Everyone is looking to save money these days. One option that appeals to many people is shopping at outlet malls. Many bargains can be found at these malls as long as you shop carefully and plan ahead. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your outlet mall trip.

1. One reason clothing may show up at an outlet store is defects. Called "factory seconds" or "irregular," sometimes these defects may be marked with a piece of tape or label, but often they are not. Look closely at the garment for holes or tears. Check seams carefully. Be sure any pockets and prints are placed correctly and not crooked or even upside down. Verify sleeves or pants legs are equal lengths. Tags may also be incorrect so try everything on before purchasing.
   
2. Retailers are not the only ones who use coupons. Occasionally outlet stores or malls will place coupons in the newspaper. Many also have books of coupons available for purchase. Check the books carefully to be sure they are worth the price for you. Stop at Customer Service to ask about coupons, they may even have some for free. Also, check online before you go for any print and use coupons.
   
3. Carpool. Outlet malls are usually not close. They build where the price of land is cheaper and most companies do not want their outlets close to their retail stores. Coordinate with one or more friends and share the cost of gas. Besides, shopping can be a great social experience.
   
4. Pack a small cooler. What good is it to save money on the items you buy if you spend it on food and drinks? Yes, there will usually be a food court and/or restaurants nearby, but the whole reason for outlet shopping is to save money.
   
5. Plan ahead. Outlet malls can be quite large and spread over a wide area. If you only plan to hit a few stores on one end and a few more on the opposite end, there's no need for all that walking. Being tired can lead to poor shopping decisions, causing you to go home with something you don't really want or need; or to miss a bargain. Try to look at a map of the mall online and consider driving from one end of the mall to another if necessary.
   
6. Retailers are smart. They've learned that people love to shop at outlets and now you'll find not only "seconds" and last season's fashions, many stores are starting to manufacture items just for their outlets. There's nothing wrong with this. Most items are still of a good quality, but don't be fooled by those price tags with "original retail" prices shown. If the item was made for the outlet, it never had a retail price. So, know your normal prices before you shop.
   
7. Timing is everything. Many outlets are located near tourist areas. The stores are busiest during tourist season. If you can go off season, you may score additional deals and not be frustrated by crowds. Additionally, the crowds are usually smaller early on a weekday as opposed to the weekend.
   
8. Shop carefully. Many items sold at an outlet mall are final sales with no returns. Even if returns are allowed, it means another trip to the mall and additional gas. Be sure you are completely satisfied with an item before making the purchase.
   

The southeast US has several outlet malls. You'll probably find one close to where you are or plan to be.

Alabama:

USA Factory Stores
1220 Fox Run Ave # C7,
Opelika, AL
(334) 749-0561

WaterMark Place Outlets
4500 Katie's Way
Bessemer, AL
(205) 425-4554

Factory Stores of America
200 Lackey Street
Boaz, AL
(256) 593-2930

Fashion Outlets of Boaz
501 Elizabeth Street
Boaz, AL
(256) 593-1199

Tanger Outlet Center
2601 S McKenzie Street
Foley AL
(251) 943-9303


Georgia:

Factory Stores At Adel
1221 West 4th Street, Adel, GA
(229) 896-4545

Peach Shops at Byron
311 Ga Highway 49 N
Byron, GA
(478) 956-1855

Calhoun Premium Outlets
455 Belwood Road
Calhoun, GA
(706) 602-1305

Tanger Outlets
800 Steven B Tanger Blvd
Commerce. GA
(706) 335-3354

Dalton Outlet Shops
1001 Market St
Dalton, GA
(706) 277-2688

Preferred Outlets at Darien
Magnolia Bluff Way
Darien, GA
(912) 437-8360

North Georgia Premium Outlets
800 US Highway 400 S
Dawsonville, GA
(706) 216-3609

Lake Park Outlets
5327 Mill Store Road
Lake Park, GA
(229) 559-6822

Discover Mills
5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy
Lawrenceville, GA
(678) 847-5000

Tanger Outlet Center
1000 Tanger Drive
Locust Grove GA
(770) 957-5310

Savannah Festival outlet center
11 Gateway Blvd South
Savannah, Georgia
(912) 925-3089

South Carolina:

Tanger Outlet Center
1414 Fording Island Rd.
Bluffton SC
(843) 837-5410

Prime Outlets
Factory Shops Boulevard
Gaffney, SC
(864) 902-9900

Tanger Outlet Center
4635 Factory Stores Blvd
Myrtle Beach SC
(843) 236-5100

Tanger Outlet Center
10835 Kings Road
Myrtle Beach SC 29572
(843) 449-0491

Tanger Outlet Center
4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd.
N. Charleston SC
(843) 529-3095

Santee Outlets
1500 Village Square Blvd
Santee, SC
(803) 854-4445