Houston

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Outlet Stores

Discount retail centers located near the city, offering brand-name goods at reduced prices.

Sections

Best Outlet Locations in Houston

While Houston itself doesnโ€™t have many outlet malls within the city limits, there are several excellent options in the surrounding areas. Here are the top outlet shopping destinations:

1. Houston Premium Outlets

  • Location: 29300 Hempstead Rd, Cypress, TX 77433 (about 30 miles northwest of downtown Houston).
  • Overview: This is the most popular outlet mall near Houston, featuring over 145 stores. Itโ€™s part of the Simon Premium Outlets chain, known for offering a wide variety of brands at discounted prices.
  • Notable Stores:
    • Designer brands: Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade, Tory Burch.
    • Sportswear: Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Puma.
    • Luxury: Burberry, Versace, Armani Exchange.
    • Everyday brands: Gap, Leviโ€™s, Old Navy, Banana Republic.
  • Dining Options: Food court with fast food options and small cafes.
  • Savings: Discounts range from 25% to 65% off retail prices.
  • Parking: Free parking is available, but it can get crowded on weekends and holidays.

2. Tanger Outlets Houston

  • Location: 5885 Gulf Fwy, Texas City, TX 77591 (about 40 miles southeast of downtown Houston, near Galveston).
  • Overview: Tanger Outlets is another well-known chain offering a mix of high-end and mid-range brands. Itโ€™s a bit smaller than Houston Premium Outlets but still worth visiting.
  • Notable Stores:
    • Fashion: Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, H&M.
    • Footwear: Skechers, Converse, Vans.
    • Accessories: Fossil, Sunglass Hut.
    • Home goods: Le Creuset, Kitchen Collection.
  • Dining Options: Limited food options, but there are nearby restaurants.
  • Savings: Discounts typically range from 20% to 50%, with additional seasonal sales.
  • Parking: Free parking is available.

3. San Marcos Premium Outlets (Day Trip Option)

  • Location: 3939 S Interstate 35, San Marcos, TX 78666 (about 2.5 hours from Houston).
  • Overview: While not in Houston, this is one of the largest outlet malls in the United States and is worth a day trip if youโ€™re a serious shopper. It features over 240 stores, including luxury brands.
  • Notable Stores:
    • High-end: Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Fendi.
    • Popular brands: Nike, Adidas, Leviโ€™s, Gap.
    • Specialty: Lululemon, Pottery Barn Outlet, Restoration Hardware Outlet.
  • Dining Options: Multiple food courts and nearby restaurants.
  • Savings: Discounts range from 25% to 70%.
  • Parking: Ample parking, but it can get busy during peak shopping seasons.

Types of Stores Available

Outlet malls in and around Houston cater to a wide range of shopping needs, including:

  • Fashion and Apparel: From luxury brands like Burberry and Tory Burch to everyday wear like Gap and Old Navy.
  • Footwear: Popular options include Nike, Adidas, Vans, and Skechers.
  • Accessories: Stores like Coach, Kate Spade, and Sunglass Hut offer great deals on bags, wallets, and sunglasses.
  • Home Goods: Le Creuset and Kitchen Collection are great for kitchenware, while Restoration Hardware Outlet offers furniture and decor.
  • Sportswear: Under Armour, Puma, and Lululemon are popular for activewear.

Potential Costs and Savings

  • Discounts: Outlet stores typically offer 20% to 70% off retail prices. Seasonal sales, holiday promotions, and clearance events can increase savings.
  • Membership Programs: Many outlet malls, like Houston Premium Outlets, offer free VIP Shopper Club memberships, which provide access to exclusive coupons and additional discounts.
  • Sales Tax: Texas has a sales tax of 8.25%, which applies to most purchases. Keep this in mind when budgeting.
  • Additional Costs: While parking is usually free, some outlet malls may charge for premium parking spots. Dining and refreshments can also add to your expenses.

Procedures for Shopping at Outlet Malls

  1. Plan Your Visit:

    • Check the mallโ€™s website for store directories, hours of operation, and current promotions.
    • Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
    • Arrive early to secure parking and avoid long lines.

  2. Sign Up for Discounts:

    • Join the VIP Shopper Club (available for Houston Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets) to access coupons and special offers.
    • Check for military, student, or senior discounts at individual stores.

  3. Bring Essentials:

    • Wear comfortable shoes, as outlet malls are large and require a lot of walking.
    • Bring a reusable shopping bag, as some stores may not provide free bags.

  4. Shop Strategically:

    • Start with high-priority stores to ensure you get the best selection.
    • Compare prices with online retailers to confirm youโ€™re getting a good deal.
    • Look for clearance racks and โ€œlast seasonโ€ items for the biggest discounts.

  5. Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks:

    • Outlet malls can be overwhelming, so take breaks to rest and refuel.

Local Considerations and Tips

  • Weather: Houston can be hot and humid, especially in summer. Many outlet malls are open-air, so dress appropriately and stay hydrated.
  • Traffic: Houston traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM). Plan your trip accordingly.
  • Holiday Crowds: Outlet malls are extremely busy during holiday seasons (e.g., Black Friday, Christmas). Arrive early or consider visiting on a weekday.
  • Language: Most staff speak English, but many stores also have Spanish-speaking employees, reflecting Houstonโ€™s diverse population.
  • Tax-Free Weekend: Texas offers a tax-free shopping weekend in August, which can be a great time to save even more on clothing and school supplies.

Conclusion

Outlet shopping in Houston and its surrounding areas is a rewarding experience, offering significant savings on a wide range of products. Whether youโ€™re looking for luxury goods, everyday essentials, or unique finds, Houston Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets are your best bets. For a more extensive shopping spree, consider a day trip to San Marcos Premium Outlets. By planning ahead, signing up for discounts, and shopping strategically, you can make the most of your outlet shopping adventure in Houston.