Finding the best bargains - Outlet shopping

If shopping for bargains in off-price outlet malls is an important part of your vacation planning, you're not alone. According to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), some 55 million people - 37% of all travelers - include outlet shopping in their vacations. If you're a good shopper, you can save anywhere from 20 to 70% off retail. But you have to do your research beforehand. These are some tips for smart outlet shopping:

Do your research: Get a list of the stores in the outlet shopping center. Browse your local retail stores, and write down the names, style numbers and prices of the merchandise that you might buy. Refer to this list while shopping the outlet stores.

Get the lay of the land: On your first visit to an outlet mall, spend some time in each store, getting a "feel" for the types of merchandise and price points offered.

Scout out extra savings: Go to the outlet mall's customer service desk and ask if there are any special promotions or coupon booklets that offer extra savings. Get on the outlet mall's mailing list. Ask sales clerks whether their stores are running any special promotions or price breaks.

Shop for the current season: Unlike retail stores, most outlet stores are stocked with clothing that is to be worn now, rather than in the coming season.

Set a budget: Determine what you are willing to spend on individual items before you look at the price tags. If the price exceeds your budget by more than a few dollars, be prepared to walk away.

Discern differences in quality: Certain manufacturers will make clothing specifically for the outlet stores. Even if a garment looks like the one you saw in the retail store, there may be slight differences in styling or fabric. Try the garment on to be sure the fit is the same. Check for slight imperfections, and read the tags to see if the garment is marked "second quality."