8 Ways to Save Money at Outlet Stores

Outlets used to be where brands dumped their leftovers. Today, it’s more complicated

Perry Santanachote,

AARP

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En español

Published June 16, 2026

Jared Oriel

Key takeaways

Outlet stores are built on the promise of deals, but before committing to a purchase, it’s worth comparing prices from competing retailers.
Clearance inventory can be hit-or-miss, but patient shoppers willing to dig through the racks can sometimes uncover the steepest discounts in the store.
Before making an outlet purchase online, verify that the website is legitimate. Fraudulent retail websites, including phony outlet stores, have become increasingly common.

Decades ago, bargain hunters would drive miles outside major cities to sprawling outlet centers, looking to score deep discounts on designer goods that had previously been offered at full price in traditional retail stores. Today, outlet shopping is different, for better and for worse.

“Outlet prices and deals are more accessible than they’ve been in the past, because you can find these sales online,” says Andrea Woroch, a consumer savings adviser in Bakersfield, California. Another way outlet shopping has evolved: Brands now make products specifically for their outlet stores. Many of these items cost less because they’re often made with cheaper materials or have simpler construction, Woroch says.

That doesn’t automatically make outlet merchandise a bad buy, but it does mean outlet shoppers need to be a bit more strategic. “If you know what you’re getting into, [outlet products] can still be a great deal,” says Woroch. “You just want to make sure you’re not compromising quality simply because the price looks good.”

Here’s how to make sure you’re actually getting a bargain at outlet stores.

1. Compare prices

Outlet stores are built on the promise of deals, but before committing to a purchase, it’s worth checking how the item is priced elsewhere. A look at prices from competing retailers can show whether the outlet is offering a genuine bargain.

Brick-and-mortar outlets often run in-store-only promotions, says Lisa Wagner, founder of The Outlet Resource Group, an outlet consultancy.

2. Start by shopping online

Mark Cohen, a retail analyst and former director of retail studies at Columbia University’s business school, recommends browsing outlet inventory online before shopping in person, since what’s in stock can vary by store. He also recommends reading customer reviews before making a purchase.

3. Don’t skip the clearance section

Many outlets have clearance racks where discounted items are marked down even further. Don’t overlook them.

The trade-off is selection, says Wagner. Clearance inventory can be hit-or-miss, with limited sizes, off-season styles and final-sale policies. But patient shoppers willing to dig through the racks can sometimes uncover the steepest discounts in the store.

4. Stack coupons and loyalty rewards

Price tags at outlet stores are often just a starting point. Many brands offer additional savings through loyalty programs, email promotions and mobile apps. These channels frequently provide early alerts about sales, limited-time coupons or member-exclusive promotions, says Wagner.

Woroch recommends stacking savings — for example, using coupons on top of earning reward points or cash back with your purchase. If it’s your first time shopping at a particular outlet, signing up for the brand’s email newsletter can unlock an additional discount — often 10 to 20 percent off your first order. When shopping online, activate cash-back apps or browser extensions to nab additional savings.

5. Beat the weekend rush

Timing can improve your chances of finding both good deals and compatible sizes. Wagner suggests hitting outlet stores on Thursdays or Fridays, when many place new discounted merchandise on the floor in anticipation of weekend crowds.

6. Don’t overlook home goods and furniture

Clothing may be the most common outlet item, but you can also find great deals on home goods, kitchenware and furniture, says Woroch. These are often marked down significantly because they come from previous collections or discontinued color lines. For shoppers who don’t mind owning last season’s style — a cookware set from last year’s collection typically works just as well as the new version — the savings can be significant.

7. Hit up high-end brands

Not every outlet item matches the quality of products sold at traditional retail stores, but for shoppers focused on long-term value, premium outlets often offer better buys than the middle- or lower-end brands, says Cohen. “High-value brands tend to maintain their integrity no matter how their goods wind up being sold,” he says.

8. Watch out for scams

Online outlet bargains can be tempting, but shoppers should be vigilant. The Federal Trade Commission says fraudulent retail websites, including phony outlet stores, have become increasingly common.

If you see a price that’s far below what competitors are charging for the same product, it could be a warning sign, says Gema de las Heras, a consumer education specialist with the FTC.

She recommends online shoppers pay with a credit card, which offers stronger consumer protections than debit cards do and allows consumers to dispute fraudulent charges if an item never arrives or is defective.

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Perry Santanachote is a Denver-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping, Serious Eats and other publications.