Designer retail outlets – are they worth the schlep?

Former_MSE_Weleid

'If you live near Bicester, Gretna, York or any of the UK’s other outlet villages and have a penchant for designer goods, it’s likely I’m preaching to the choir. If you can’t resist a bargain, maybe it’s time you planned a trip to one...'

Read MSE Weleid's full blog: 'Designer retail outlets – are they worth the schlep?'[URL="http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/team-blog/2016/10/26/designer-retail-outlets-are-they-worth-the-schlep/][/URL]

Former_MSE_Andrea

Hi everyone

We thought you might like to read Weleid's new blog.

What do you think? Have you grabbed any bargains for the kids at outlet villages?

Bogalot

The blog is very waffley, it's basically a description of her family's shopping trip. The only analysis is a comparison of what she bought against RRP, which is often overinflated. Might be why so few (no) replies?

Ames

The one I go to (York) doesn't have many designer brands. I mainly use it for Next, M&S, Whittard and the Body Shop. I wouldn't call any of those designer.

The few designer ones it does have are still more than I'd be prepared to pay for an item.

Gloomendoom

Bogalot wrote: »

Might be why so few (no) replies?

Or it could be that nobody has the faintest idea what "schlep" is.

I had to look it up.

Pollycat

Gloomendoom wrote: »

Or it could be that nobody has the faintest idea what "schlep" is.

I had to look it up.

Me too.
And I'm not convinced that it's the right word anyway

Out,_Vile_Jelly

I had to meet someone in Bicester Village for lunch one glorious sunny Sunday. It was like a portal to hell.

warehouse

Out,_Vile_Jelly wrote: »

I had to meet someone in Bicester Village for lunch one glorious sunny Sunday. It was like a portal to hell.

Exactly this. I will never go near the place again. Also why do people think the word "outlet" will mean bargains? Idiots.

Newly_retired

Normally I hate these places, avoid them like the plague.
But we have a Boundary Mills shopping place near us which I frequent.
Masses of bargains, well below RRP, then with frequent further reductions, especially on Jacques Vert, Hobbs, Jaegar, but also less prestigious brands, Roman, Dash, Alexon and many more.
Something for everyone, except size 6. Also shoes, especially Hotter, Pavers, Hush Puppies, Timberland.
Lots of changing rooms with cubicles. Helpful staff, masses of parking.
Also furniture store, garden centre on site. Not a shopping mall. Well worth the journey.

Former_MSE_Weleid

Out,_Vile_Jelly wrote: »

I had to meet someone in Bicester Village for lunch one glorious sunny Sunday. It was like a portal to hell.

I would leave well before lunchtime if you don't like crowds.

Newly_retired wrote: »

Normally I hate these places, avoid them like the plague.
But we have a Boundary Mills shopping place near us which I frequent.
Masses of bargains, well below RRP, then with frequent further reductions, especially on Jacques Vert, Hobbs, Jaegar, but also less prestigious brands, Roman, Dash, Alexon and many more.
Something for everyone, except size 6. Also shoes, especially Hotter, Pavers, Hush Puppies, Timberland.
Lots of changing rooms with cubicles. Helpful staff, masses of parking.
Also furniture store, garden centre on site. Not a shopping mall. Well worth the journey.

Sounds like it could be worth a visit if you live nearby one.

Hermia

Out,_Vile_Jelly wrote: »

I had to meet someone in Bicester Village for lunch one glorious sunny Sunday. It was like a portal to hell.

Too true. I came home feeling like I was suffering from some form of PTSD! Saying that my friend, who has a job which requires high-end clothing, got some nice classic pieces at a very good price. The Cath Kidston store is also good. I got some lovely stripey gloves for £3 which still look new even though I wear them every day in winter.

I do like Clarks Village in Somerset. It gets busy, but there seems to be more seating and outdoor areas where you can get away from the crowds. I wear petite brands which are often expensive and difficult to find and have had some luck picking up petite work clothes at Clarks Village.