Families visiting the theme park capital of the world can take a break from the heat and excitement and visit the Factory Outlets in Orlando, located in the main tourist hotel district and not far from the major attractions. Those visiting in summer can get a head start on back to school shopping, or pick up some designer clothes at reduced prices.
Outlet Shopping in Orlando
Orlando Premium Outlets are located on Vineland Avenue, close to International Drive and a few blocks from Downtown Disney. Outlet shopping is very popular in the United States and outlet centers like this one are located in or near most US cities.
The outlet consists of over 100 stores, each offering different types of merchandise from different manufacturers. Some stores have products from only one brand, while others may have similar offerings from different companies.
For instance, the Van Heusen outlet carries the brands of PVH (formerly Phillips Van Heusen) and you won’t find anything but Crocs at Crocs. Alternatively, Famous Footwear and Rack Room Shoes carry many different brands of shoes. In an outlet mall as large as this one, shoppers have a lot of choices.
Many of the stores here can be found at most outlet malls, but there are some very high-end stores you won’t see at other factory stores. Burberry, Barney’s New York and Prada are some of the designers that ply their wares in Orlando, making this shopping center a cut above the norm. Because this mall is so large, it still contains all the other outlet favorites like Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren and Bass.
Outlet Shopping
The term “outlet” comes from “manufacturer’s outlet” as these stores would offer goods particular to that manufacturer. These goods are usually priced lower than merchandise found in department stores or other retailers for various reasons. They may be returned items, or clothing unsold from the previous year. Shoppers should examine the goods closely. Most items sold in factory outlets today are first quality, but there may still be flaws found on close inspection.
Although clothing stores dominate the mall, there are outlets for other products:
- Watches at Fossil
- Luggage at Samsonite and The Luggage Factory
- Cosmetics at Beauty Express
These are only examples, there are many other stores. Full details are available at the mall or online.
Orlando Factory Outlets Food and Features
The mall is set up in a large square, with plenty of free parking surrounding the center. Although it is an outdoor mall and subject to the Orlando heat and afternoon thunderstorms, most of the shopping area is at least covered and the stores themselves are nicely air conditioned.
There is a food court with about a dozen places for light meals or snacks. The mall is near the tourist area, so there are plenty of other choices for food nearby. Hours are Mon-Sat are 10 am to 11 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 9 pm.
After an extended time visiting the attractions of Orlando, families may well welcome the relief of a break from the hubbub and the opportunity to find some bargains on clothes and merchandise. The Orlando Factory Outlets on Vineland Avenue can help recharge the group for a renewed run the great Orlando theme parks.
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