Maximize Your Trip to the Outlets -- Savings Experiment

As we all know, outlet malls are a great way to save money on brand name items. However, if you don't have a good shopping strategy, you could end up overspending or missing out on a great deal. So, before you hit the road, here are a few things to look out for while shopping at the outlets.

First, watch out for the different types of stores you'll find there. Most outlet malls have factory stores, which tend to sell lower-quality clothes, and true outlet stores, which usually carry overstock from last season. But among these shops are regular retail stores that sneak into outlet malls to take advantage of the big crowds they draw. Don't be fooled -- the deals at these stores are no better than what you'd find in their other locations.

Another way to get the most out of your trip is by knowing when to shop. Your best bet is going during the middle of the week. Not only will you avoid the huge crowds, you'll have a much better chance at finding a one-of-a-kind deal. In fact, at Simon Premium Outlets, which has dozens of locations around the country, shoppers age 50 and up get an additional 10 percent off on Tuesdays. Take advantage of those mid-week deals!

Finally, before you leave, go online and take advantage of coupons that most outlet malls offer. For example, at PremiumOutlets.com, you can sign up for their VIP rewards program and get coupons and vouchers for free. The best part is you can usually combine these coupons with in-store sales, which means you'll double up on the discounts.

Remember these tips to get the most out of your outlet shopping trip. You'll see that by doing a little bit of planning before you leave, you'll be able to save a lot more while you shop.

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