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We all love a bargain and most shoppers know good deals can be found at outlet malls. But do you know how much you can save?
Now with tips on finding the best bargains at the outlet mall in tonight's "More Bang For Your Buck."
Smart shoppers know you can save big bucks by hitting the sales rack -- but guess what!
If you really want to spend less, you may want to try the outlet mall --
Wise consumers are catching on --
Last year 55 million people hunted down bargains at outlet malls.
Kim Overman of the Better Business Bureau says, "Well certainly when you go outlet shopping you can expect to find some great deals."
Overman says the savings can be significant:
For example:
Undergarments can often be found for 50-percent less at the outlet mall.
Jeans: 20-30 percent less
Athletic shoes: 20-30-percent less
Home goods: up to 75-percent cheaper.
But are you compromising quality?
It's just as good typically as you could find in the regular store just a lot cheaper.
Overman says you should inspect outlet mall items closely, but don't pass on something just because it's marked "irregular" "it may just be a stitch that no one would ever see and it wouldn't affect it's durability at all."
Another tip -- the best prices are probably last season's stuff -
Overman says, "These are things that have been in the regular stores, the season has passed and they need to move it out so they move it into the factory store."
Also most malls have coupon books.
They will save you even more.
"You can get these coupon books and they really do save you a lot of money - you know 10% here and 20% there can really add up in the savings."
And buyer beware, don't forget to ask about the return policy -- a lot of times, you can't take something back.
But if you can find what you want ... keep in mind outlet shopping can cut your clothing budget in half.
(Copyright 2002 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)