Overcoming Obstacles
May 10, 2025
Ski Vacation for One
May 10, 2025The elusive outlet mall, that hallowed space where the world’s biggest luxury brands take a step down to Earth and become more accessible to those of us who work for a paycheck and don’t belong to the Kardashian/Jenner clan and their ilk.
Seriously though, outlet malls across Europe and the US are the worst kept secret among shopping aficionados like myself, but, while everyone knows about them, they can be a challenge to make the most of.
First, it’s important to keep in mind that time at an outlet mall is a marathon, not a sprint, and it is not impossible to spend an entire day browsing (and buying) without realising just how much time has passed. For the serious shoppers in the crowd, hunger and thirst don’t rear their heads and toilet breaks are just a necessary distraction from the hunt for the perfect bag, outfit or pair of shoes.
It is not uncommon to spend the entire day shopping and still not managing to make it to every store in the mall, so planning and strategy are a must, particularly if you’re on the hunt for something specific or have a list of stores you don’t want to miss out on.
Outlet malls across the world can be largely similar in that most of them span vast outdoor expanses with lanes and alleys dotted with all manner of stores from the high end to the high street and everything in between. Interspersed with the stores are numerous cafes, restaurants and even restaurants areas where you can stop for a while to refuel or just give your shopping weary arms and legs a little break. The malls are also sometimes owned by large conglomerates, with MacArthur Glen and the Bicester Collection being two of the biggest, owning malls across the world. Some, like The Mall in Florence, are independent or stand-alone operations.
It is not uncommon to spend the entire day shopping and still not managing to make it to every store in the mall, so planning and strategy are a must, particularly if you’re on the hunt for something specific or have a list of stores you don’t want to miss out on.
The malls all have websites that provide a complete list of the stores and food outlets and will often have a helpful map to help you plot out your day. It’s definitely worth checking out the website before your visit because apart from listing the shops you can go to, the websites will also give you information about any special offers, additional sales, discount codes or events that may be going on. They will also tell you the different ways to get there, since they’re generally located outside the city centre and the timings and costs of any shuttle buses that can get you there and back.
When you arrive, you can sign in to the free wifi, and it is definitely worthwhile registering as a member of the mall or downloading the mall’s designated app if one is available. This will often get you extra perks and freebies like further discounts at certain stores, free beverages or dessert at some of the eateries or even access to member lounges where you can take a comfortable break and even leave your shopping to carry on your day hands-free.
Once you have your plan in place, it’s time to shop till you drop! Some of the higher end stores have a maximum number of people they let in at one time, so you may see lines forming outside as people wait to enter. Some lines move quite quickly, but it is best to be prepared to wait even 30 minutes or longer outside certain stores. PRO TIP: Hit the biggest brand stores first and as early in the day as you can before the crowds get too big. This will allow you to avoid the longest waiting times and allow you to make the most of your day.
You may ask, are outlet malls really worth the hype, and more importantly the time and patience they take to visit and browse through. Honestly, the answer is entirely subjective and based on whether, like me, you enjoy a day of shopping or are simply searching for a particular item at a better price that you would find in a boutique or department store. The truth is, that outlet malls are entirely a matter of chance. While the prices of items are markedly lower than retail stores, there is a chance that the collections may not be the same as what you would find at a city boutique or department store. Some classic items are not likely to find their way to outlet stores and other pieces may be one season old, but if you get lucky, you may just find exactly what you’re looking for at a great price. Typically, outlet store prices can be anywhere between 20 - 40% lower than retail and if you visit during sale season, you may even get a better deal than that!
Overall, visiting an outlet mall is an experience worth having if you enjoy shopping, but it is best to temper your expectations. While on occasion I have walked away laden with shopping bags and a promise to myself that I can’t shop for another year, there are times when I have come away empty handed.
SHARE ARTICLE
Disha
Disha is a former corporate lawyer with a flair for writing. As an avid traveller, she is always seeking new adventures and loves telling stories about her globe trotting.
