Nov 2010 08

I bet more than half of my wardrobe came from an outlet mall.  When we lived in Chicago, Sarah and I lived within driving distance of an awesome mall that had a number of stores that most other outlet malls don’t have.  We loved it.  The choice was simple:  spend a lot of money or spend a little.

Outlet malls can be great.  Don’t get me wrong.  However, this list from Smart Money magazine has really opened my eyes to what’s going on at these outlet outposts.  For example, have you ever wondered why outlet malls are typically found in remote locations?  It’s not by coincidence!  Apparently distance spent traveling equates to a greater amount spent.  Once you’ve made that commitment to drive to a far off place to visit an outlet mall, chances are you’re going to spend more than if you had just gone to the neighborhood mall.  For most, it’s a daylong affair.  It’s not the kind of trip where you go to just pick up a thing or two…and the retailers know it!

MORE: More Outlet Mall Secrets That You Have to Know!