In the last months we witnessed a big increase in the number of outlet stores in whole Italy. Every region has got at least one of them. Near our cities we certainly watched the rising of one or two. But what exactly are they? What??s the deal in concrete?



Outlet store is a different kind of mall, specialized in retail sales of famous brand products unsold or already out of catalogues. This kind of shopping center is practically made up of a gallery of different shops, both mono-brand and multi-brand, all gathered together in the same place, with common services.

But in the last years, given the huge increase in the demand of outlet goods, some production lines are expressly dedicated to this distribution channel.

So there are not just last year goods, but real lines of clothing expressly produced for this final market sector.

In time of crisis, a lot of people don??t want to give up wearing fashionable and branded clothes, but not everybody now can afford this way of life. Buying clothes in the outlet stores has begun just to face exactly these problems, and this is also why they are expanding so fast. Here you can find branded clothes of the best fashion houses, but at very reasonable prices in comparison with boutiques?? prices.

There are already more than 200 outlet stores in the whole peninsula, an unequivocal sign that this is a strong developing phenomenon, in the both sectors of supply and demand.

Another characteristic is their architectural structure. Outlets, on the contrary of shopping centers, are often build up as small towns, with streets, seats, alleys, and shops along the roads and streets. Their design is much different than usual malls, which are closed spaces, with loud music coming out of the speakers and neon light that could hurt somebody??s eyes. Lately many outlet stores have been developed according to specific regional architectural themes, for example some of them adopted a neoclassical style in Veneto, the land where the famous neoclassical sculptor Canova was born, or they have been realized inspired by the Renaissance style in Tuscany. These solutions make the environment much more pleasant, so is much more comfortable to walk down its alleys, in comparison to close spaces with no windows of usual shopping centers.

Quietly walking down the lanes and the alleys, you can admire the windows of every shop, like if you would be walking in the city square, plus with no traffic. You can find any kind of clothing and accessories, from skirts, shirts and trousers to bags and shoes, always branded but always at sale prices.

Walking in this peaceful atmosphere, in ample and well-cared places, maybe with some trees, you have the chance to shop much more peacefully. Inside the outlet there are also a lot of restaurants and rest stops, where you can spend a pleasant break when hunger attacks. Or you can just sit on a seat when you are tired from walking.

The outlet phenomenon is rather new in Italy, but it is quickly and decisively getting a foothold in our lives.

Rather than fighting for sales price, that often are just last years left-over or clothes that we already rejected because really ugly, not to talk about having to fight to make some space among hundreds of other cutthroat customers, in these places you can find real offers during all year, good quality products at reduced prices.

These are all good reasons to go take a look and let you be captivated by these nice temples of fashion!