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Despite the fact that online shopping has made everything so easy — especially when you’re looking for a deal — there’s still something a bit thrilling about outlet malls.
Ten years ago they were all a lot more mainstream, and the options for luxury high-end brands were limited. Now, labels like Céline, Gucci, Acne, and more all have outlet destinations, offering archival pieces, occasional runway samples, and extravagant pieces with barely noticeable “flaws” at steep discounts — and especially great prices when it comes to footwear and accessories.
The best part of outlet malls is that they basically function as permanent, everyday sample sales, and guarantee that at any given moment there will always be major deals. Below are 12 outlets around the world that are worth traveling to, or at least worth hitting up at some point along your trip.
Prada Space, Tuscany
Hidden in the Tuscan countryside about an hour’s drive from Florence, this massive, standalone outlet in the middle of nowhere is devoted to women’s and men’s pieces by Prada and Miu Miu. The minimalistic storefront looks more like an office building, but it stands out against the lush, rolling hills and greenery of Northern Italy. Since it’s close to the company’s factories, you can find really special pieces here at great deals — one such success story: a rare Mongolian lamb fur and patent leather Miu Miu crossbody bag for a mere $70.
52025 Montevarchi, Province of Arezzo, Italy
Philipp Plein, New York
The country’s only Philipp Plein outlet is located at Woodbury Common, the outlet mall that’s in upstate New York about an hour outside of Manhattan. For fans of the designer — who is well-known for glitzy pieces embellished with Swarovski crystals — you’ll find past-season merchandise with discounts of around 30 percent off (with steeper deals on holiday weekends).
98 Red Apple Ct, Central Valley, NY 10917
Acne Archive, Stockholm
At one of Acne Studio’s only outlets in the world, this Stockholm space sells clothing and accessories from seasons past as well as reworked, one-of-a-kind styles from the Archives. Reductions start at 40 percent off and go up to around 80 percent off. If you can’t make it here, Woodbury Common also just opened its own Acne Studios outlet, which functions as a regular outlet rather than an archive.
Torsgatan 53, 113 37 Stockholm, Sweden
Céline, New York
The country’s only Céline outlet is also located at Woodbury Common. You definitely won’t find any of Luggage Phantom Totes, but the store does stock Trio, Saddle, and Trapeze bags, wallets, accessories, and shoes. The store also receives runway pieces from time to time, too, and occasionally will offer 50 percent off select items.
498 Red Apple Ct, Central Valley, NY 10917
Marni, Milan
Though there are a few Marni outlets in the US, none have quite the picturesque surroundings as the outlet that’s hidden in a residential area of northern Milan. The store stocks accessories, footwear, and clothing from past seasons for up to 50 percent off. Head there during January or July, when it’s sale season in Italy, for extra discounts.
Via Filippo Tajani 1, 20133 Milan, Italy
Gucci, Tuscany
Inside an outdoor outlet space dubbed The Mall in Tuscany (a 40-minute drive from Prada Space), Gucci is huge. Expect a major selection for men, women, and children, with bags selling for more than 60 percent off. After you shop, head to the connected café where you can sip a drink with Gucci logo latte art.
Via Europa, 8, 50066 Leccio Reggello FI, Italy
Alexander McQueen, California
Located inside the Desert Hills outlet mall is the country’s only Alexander McQueen outlet. Expect to see signatures of the brand for steep discounts, such as a skull-printed scarf or two, printed dresses, and tough, edgy handbags. Discounts typically range from 40 to 80 percent off. A thing to note is that the store rarely receives runway samples.
48400 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230
Maison Martin Margiela, Japan
Located inside Japan’s massive outlet mall, Gotemba Premium Outlets, is a standalone Maison Martin Margiela outlet. It’s one of two in the entire world, and you can take a bus directly from Tokyo to shop it as well as the other hundreds of fashion outlets at the mall, like Balenciaga, Chloé, Fendi, Issey Miyake, and Valentino.
〒412-0023 Shizuoka Prefecture, Gotenba, Fukasawa, 1312
Kenzo, France
On your next trip to Paris, take a 35-minute car ride to La Vallée Village, which houses the world’s only Kenzo outlet. Here, you’ll find the brand’s signature sweatshirts from seasons past as well as printed dresses and clothing for men and women. It’s a great place for fans to stock up on more casual pieces, like tees and fun, printed jeans, too.
3 Cours de la Garonne, 77700 Serris, France
Loewe, Spain
Loewe has a few outlets throughout Europe (and a brand new one at New York’s Woodbury Common outlets), but visiting the outlet in La Roca Village in Spain is slightly more special, as it’s the company’s native country. You’ll find bags, leather goods, and accessories heavily discounted from past seasons at 30 percent to 50 percent off retail prices. The store is also a great place to stock up on quality basics like silk blouses and cashmere sweaters from the men’s and women’s collections.
La Roca Village, s/n, 08430 Santa Agnès de Malanyanes, Barcelona, Spain
Dolce & Gabbana, Las Vegas
If you can’t make it to Italy for a shopping trip, there’s always Vegas — the Dolce & Gabbana outlet exists inside the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets, a quick 13-minute cab ride from the strip, along with other Italian brands Armani and Etro. Currently, the store has spring/summer 2016 in at full price, winter 2015 at 30 percent off, and spring/summer 2015 at 60 percent off. Pro tip: Make sure you turn over every single shoe you’re vaguely interested in to check the price on the sole. You never know when you’ll find a pair for close to just $100.
875 S Grand Central Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89106
Anya Hindmarch, England
The quirky British designer’s only outlet is located at Bicester Village, an outlet mall that houses other English brands like All Saints and Agent Provocateur. Considering the fact that Anya Hindmarch’s bags are rarely steeply marked down elsewhere, this spot is a must-visit for wallets, small leather goods, and unusual pieces from past seasons that may not have sold as well.
50 Pingle Dr, Bicester OX26 6WD, UK