by Ethel Smith

Created on: May 27, 2007

England has had a fair few outlet stores spring up in the last decade or so. Many are situated on the outskirts of towns, often as part of a bigger shopping complex. Here is what I have found useful when shopping at an outlet store.

Have an idea what you are looking for when you visit an outlet store. This should prevent you buying something which may be a bargain but which ultimately you neither want or need. Sure you may want a skirt and as none are available decide to look at trousers. However what I mean is that if you never buy glitzy clothes and you just buy them at the outlet because they are cheap you have not got a bargain have you?

Many outlet's have a vast array of stocks from housewares to clothing for example. Yes it's fine to pick up a bargain and go with the flow, however if you end up buying something you don't really need or want and it ends up never used it is not really a bargain is it. It is often so tempting seeing the treasures on sale that it's all too easy to get carried away and dramatically over spend.

So unless you have money to burn try and stick within a budget.

Check out the stores available. their opening times, returns policy, payment methods and just how reputable they are. Most stores have been around a while however there are some which spring up and then disappear just as quickly. Likewise you want to know you are buying goods which are good value not a shoddy second best.

So research the outlet concerned.

If it is at all possible to try clothes on before purchasing do so. As outlet's are often miles from anywhere it can be a pain taking something back. You could end up just keeping it as it's much easier than having to mess about. In this case your purchase will end up as no bargain at all.

So try before you buy.

Finally remember that many outlet stores are nowhere near as organised on the shop floor as a regular store. Some almost give the appearance of a jumble sale. You will need time and patience to work your way through the rails in order to find the best bargains and what is right for you.

So have patience and allow time.

Shopping from outlet stores can be fun and rewarding but remember that it's a totally different shopping experience to regular shopping. Still we all love shopping and bagging a bargain, and outlet's are a great way to do just that.

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