Hi - my name is Kathie & I am an outlet junkie. Well, the hardest step is over...lol.  I go to outlets in PA a couple of times a year. I hit up the Lilly Pulitzer sale at least once a year - twice if I am lucky. While traveling to FL I hit outlet centers in NC, SC, GA & FL so yeah you can say I have some experience. What I have learned - GO DURING SALE time!! Presidents weekend tends to be one of the best times to go.

You also need to know the type of "outlet" center you are going to. I find that the Jackson Outlets [Jackson, NJ] tends to not have "true outlet" prices. Don't get me wrong you can do some major damage [Gap, JCrew, Stride-Rite for Keds] but it is more of a mall experience. The ones I go to in PA are rennovated factories & you can get Coach bags not only marked down but with additional 20% & sometimes up to an additional 40% off the lowest price. You can get D&B bags for $60. But again you have to go during a SALE TIME. I have gotten a North Face jacket for $40.

You also want to sign up for e-mails from the Outlet Centers you go to. They send you coupons & tell you when the sales are. Having all this at your disposal is great because you can go with a game plan.

Happy Shopping!

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Hi - my name is Kathie & I am an outlet junkie. Well, the hardest step is over...lol.  I go to outlets in PA a couple of times a year. I hit up the Lilly Pulitzer sale at least once a year - twice if I am lucky. While traveling to FL I hit outlet centers in NC, SC, GA & FL so yeah you can say I have some experience. What I have learned - GO DURING SALE time!! Presidents weekend tends to be one of the best times to go.

You also need to know the type of "outlet" center you are going to. I find that the Jackson Outlets [Jackson, NJ] tends to not have "true outlet" prices. Don't get me wrong you can do some major damage [Gap, JCrew, Stride-Rite for Keds] but it is more of a mall experience. The ones I go to in PA are rennovated factories & you can get Coach bags not only marked down but with additional 20% & sometimes up to an additional 40% off the lowest price. You can get D&B bags for $60. But again you have to go during a SALE TIME. I have gotten a North Face jacket for $40.

You also want to sign up for e-mails from the Outlet Centers you go to. They send you coupons & tell you when the sales are. Having all this at your disposal is great because you can go with a game plan.

Happy Shopping!

I agree w/ you on the outlet shopping idea. I have a son so when it's time for back to school shopping, I usually start in May and then by the end of July, I am all finished. I have found some steals for him in the Childrens Place as well as Osh Kosh by doing this. As for me, I have found that one particular outlet is better than the other in Georgia where we live so I signed up for the email newsletter and have gotten some great coupons!! If you do decide to do the outlet shopping thing, get a map of the layout so that you can plan it out and shop w/ a purpose.

I know you said you have been to outlets in NC and SC. If you haven't done so already, try the outlets at Myrtle Beach, SC , Cary, NC and Gaffney, SC. They are great!!!

I forgot to add Concord Mills in the Charlotte area is one of the best. I just went there last weekend and purchased 2 ecko tshirts for my son and a liz claibourne pocketbook all for $15.

Hi,

I just doscovered a great site that has taken Outlet shopping to another level.

They feature a brand every few weeks and you can get up to 70% discount.

I just bought a great Italian brand bag for half the price and did not even have to move from my house

http://www.e-privatesale.com