Tips To Maximize Savings When Outlet Shopping

I went outlet shopping a few weeks ago and was reminded at just how much money you can save at the outlets over normal retail stores.  Given the fact that Texas Tax-Free Weekend is coming up this weekend (note the date has been changed to August 9-11!), I wanted to pass on some tips that I’ve learned along the way to help you guys save extra money too.  I know that if I can find the time, I’ll be scoping out the deals at my local outlet mall during tax free weekend!

1. VIP coupon book:
   This was my BIGGEST mistake in the past.  If you are headed to a Premium Outlet, you MUST download their VIP coupon book.  An email subscription is required but it’s totally worth it.  The book is full of coupons and deals that usually stack on top of existing deals!  For example, Kate Spade had a 10% off coupon for every $100 spent.  This deal is in addition to an existing 50% off of all purses deal currently running in their stores!  I was this close to picking up a striped Kate Spade purse…
   

    

2. Email subscriber deals:
   Outlet stores also have extra savings that are sent out to their email subscribers.  These deals also oftentimes stack on top of existing in-store deals.  My favorites are Banana Republic, Gap, and LOFT as their deals are usually something like “an extra 10% off the entire purchase” type of coupon.  On my last outlet trip, I was able to buy a pair of Gap jeans [link] that were 50% off and stacked a 10% email coupon on top!
   

    

3. Ask for unpublished discounts and student / teacher / military discounts:
   Don’t be afraid to ask if there are any discounts they can give you.  If your purchase doesn’t qualify for any deals found in the VIP coupon book and you don’t have any email coupons either, just ask the associate during checkout if there are any discounts they can give you if you’re a VIP member.  I recently purchased a dress from Saks Off 5th and while it didn’t qualify for the 20% off VIP coupon since it was less than $100, the associate was willing to give me a 15% off discount just because I asked.  Obviously this won’t work at every store — I tried asking at J.Crew Factory and was politely denied.  It never hurts to ask though![Update]: Reader Janice also mentioned that some stores offer student, teacher, and military discounts!  J.Crew Factory offers 15% off  for teachers and college students, so be sure to have your ID handy.  Thanks, Janice!
4. Compare brand-specific and conglomerate / dept store prices:
   This is especially important if you’re shopping for accessories like purses or watches.  Be sure to check prices at both brand-specific and larger umbrella-type stores.  For example, if you’re looking for a Michael Kors watch, of course check the Michael Kors outlet store but also check stores such as Watch Station, Fossil Outlet, and even Bloomingdales The Outlet Store that also carry the brand.  Similarly, if you’re on the hunt for a Kate Spade purse, check stores such as Nieman Marcus Last Call and Bloomingdales The Outlet Store in addition to the Kate Spade store.  You’ll be amazed at the price differences among the various stores that carry the same brand!
5. Sales tax refund booths:
   This last time is applicable to those who might be travelling internationally.  Many outlet stores now have tax refund booths where you can take your qualifying item and a copy of your travel documentation (e.g. itinerary, e-ticket) to get a tax refund.  You can save yourself the hassle of doing this at the airport and most booths will give you a refund IN CASH on the spot!  Here’s more info for those in Texas.

Let me know if you found these tips helpful.  If you’re in Texas, the outlets will have extended hours for tax-free weekend.  Happy outlet shopping!