by August Breeze

Created on: April 09, 2009   Last Updated: April 10, 2009

I love high-end designer clothes and accessories, and outlet store shopping becomes a very fulfilling experience.

While the best time to shop in the regular mall is usually Jan, April, July and October when the stores change season, everything is discounted at the outlets throughout the year. Each major holiday, the stores will offer additional discounts and promotion. I've found great deals such as wonderful Coach bags 75% off retail price, Cole Hahn shoes at 80% off and Versace silk scarf at 70% discount. The following are some of my experience I'd like to share.

Register at VIP Club and print out online coupons before the trip. One of my favorite outlet chains is Chelsea Premium Outlet http://www.premiumoutlets.com/. They offer free VIP club membership. Be sure to register online and check out the coupons before you go. You may even print out a coupon to get a coupon booklet and some additional seasonal store discounts online.

Get onto store email list. Many stores offer registered customers additional discount. Off Fifth Avenue Outlet offers 30% off coupons every once in a while to those who register with email address or home address.

Get a store credit card. Store credit card offers additional discount at times. For example, Neiman Marcus store credit card offers customer 5% off everything you buy at Neiman Marcus Last Call outlet. The store sometimes has 20% off throughout the store. But if you use the store credit card, there are times you will get another 20% discount on top of it.

While it is a lot of fun shopping at outlet, I always tell myself to refrain from impulse buying. Instead of buying 10 pieces at a highly discounted price, I would rather invest in one piece I truly appreciate and know that I will love for a long time. Like many others, I have a lot of everything in my closet already. In case changing my mind a few days after shopping, I also keep the receipt and tags on the product for a week or two and try it on again at home to ensure I really want to keep it.

Many outlet malls are outdoors, so it would be wise to check weather of the specific location when you are planning the trip and dress accordingly. Especially during winter months, be sure to wear winter coat to keep warm when you shop at Northeast. Do not forget to apply sun lotion when you shop during summer months.

As long as you follow these basic principles, I'm sure you will have a lot of fun shopping at outlets. Happy shopping!

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