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!