For those who love to shop, online outlet stores (and those offline!) appear to be the best places to find bargains that you just can’t get elsewhere. I bloody love them. I love a designer item, and I love a bargain – heaven!

In particular, online outlet stores have become very popular in recent years but are they really worth it? Well, that depends on whether you know what you’re doing.

The most obvious benefit of shopping at an online outlet store is that you’re going to be able to buy things for low prices.

This can be a great thing if you’re looking for something specific, but it’s important to remember that a lot of these items are listed on an outlet store for a reason. 

Retailers don’t tend to keep items on the shelves for long these days. Within weeks, products are moved on to outlet stores and are replaced by newer lines.

This is good for bargain hunters because you can grab something you like for a really good price. However, it’s also worth considering whether you’re buying something that is discounted because it’s not particularly good, and make sure that you actually do want it. 

With huge discounts, online outlet stores are worth your time but it’s worth being careful that you don’t start buying things simply because they’re discounted. If it’s something you’d want to buy before the discount, it makes perfect sense. 

There are also a few other options to consider when looking for a bargain purchase.

Bicester Village

If you’re able to travel to Bicester Village that’s located just outside of Oxford, then you could grab yourself some worthwhile discounts. I reckon it’s the best outlet in the UK (it feels like those outlets from America).

The great thing about this outlet is that it deals with high-end products, so you know you’re not just buying rubbish that nobody else wants.

You can expect to find deals on brands such as Michael Kors, Jack Wills, Gucci, Prada, and Versace. 

Mulberry Sample Sale

Signing up for an invite to a Mulberry sample sale is the kind of thing you do when you just know you’re going to buy a bag. Getting the best price possible is a no-brainer in this scenario.

The way it works is that you’ll be invited to a sample sale and will have an opportunity to buy Mulberry bags for much cheaper than their usual price. Because some of these bags cost £1000, you’d still expect to pay a hefty fee, but an outlet option makes perfect sense here as you could save yourself a few hundred quid.

Check out my cheeky inside look at a Mulberry sample sale (I even bought a bag!).

Clogau Gold Jewellery

Colgau gold (Welsh gold) is in high demand these days because it’s running out and, therefore, increasing in value. That means you could consider this kind of purchase a potential investment opportunity. 

Nevertheless, you’re still going to want to find the best deal possible and there’s a way to do this by keeping an eye out for periodic bargains in the Clogau outlet section. If you know what you’re looking for, you can grab huge savings on regular prices.

I’m a Clogau superfan and own a load of pieces – so check out my mega-guide on how to get a discount.

Quidco Cashback

Getting the best value possible on your purchases is all about being clever in your approach. Outlet stores are a great example of this but it’s also worth combining this with Quidco where you can get cashback on purchases you were already going to make.

Even without an outlet store, you can find some real gems by shopping through this system.

Here’s a guide on how you can maximise discounts with Quidco.

Kate Spade Sample Sale

Shopping at a Kate Spade sample sale is a sure-fire way to find some great deals if you’re wanting to buy things like clothes, footwear, or handbags. In fact, some items sell for around £60 but normally retail for well over £300. J

ust make sure you’re checking the quality of the product before you part with your cash.

I took a load of pictures at the last Kate Spade sample sale so you can see what kind of bargains you can get (it’s TRULY amazing).

Gunwharf Outlet

Do you fancy buying a £320 pair of Michael Kors boots for £36? Gunwharf Outlet is the place for you. Located at Portsmouth Harbour train station, this outlet contains over 90 big brands such as Michael Kors, Samsonite, and Radley.

As always, it’s worth checking whether the products you’re buying are seconds, but there are some bargains to be found here.

Join my Luxury on a Budget Facebook Group

You’re here, so I’m betting you love a bargain. Come and join my Luxury on a Budget Facebook group where I post the best deals and freebies I spot online.