Outlet Shopping Strategies

Outlet shopping can offer big bargains, but there are several things shoppers can do to maximize the savings.

For example, North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville offer some very high end goods from stores like Sak's Fifth Avenue and designers like Prada. Spokesperson Heather Halpern said typical savings at the 140 stores range from 35 to 65 percent of regular retail prices, although Consumer Reports surveyed outlet shopping across the U.S. three years ago and concluded the typical savings average 25 percent.

For deeper savings shoppers can go to the North Georgia Premium Outlet Website and click on VIP Club to print any additional coupons or special deals that may be available.

Shoppers can usually find the most deeply discounted clearance items toward the back of the store.

Halpern said most items available are either from past season or overstock. However, some outlet stores, including Gap and Brooks Brothers, make lines of lower cost clothing that are designed to be sold in their outlets only.

Consumer Reports surveyed outlet shoppers and found the highest rated for value and quality were Lenox China, L.L. Bean, Osh Kosh B'Gosh and Mikasa.