What is an outlet store? | London Designer Outlet (2024)

We’ve all heard it before – “I’m not shopping at an outlet store, it’s all past season, damaged items.” – but how true is this statement? Not at all!

We’re here to debunk the myths of outlet shopping and the benefits of seeking out the array of outlet stores at London Designer Outlet.

Let’s start with the basics…

What is an outlet store?

An outlet store (sometimes called a factory outlet) is a shop that sells items at discounted prices.

If you’re looking for designer, branded items at a fraction of the cost you’re used to seeing then look no further than London Designer Outlet.

While high streets offer limited time only sales, at outlet stores you will benefit from offers and every day bargains all year round. Many of the offers at outlet stores will not be found anywhere else, and despite popular belief they include recent fashion trends.

Forget the myth of past season clothing and shoes that didn’t make it to the tills – outlet stores actually stock an abundance of the most popular items from previous seasons that perhaps were out of stock or hard to find on the high street. This gives you a second chance to buy sought-after items at a fraction of the price while still being in keeping with the current season’s trends.

What’s even better? As the stock comes directly from the brands you all know and love – the exceptional quality you’d expect still remains, as does a few extra ££s in your pocket.

A spokesperson for M&S in a recent Guardian article says its outlets are made up of “essential and bestselling products from previous seasons that we know our customers love, so we bring them back for a discounted price at a time which is seasonally relevant, as well as excess and clearance stock.”

What’s the difference between outlet and retail stores?

The key, obvious difference between these two types of stores is the price. The quality of wardrobe favourites found at outlets remains the same as a retail store except there’s a significant price drop when you get to the tills.

You’ll only be able to bag a bargain during key times throughout the year, like Boxing Day sales or special in-store events on the high street whereas stores at London Designer Outlet give you the most for your money – All. The. Time. How good is that?

Why are outlets cheaper than normal shops?

Outlets are able to offer their customers daily bargains and discounted deals as the items they’re selling aren’t always from this season’s collections.

That doesn’t mean to say they’re not popular or liked by shoppers but often means they are no longer available on the high street and therefore the price can be decreased, often a hefty amount.

There’s also special ‘made for outlet’ collections – meaning you’ll be able to get exclusive items that aren’t available anywhere else on the market. We all love to have something no one else has, right? These lines are made with outlets in mind, producing items that are high in demand and known to sell well.

What day is best to shop at outlets?

We don’t want to give all our secrets away but if you’re asking… At LDO, Tuesdays and Saturdays are the main delivery days and your best shot of getting hot-off-the-press buys.

With steals to grab every day, “the early bird gets the worm” definitely rings true. If you’re looking for a specific item in one of our 70+ stores, come early to avoid the rush and give yourself a pick of the crop on the deals and discounts available.

What’s more?

We’re so much more than outlet shopping at London Designer Outlet with family-friendly restaurants aplenty and a nine-screen Cineworld cinema to enjoy.

We also host regular events and there are some store-specific offerings including tailoring, shoe fitting and gift wrapping – adding to your shopping experience!

At London Designer Outlet you’ll find over 70 stores stocked with must-have, can’t-keep-your-hands-off items with up to 70% off all year round. Yes, all year! Just one of the many benefits of outlet shopping!