Situated a few miles from the fashion hubs of the world, these retail retreats, sprawling with the best of fashion at unbeatable discounts, draw more tourists than the museums in Washington DC. So pack your bags and bring a few empty ones along as these ginormous outlets beckon to hop on their sweeping brand-wagon!
France: La Vallée Village Chic Outlet
The style capital of the world makes sure everyone can afford to look like a million bucks. Designed like a quaint open-air village, this chic outlet on the outskirts of Paris and in the neighbourhood of Disneyland Europe offers luxury brands and exceptional value for money.
Give its website a quick look before you commence your European sojourn to get updated with the latest promotional offers, promising further reductions. With over 120 prestigious brands, La Vallée makes you feel like a celebrity with its high-end customer service and hospitality options. Take a little breather from your shopping spree. Relax in the cafés or indulge in some decadent desserts at Amorino.
For all those visitors from overseas, here’s the cherry on your gelato – Courtesy tax-free shopping services, all non-EU shoppers can avail a discount on VAT, resulting in greater saving on their wide range of prestigious designer brands.
Brands and deals
Find authentic last season to current merchandise by Baccarat, Maison Martin Margiela, D2Squared, Givenchy, Jimmy Choo, Lalique and Trussardi at slashed down rates. A minimum of a 33 per cent waiver is guaranteed all year round.
Getting there
Only 35 minutes from Paris, La Vallée Village promises not just great shopping, but also the beautiful countryside and medieval villages of the Seine-et-Marne region. One could drive down or take a train from Paris-Gare de Lyon. Another option is to travel in the Shopping Express, the outlet’s dedicated luxury bus service, which runs daily from central Paris.
Japan: Gotemba Premium Outlets
If the summer heat is pushing you towards the Far East, then we suggest you don’t let Japan’s Shinto shrines and calming Zen vibe tranquilise the fierce shopper in you. There’s as much retail therapy here as there are shoes in Carrie Bradshaw’s closet.
Head straight to the Gotemba Premium Outlets, located a few miles out of Tokyo, which has been satiating bargainers for more than a decade. This space boasts a single-storied, old-school mall-like architecture complemented by outdoor fountains and cobblestone walkways. The mall features over 200 stores along with a plethora of
multi-cuisine restaurants and a 50-metre high Ferris wheel.
Brands and deals
The outlet hosts a thrilling array of designers such as Jil Sander, Kenzo, Bulgari, Bally, Boss, Burberry, Margiela and Escada. The mid-range mix consists of Coach, Tommy Hilfiger and Swarovski along with electronics and household products. In addition to offering some of the most spectacular views of Mt Fuji, the outlet offers 25 to 65 per cent discounts on the products.
Getting there
Located on the outskirts of Gotemba City, the outlet is not far from Hakone. Take the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus that operates from Shinjuku Station, Tokyo to Hakone, stopping at Tomei-Gotemba IC along the way. The fastest method is to take the Asagiri Limited Express train from Odakyu Shinjuku Station to Gotemba Station followed by the free shuttle service to the outlet.
New York: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Welcome to a shopaholic’s Disneyland! This becomes the happiest place on earth if you live for brands and get high on labels. Walk out of the airport, hail a cab, say the words ‘Woodbury’ to the driver and be there in a New York minute.
The outlet is a lot more than just a party of discounted designerwear; it is one of the world’s top shopping destinations. It no longer contains the factory surplus or last year’s collection. With stuff just as good as in its Manhattan counterparts, it is a bargain-monger paradise.
Scout these New England-style buildings that not only house the latest fashion but some great restaurants as well. Reserve at least a day to visit Woodbury in Central Valley, when vacationing in The Big Apple and a trip to the fashion district will no longer be your idea of a picnic.
If you think you are too posh to drive down all the way, the mall offers limousines and even a helicopter to ferry your celebrity self from your presidential suite. Additionally, it offers a step-by-step guide on how to reach it, where to stay, group tour reservations, assistance for non-US residents and on how to save even more by joining their VIP Shoppers Club.
Brands and deals
Name it and it’s likely to be found here! Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Liz Claiborne, Chanel, Catherine Malandrino, Balenciaga, Missoni, Ann Taylor, Armani, Banana Republic, Burberry, Chloe, Coach, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Tom Ford, Tommy Hilfiger and more….many more! Expect up to 65 per cent off.
Getting there
Located on Route 32 in Central Valley, it lies an hour north of New York City. You could drive down, take the bus or ride the Metro-North Railroad on the weekends. Fancy a limo or a chopper? Get in touch with the mall management.
