PEr FYI

November 4, 2018

Lotte Outlets, Seoul… Avoid, avoid

In Seoul it is easy to shop ’til you drop. With so many options, how can you know where to go first?

I can’t answer that question for you but I do know the one not to go at all would be Lotte Outlets. It is by far the saddest mall experience in Seoul. Good luck to anyone trying to find great value stuff to buy.

Lotte Outlets is forgettable. Next. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…

lotte outlet sel1

July 22, 2018

Bicester Village, London…Who needs the sale when you can shop here year round?

First, get the pronunciation right. It’s like “blister” without the “l”.

This rural England shopping centre – more than 160 stores and precisely 46 minutes by train from London’s Marylebone station – is almost as popular among Chinese tourists as Buckingham Palace.

This is the place to find deep discounts on designer and name brands. You will find everything you need from head to toe and from kitchen to living room. It is chockful of popular brands and perennial favorites, so anyone who is a loyal fan of any particular brands will want to check ahead to scope out their choices.

You will have saved so much. Even if you go in the poorhouse, you’ve spent your money wisely. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…

bicester village1

bicester village2

January 7, 2017

Premium outlet Cha-Am, Hua Hin…..a ghost town disguised as an outlet mall

If you are a seasoned shopper, you would probably love to shop in outlet malls.

There is not enough big names to pull the shoppers into this premium outlet. Although it has names like GEOX, Billabong, ECCO, Triumph, Samsonite, Lacoste, everything isn’t a bargain, finding a deal in here requires a little work – and it sorely lacks the appeal of outlet malls. It’s simply just dull and very quiet. Practically deserted.The staff standing by idly while they wait for something to do. Very dull with no atmosphere. Zero, ziltch, nil, nothing, nada.

It’s just a vast expanse of brick and mortar emporiums that many Thai and tourists no longer visit. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…

premium-outlet-huahin

April 10, 2016

Mitsui Outlet Park, Kuala Lumpur…you will be sorely disappointed

As the economy and inflation continue to pinch consumers’ wallets, outlets are a great way to save money on your favorite brands. Who doesn’t love a deal?

There are 13 Mitsui Outlet Parks across Japan but this is the first one outside of the country. Located 60km from KL and 6km from KLIA, the outlet offers 127 stores with brands such as Nike, Levi’s, Versace, Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Samsonite and Swarovski.

Plenty of stores here really aren’t discount stores, they’re just there to confuse consumers into thinking they are. Here are some hot tips : be familiar with current merchandise to be able to identify clothing that may be a few seasons old. Knowing retail prices before entering a store can help you make better decisions.

If you’re looking for a good buy at great discount, you will be sorely disappointed. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…

mitsui outlet kl

November 22, 2015

Premium outlet Phuket…I was uber-disappointed!

I write a lot of lists telling shoppers the best outlet malls to visit around the world. But how about where not to go?

Premium Outlet Phuket is supposed to be THE premium outlet mall in Phuket with outlet stores from 300 brand names, Lacoste, Guy Laroche, Hush Puppies, Warner Bros, Levi’s, Nautica, Adidas, Nike and Thai brands, so I was all psyched about what I might find there. I was disappointed with the lack of selection and deals. It was one let down after another. Many of the stores caused me to walk in and out.

Regardless of the downfalls, I did managed to save money – a pair of Geox shoes –  was the only thing that made the trip worthwhile.

I feel for Phuket. It deserves a better outlet mall with real deals. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…

premium-outlet-1-easy-branches-phuket[1]

August 9, 2015

Orlando International Premium Outlets, Orlando…..It’s hit and miss really.

First things first, you need to know that attaining a vacant spot at the parking facilities is a near-impossible task. Finding one is like winning a battle.

The mall has 180 stores including 22 food and beverage outlets. You can get decent trainers at a good price and luggage, sports gear. The outlet stores I browsed included: Calvin Klein, Nike, Under Armour, and Polo Ralph Lauren among others. The outlet mall’s Nike store didn’t slam dunk the competition. other marquee retailers including Tumi, Bath and Body Works, Vitamin World, Armani Exchange, DKNY, J.Crew, Levi’s Outlet Store, Sketchers and Samsonite. Judging by the crush of cars circling the carpark and the constant ring of shopping tills at some of the stores, the outlet mall is pretty popular. Another reason for a miss is the lack of good food offerings however, some new names are on the way – like Panera Bread – and can only elevate the experience of shopping here.

As it’s outdoors it’s less egh than other malls. And it’s laid out in such a way that I can get in and out and am not forced to do loops through a building designed to keep me shopping all day. Comparing this outlet to the ones in Vegas and New York/New jersey,  this outlet mall doesn’t have as much designer stores as the others (so that’s the only thing i’m disappointed about).

