latest deals and steals sent right to your inbox.
5. Kate Spade Surprise Online
What It Sells: Kate Spade combines timeless styles with touches of fun and pops of color to bring shoppers its famous handbags, accessories, clothing, shoes and jewelry. When you shop Kate Spade Surprise, you can find all these items available for deep discounts.
Why It’s a Bargain Hunter’s Paradise: One of the best things about Kate Spade Surprise is that you can find new deals on the website almost every day. We recommend that you check this website regularly if you’re looking to add a little bit of Kate Spade into your wardrobe.
Other Ways to Save: If you thought the prices at Kate Spade Surprise couldn’t get any lower, you clearly haven’t seen the special promo codes that the retailer offers on select products throughout the year. You can also find free ground shipping if you live in the United States or Canada.
6. Kay Outlet Online
What It Sells: At the online outlet store for Kay Jewelers, you can expect to find gorgeous pieces of jewelry in a wide variety of metals and styles at Kay Outlet. Whether you need to find the perfect engagement ring to use when you pop the question or an adorable necklace to give as a gift to a loved one (or yourself), Kay Outlet is the place to visit.
Why It’s a Bargain Hunter’s Paradise: The discounts don’t stop with the typical low outlet prices. You can also find deep discounts on clearance jewelry as well as pieces that are available during sample sales.
Other Ways to Save: You can often take advantage of special sale events to help drop the prices at Kay Outlet even more. In fact, during sales, you can find items available for up to 70% off. You can also save on shipping because it’s free when you spend more than $50. Returns are also free, but we doubt you’ll want to return anything from this online outlet store.
7. Gap Factory Outlet Online
What It Sells: Gap is renowned for its timeless basics for the whole family. From jeans that have the perfect fit to cozy sweaters, this retailer is a great place to visit when you want to refresh your look. As for Gap Factory, it’s the perfect place to visit when you want to do it for less.
Why It’s a Bargain Hunter’s Paradise: You can find the Gap style you’ve come to know and love for up to 75% off. As if that wasn’t enough, Gap Factory also regularly offers promo codes and online-only specials that will make both your wardrobe and your wallet happy.
Other Ways to Save: We already mentioned the special promo codes that you can find throughout the year at Gap Factory, but that’s not your only money-saving tool. You can join Gap Good Rewards to get fast and free shipping on orders of more than $50 and the ability to earn rewards with every purchase. You can then redeem for merchandise at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy or Athleta. Be sure to check here for our latest cash back offer, which stacks with any discounts you get from the Gap outlet itself.
8. ASOS Online Outlet
What It Sells: The same high-fashion-on-a-budget staples that ASOS is known for. In fact, the ASOS outlet is simply a division of the actual ASOS site. Expect to find a lot of out-of-season clothing here (think coats and long-sleeve shirts in the summer).
Why It’s a Bargain Hunter’s Paradise: ASOS is just on the high end of “budget friendly.” But the ASOS outlet? Firmly in budget friendly territory. Think 50% to 70% off ASOS prices. The ASOS outlet site has great filters, too, so you can filter easily by fit, brand, color, gender (including unisex). This is far superior to fighting for space and frantically unfolding items to check the size tag at the outlet store.
Other Ways to Save: If you’re a penny-pinching student, ASOS has a 10% student discount. ASOS also frequently offers a new shopper promo code on its homepage for first-time shoppers. And be on the lookout for “final sale” offers in the online outlet. You’ll know these offers when you see them because of the FINAL SALE label — just apply the necessary promo code at checkout, and you’ve saved yourself even more money. Here’s a recent example we’ve found of a “final sale” promo code. Your mileage may vary:
And, of course, don’t forget about free shipping. Make sure you’ve got at least $50 worth of items in your cart, so that your order ships for free.
9. Dyson Outlet Store
What It Sells: The Dyson online Outlet sells refurbished and open-box versions of some of Dyson’s most-sought products, including vacuum cleaners, air purifiers and styling tools. All these products are tested by Dyson engineers before being re-sold and come with a warranty (six months or one year, depending on the product).
Why It’s a Bargain Hunter’s Paradise: Dyson products are pricey, for good reason (the company is known for high quality and high performance). When shopping new, it’s rare to find sales. But, thanks to the Dyson outlet, you can shake loose some discounts, including on the almost-never-discounted Dyson Airwrap (we’ve seen it for $50 off in the Dyson Outlet store in the past). We also recently spotted a whopping $80 off the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. Plus, items from the Dyson Outlet store ship for FREE.
Other Ways to Save: Dyson offers free shipping to most U.S. ZIP codes. So that means you pocket the full savings you get by shopping outlet deals.
10. Michael Kors Outlet
What It Sells: All the luxury fashion you covet, from bags to wallets, to shoes, to jackets, to shirts. These items will pop up (labeled as “outlet” merchandise) when you search the regular site, but the outlet site allows you to shop outlet items only.
Why It’s a Bargain Hunter’s Paradise: While Michael Kors isn’t causing the most sticker shock of any luxury brand, it’s prices are usually a little too high for the average splurge. However, the Michael Kors outlet has select shoes for under $100, wallets for under $60 and jackets for under $125 (prices that are $50 to $150 under full price). Plus, you’ll find some outlet BOGO Deals — we recently spotted a buy two, get 20% off deal on puffer jackets.
Other Ways to Save: Join KORSVIP to get points for making purchases, favoriting items and for signing into the MK app. Plus, check for RetailMeNot cash back offers to get a percentage back on whatever you spend in the Michael Kors online outlet store. It’s also smart to shop the MK outlet during the Michael Kors Semi-Annual sale, which offers discounts on outlet products, too.
Watch out for Outlet Store Scams
Given the love for outlet stores and the bargains they offer, it’s no surprise that crooks are taking advantage. Outlet store scams work like this:
- Scammers set up fake outlet sites for luxury stores that don’t have outlets, knowing that people are searching online for “X Brand outlet store.”
- The fake site comes up in search results. Often, the scammers buy Facebook ads, so you may come across the scam site that way.
- Victims go to the site, and the prices on the site are ah-mazing. Victims add items to their cart and check out. The items (as they don’t exist) are never shipped, and the thief gets the money. As these sites operate from overseas, there’s not much the victims can do.
While some of the scam outlet sites we’ve seen are quite convincing, here are some clues they are NOT legit:
- The URL is a little off (it’s missing a letter of the brand’s name, for example).
- The site looks a little off. Scammers may do a good job of scraping product images from the actual site, but the site design might look a little less luxe than what you’d expect from a high-end brand (the logo is blurry, for example).
- Odd phrasing or incorrect grammar. We recently found a Lilly Pulitzer “outlet” scam site with this phrasing “If damage should occur during shipping, or that a product should arrive with defects …”
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