11 Stores You Didn’t Know Have Outlets

Going to the outlet mall was once a big event. You’d pile into the car and drive to a collection of luxury-brand stores that had merchandise available at a greatly reduced price. At the end of the day, you’d return home with bags full of designer duds and your wallet not that much lighter.

These days, outlets are no longer just brick-and-mortar locations — you can find plenty of them online — but the concept is the same. A store with “outlet” at the end is an offshoot of a brand where the manufacturer sells extra stock, returns, factory seconds, and more directly to consumers. (Many outlet stores also create products specifically for the outlet.) In addition to lower base prices, outlets also have consistent sales to clear out the extra stock, so they’re great places to score deals. And in recent years, they have extended well beyond their designer roots. Here are a few big brands you may not have known have outlet stores — and how you can shop them. 

Target

Target is already full of deals, but when stores have extra stock they need to clear, they’ll send it to Target salvage stores. According to Krazy Koupon Lady, these stores won’t have the Target name attached: Instead, you can find highly discounted items from Target (and maybe from Walmart and Amazon as well) at Goodwill, Big Deal Outlet, Bargain Hunt, Bulldog Liquidators, Dirt Cheap, and other retailers. Where the items end up depends on your state, so ask local Target employees where their stores offload extra inventory. 

REI

If you’re planning an outdoorsy vacation and don’t want to break the bank, tracking down deals at REI’s outlet is a good place to start. Their outlet stock — which the site says consists of “end-of-season closeouts and previous-year models” handpicked by their dealers — can be up to 40% off. Plus, everything is backed by REI’s 100% satisfaction guarantee, and you can return anything you buy online from the outlet at an REI store if it doesn’t work for you.

Amazon

Already a frequent destination for bargain shoppers, Amazon offers even more discounts on the outlet section of their site. It’s regularly updated with new products, and you can browse the deals category for even more markdowns. 

Pottery Barn

Redecorating is expensive, and you don’t want to cut corners on furniture since you have to look at — and sit on — it every day. Thankfully, there are Open Box outlet pages for Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and Pottery Barn Teen, which all list returned items (hence the name “Open Box”) at a discount. If you want to see items for yourself, the company also has in-person outlets. Stock varies, but some (like the location in Elizabeth, New Jersey) have Instagram pages where they announce stock. You can find the outlets on Pottery Barn’s store locations page (look for the “O” icon).

West Elm

Though West Elm has decent deals during sales, you can find even deeper discounts on their Open Box page, where they sell returned items. Because the items are returned, they may have signs of use — make sure to review the extra images of the item before you buy to understand its condition (damage or wear will be marked with red stickers). 

Best Buy

The Best Buy Outlet is a great place to find returned, refurbished, or clearance electronics, wearable tech, appliances, and more. There are 19 outlets in 14 states; the location in Cleveland, Ohio, specifically sells major appliances, so it’s the place to go for new kitchen or laundry appliances. You can shop Best Buy’s returned products online as well. 

L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean has a reputation for high-quality outdoor goods that last forever — so getting those items discounted at one of the company’s outlet stores feels like an especially great deal. You can find outlets in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New York. Check out the company’s store locations page. 

Zales

New jewelry doesn’t have to break the bank. Zales has an online outlet with deals up to 50% off (and some promotions give even deeper discounts than that), so it’s a great place to shop for everything from casual hoop earrings to diamond engagement rings. 

Pendleton

Pendleton Woolen Mills was established in Oregon in 1863, and it’s still producing its iconic cozy blankets, high-quality wool products, and more today. The company has some physical outlets, as well as an online outlet with a small selection of deep discounts on an assortment of items; check back regularly to see if anything you’ve had your eye on gets added. 

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Inc. owns Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, and the clothing rental brand Nuuly. The individual stores don’t have specific outlets, but you can find clothing, shoes, and accessories from all of them at the company’s resale store, Reclectic. It’s a great option if you love secondhand and vintage shopping but want a more updated wardrobe. There are six Reclectic locations around the country. If you’re looking for furniture, there are two Anthropologie Home Outlets in Pennsylvania. 

Lululemon 

There are some brick-and-mortar Lululemon outlets, but you can also browse the  “we made too much” page on their website. This overstock page has items priced under $50, so if you keep an eye on it, you can probably find your preferred size, color, and style of fitness gear at a great price. 

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