All things considered, it’s hit and miss, really. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…

outlet orlando

May 31, 2015

Wertheim Village, Frankfurt…you’ll find offers to make you salivate

There are many deals to be had for the serious bargain hunter who is willing to venture an hour outside the city limits and commit themselves to a designer clothing fiesta at discount store prices. Wertheim Village is an adventure for anyone who has champagne taste on a beer budget, or can’t bear to buy anything at full price.

This sprawling Franconian style outdoor shopping center boasts over 110 brands and popular stores such as WMF, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, The Body Shop, Lindt, Calvin Klein and Geox. Bargains on upscale merchandise as bags by Kate Spade and Coach to fashion by Hugo Boss to Polo Ralph Lauren. The downside is that searching for bargains works up an appetite, however, there are not that many places to eat here.  Like all other shopping malls in Frankfurt, the outlet is closed on Sundays. With regards to getting there, if you choose the “express option” you will be taken in a luxury coach in central Frankfurt to Wertheim Village and simply meet back up with your host at the prearranged time to return to Frankfurt.

Take a trip to Wertheim Village and you’ll find offers to make you salivate. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…

wertheim fra2

wertheim fra1

 

March 10, 2013

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, New York City…like Disneyland for shopaholics!

An outdoor (so wrap up in winter) village with more than 220 freestanding “high end” names. Stores include a mega-Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Nike, Nine West, Michael Kors, Longchamps, Bose, Swarovski, Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, Toryburch and so many more that it’s staggering. Be prepared to spend the whole day here and have an early night as you will be tired. Better wear comfy sneakers there will be alot of walking to do. I walked around for 7+ hours going thru various stores that I was interested but most of them were disappointment.   Items looked cheap.  I am not sure if they have the 2nd grade items or all tourists got the good stuff.   I didn’t get as much as when I was in Vegas. Remember you do have to pay sales tax.

I’d signed up online as a VIP member (sign up is free!) and printed our my free coupons prior to arriving  in New York.  These coupons offer more discounts than the VIP coupon book which you can pick up at Woodbury! None of my coupons were use, by the way. And get a copy of those handy maps and store listings while you are there.  Woodbury Premium Outlets occupies a large area, this is very useful to locate the store you want.

The food court is very basic eats, nothing exciting. Although I go there to shop not to eat.

As to be expected, outlets are hit or miss.  Maybe I’ve just missed on my visit here but I would say…for the shopaholics… it is like Disneyland! This is the true truth as I say it as it is…

March 2, 2013

The Outlet Collection, Jersey Gardens, New Jersey…Massive Tax Free Outlet Mall

It’s under an hour-long drive from New York City to Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall, which is situated near the newark airport. Though not that high end, there’s something for everyone in particularly the younger crowd with heaps of shops selling street fashion and a large entertainment complex for watching movies and playing video games.

First things first, the shops in thisoutlet mall are indoors – so it doesn’t matter what the weather or temperature is like outside. Because Jersey Gardens is an Urban Enterprise Zone, sales tax on non-clothing items is only 3.5% and there is zero sales tax on clothing items – you’ll save money even before you benefit from the low outlet mall prices! There were over200 shops in the mall but quite a few were disappointing with very little selection and/or sizes. Big name shops like Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nike, Abercrombie Outlet and Calvin klein were massive letdowns.

There are no real “good” restaurants in the mall. With the exception of Johnny Rockets, the rest are clustered in the food court…Sbarro, Nathan’s Famous, Great Steak & Potato Co, to name a few.

This is a very touristy place – everywhere you look you will see an Asian, Hispanic or European. The only reason I will return to this mall is because of its proximity to New York City and that Woodbury is a long drive away. This is the true truth as i say it as it is…

December 18, 2011

Las Vegas Premium Outlet – North…shopping nirvana

This factory outlet, which is a short drive from the Strip offers more than 150 outlet stores with savings of 25%-65%. It might not be the biggest outlet I have been to but the stores lineup is excellent. Some of the stores include Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Samsonite, Calvin Klein, Adidas, Levi’s and Guess by Marciano.

Best of all, in addition of the savings, there are some pretty good deals. Outlet prices are already pretty reasonable, but extra discounts are always welcome in my book.

The only thing that keeps this place from reaching true retail heaven status is the fact that someone forgot to put a roof on the place. This is an outdoor mall, so pay attention to the weather forecast. The 4 degrees Celsius/39 degrees Fahrenheit December wind can be a bit bitter.

The outlets here will keep your spending spree soul nourished and your credit card balances high but perhaps not as high as if you were paying full price. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…

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