Shopping
Ins and Outlets
Our expert tells you everything you ever wanted to know about shopping Texas’ factory-outlet malls.
(Page 2 of 2)
But There’s No Shame in Settling for Seconds. Two types of less-than-perfect goods find their way to outlets. “Irregulars” have virtually unnoticeable flaws—a crooked waistband seam, a slightly lighter color than the manufacturer’s specifications, a missing bow—but they can be unbeatable bargains, like Wemco’s 100 percent silk ties for $4.99. “Seconds” have somewhat more-serious flaws like stains, pulls, and slight misshapes, but if you check them carefully and are willing to do minor repairs, you can save 70 to 80 percent, especially on clothing. Houseware seconds are also a bargain: Lenox’s Abbey-patterned crystal bowls, regularly $53, go for only $16.
Down to the Nitty-gritty: Outlet Mall Sales. Yes, it’s true. Outlet stores have sales to fulfill any bargain hunter’s fantasy: $10 black pants at Chaus, $20 dresses at Eddie Bauer, and 50 percent off all Oneida crystal. Seasonal sales are common, including large savings on housewares and linens in the fall and on clothing in the spring and summer. Also, some stores, such as Lenox and Oneida, have special promotions. Be sure to get on Lenox’s mailing list since the store sends out coupons for free crystal when you spend a certain amount at the store.
Achieving Critical Mass. Why are these malls so far from major cities? Simple: Manufacturers don’t want to undercut their regular retail stores. Of course, if you live in a major city, it’s not cost effective to drive thirty miles to save $4 on a four-quart Corning casserole dish, but add in a $20 savings on a Countess Mara tie at Wemco (usually $55), $21 on a pinpoint cotton dress shirt at Hathaway (normally $48), and $80 on a five-piece place setting of Lenox’s broad gold-rimmed Tuxedo pattern (regularly $212), and it’s definitely worth the gas.
Compounding Your Savings With Coupons. Trade publications such as the Joy of Outlet Shopping (800-344-6397) and Outletbound (800-336-8853) cost almost nothing to buy and they offer coupons. Additionally, outlet malls pass out buying-incentive coupons to large groups that come in buses just to shop. Just call ahead so the management will know you’re coming. As a result, savvy buyers can often do even better than the marked low price.
Expect the Unexpected. Never assume that a store known for one thing doesn’t have surprises. Chicago Cutlery Etc. specializes in knives, but the real reason to cross its threshold is the unusual selection of aprons, tote bags, and candles. Famous Brands Housewares carries bowls, kitchen gadgets, and glasses, but less-usual bargains include picture frames, albums, magnets, table linens, and decorative coffee mugs.
Creature Comforts. The biggest disappointment of outlet malls is food. Most complexes have customer conveniences like rest areas, TV rooms, and automatic-teller machines—the San Marcos mall even has a miniature golf course ($3.95 for eighteen holes). But their food service is rudimentary. Fast food is the only option at San Marcos, which seems odd considering the mall’s upscale image. And both the Hillsboro and the Conroe centers offer a single eatery, Cafe de France, a slightly pricey sit-down restaurant. The Lone Star State Factory Stores outlet presently has no eating places at all, which means you have to leave the complex for lunch. Overall, the Mill Store Plaza is best, with both a fast-food court and the restaurant-style New Braunfels Smokehouse.
Bests and Worsts
Oneida (Hillsboro, New Braunfels) is the crème de la crème of outlets. Sixty percent off silver-plated serving trays, silver-plated baby spoons for $5, baby cups for $6 to $13, a Chippendale five-piece coffee set for only $194.21, and stray flatware starting at 98 cents all attest to the phenomenal bargains. It makes you want to stockpile for every conceivable birth, graduation, anniversary, or wedding in the next twelve months.
Eddie Bauer (Hillsboro, San Marcos) has bargain-basement sale prices ($9.99 for men’s plaid shirts), but the store also offers a 30 to 60 percent savings on most other items. The men’s clothing seems to be priced a bit less than the women’s, but all the prices are low.
I. B. Diffusion (Hillsboro) carries a colorful, well-made line of women’s leisurewear with decorative tops and a wide variety of pants and skirts. The sales staff is attentive but not overbearing. On a recent visit, one salesperson pointed out the best buy in the store—a pair of stretch pants covered with bright geometric shapes on sale for only $9.
Body Drama (Hillsboro) is a Victoria’s Secret–style shop specializing in lacy lingerie, surprising customers with its large selection and low prices. The classy Christian Dior undies can be marked down as much as 30 percent.
Liz Claiborne (Hillsboro, Conroe) is another story. The sign says “Welcome to the Irregulars Only Liz Claiborne Outlet Store,” so if you want first-quality Liz, don’t bother. The prices are discounted, but the styles are mostly last season’s (and the season before last season), and all sales are final—a policy that most outlets now avoid. On top of that, the racks are jammed and look like they’re never cleared.
Shoe discounts vary from store to store, but both Nine West (Hillsboro, San Marcos, Conroe) and Unisa (San Marcos, Hillsboro) offer large selections, with flats marked as low as $20 a pair. Nike (Hillsboro, Conroe, San Marcos) gives a $10 to $15 savings on most styles and sometimes has a bargain rack of $10 athletic shoes. The selection is minimal, but it could be just the thing if you have a growing teenage boy.
Outlet shopping for children’s clothes can truly save your budget. Carter’s Childrenswear (Hillsboro, Conroe, Denton) and Kid’s Zone (La Marque, New Braunfels) are the main “kids only” outlet stores.
Fragrance shops all offer famous and lesser-known perfumes and toiletries at about 30 percent off. The trick is not being too picky. While the Perfumania in Conroe may carry Cartier, Opium, and Halston on a given day, the other locations might have Passion, Poison, and Yves Saint Laurent.
How fad conscious are your kids? Do they have to own the latest trolls? If so, they won’t be impressed with outlet toy stores. You won’t find the latest craze at either Toys Unlimited (Conroe, Hillsboro, New Braunfels) or Toy Liquidators (San Marcos, La Marque), but both stores offer a variety of games, cars, puzzles, dolls, books, and Barbie paraphernalia, including the ski shop and lagoon pool ($9.99 each, as opposed to the Toys ’R Us price of $16.99).
Regardless of minor downfalls, outlets do save money—even on the least-discounted items. And, if you view each outlet excursion as an opportunity for one-stop shopping, the potential for savings is easily multiplied. Basically, outlets allow you to purchase the same amount of merchandise for less money than you would spend at a retail store. So why shop anywhere else?
Pages: 1 2
My Library
