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If you love shopping at outlet malls for great deals, you’ll really love online outlets. You can save big on many of your favorite brands — minus the schlep and the crowds. These discount websites don't always pop up in online searches, however, so you have to know where to look for them. Like physical outlets, online versions sell open-box, past-season and overstock items, and sometimes exclusive labels.
In addition to the stores you'll commonly see at physical outlet malls — including Adidas, Chico’s, J. Crew, Lululemon, Saks and Zales — you can find outlets online for many retailers less likely to have a physical location near you, such as Bloomingdale’s, Best Buy and Wayfair. Even retailers that don’t have standalone outlet sites often feature substantial clearance sections with outlet-style discounts, such as Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Michael’s and Bass Pro Shops. Here are six tips for shopping smart and saving big at online outlets.
1. Know where to look
To find the online outlets of your favorite brands, simply do an online search for its name plus “outlet.” One great place on the web where you can find dozens of outlets is at the online version of mall chain Premium Outlets.
Check out retailer discount websites
2. Double-check prices
The word "outlet" doesn't guarantee you're getting the lowest price, so check for even better deals with a more general search. For example, I spotted a Norelco hair trimmer at Best Buy’s outlet for $21 but a quick search turned up a price of $18 at Kohls.com.
