"Designer Villages"

Backbiter

There's a big one near me in Bridgend, S Wales. I'd say 90% of their stuff is either poor quality or not much cheaper than the High St, but I still think it's a place worth visiting. I've bought loads of quality branded stuff there for a bargain price. And if you show your Union membership card you get 10% off vouchers.
One 'outlet' that makes me laugh is Tog24. Not that it's poor quality or anything, it's just that it's a chain that only seems to exist at these outlet centres. So how can it be 'cheaper than the High St' when all it sells is Tog 24 gear that you don't see on the High St?

henhog

I live near the Hatfield Galleria and think it's wonderful! My fave is the Marks and Spencer outlet - £18 coat for little one at £2, all underwear a fraction of the price etc, school uniform dead cheap and it is all stuff I have seen in the store. Other good ones are the cheap toy shop and the Jane Shilton shop. TX Max is brilliant if you have the time and can be bothered you can get bargains. I have seen that TOG shop somewhere at full price when on holiday - the lakedistrict maybe? I just think it's funny that they think they are quite trendy but to millions of us Radio 2 fans TOG means Terry's Old Girls/ geezers!

CJW2006

I've seen TOG 24 stuff at quite a number of high street independent ski/outdoor shops at high street prices. I've always been very pleased with the stuff i've bought from them.

taxiphil

I do agree that the popularity of these Outlet Villages has led to them becoming more and more like normal shopping centres. Take Thorntons, for instance, who are cropping up at the Outlet Villages. Their products ranges and prices are exactly the same as in their high street stores - they don't even claim to be any different. And the food courts at these places are invariably more expensive than on the high street (£5.49 for a jacket potato and soft drink - no thanks!).

Having said that, I always find that Mexx and Timberland Outlet Stores, without fail, offer brilliant bargains that you'll never find in their high street shops.

carrie483

Does anyone know if there is one of these around Essex? Or would it be the braintree one as thats about 1.5 hours drive from me :(Thanks.

Ticklemouse

I went to Cheshire Oaks for the first time last week. I thought it was great - but I still look at the item and think "is it worth it to me?"

BTW - I still "saved" over £200 :rotfl:

Philippa36

Ticklemouse wrote:

I went to Cheshire Oaks for the first time last week. I thought it was great - but I still look at the item and think "is it worth it to me?"

BTW - I still "saved" over £200 :rotfl:

I do that too :rotfl:

I have got some really good bargains from there though, and its good exercise walking all the way round

Hermia

I go to the Clarks Shopping Village in Street and think it's fab. I have got some gorgeous top-quality suits for work at silly prices, loads of brilliant kitchenware and some lovely gifts there. Of course, not everything is great, but you should still be the savvy shopper you normally are when you go to one of these places! I avoid any brands I have never heard of (unless the goods are obviously top-quality) and always make sure I buy things I am familiar with so that I know roughly what they normally cost.

flea72

theres an outlet village at Clacton, but its quite small and only really has the usual claires accessories, next and thorntons. The Braintree one is better, but it depends on what you are after.

https://www.clactonvillage.co.uk

Flea

carrie483 wrote:

Does anyone know if there is one of these around Essex? Or would it be the braintree one as thats about 1.5 hours drive from me :(Thanks.

MORPH3US

Cheshire Oaks for me too, I love the place.

Although sometimes you go and come home with loads of bargains, sometimes you go and its a complete waste of time, all tat.

Pot luck really!!!

M