Rochester is a great place for shopping, and there are plenty of outlets to choose from. However, it’s important to know the difference between an outlet and a mall.
Back in the day, warehouse outlet stores were large, ugly places that sold defective and second-quality merchandise at a discount. Today, outlet malls have replaced these warehouse operations.
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What is an Outlet?
An outlet is a fancy term for a shopping mall that sells name-brand items at a fraction of their normal retail prices Visit Rochester, NY. There are a handful of top-notch outlets in Rochester, but if you’re looking for a full-day outing with a hefty discount, it’s hard to beat a trip to Waterloo Premium Outlets near the capital city of Waterloo in upstate New York.
The mall boasts a bevy of designer and brand-name stores including Apple, H&M, and the first Dick’s Sporting Goods in the northeast. In addition to a plethora of big box shops, you’ll also find small-town service and a few local restaurants that are worthy of a special mention.
The best part? It’s only a 45-minute drive from downtown. We know you’re itching to get out there and shop! We’ll keep you in the know with regular updates on outlet news, savings and sales. Be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter.
What is a Mall?
A mall is a shopping complex, typically an enclosed building with walkways that connect all of the stores inside. This type of retail center is usually anchored by traditional department stores, and sometimes includes specialty shops or other retailers.
A mall may also contain kiosks, food courts, and arcades. Kiosks are booths that are located within pedestrian areas of the mall, and are used to sell small products or services.
Outlets are similar to shopping malls, but they offer cheaper prices on a variety of items. However, it is important to be careful when shopping at an outlet.
Before you go shopping at an outlet store, set a budget and stick to it. This way, you’re not tempted to buy more than you can afford. It’s also helpful to decide before you go which items you want and which ones you don’t. This will ensure that you don’t get suckered into buying too much in the name of retail therapy.
What is the Difference Between an Outlet and a Mall?
A mall is a large area with many different stores that are physically connected. Outlets are usually a single store that sells goods at discounted prices. They are often called factory stores or general stores. The difference is that an outlet is adept in selling only a specific type of merchandise.
Outlets are a great place to shop if you’re looking for name-brand products at discount prices. However, be aware that you may not be getting the same name-brand product at a lower price as you would if you bought it from a regular retail store or online.
Modern-day outlets primarily sell a separate line of lower-quality, made-for-outlet products that often don’t match the quality or design of the same product you’d find in a regular retail store.
In addition, the label and price tags can mislead you into thinking that you’re getting a bargain when really you’re not. In addition, there are often times that you can’t return outlet items at the chain’s regular store.
What is the Best Outlet Mall in Rochester?
Rochester is home to two major shopping malls, as well as a top notch outlet center that’s a no brainer for those looking for a dose of retail therapy.
The best outlet in the area is the Mall at Greece Ridge which boasts 1.63 million square feet of retail magic and features a variety of family-friendly attractions including Dave & Buster’s and IndyKart Raceway Indoor Karting to name but a few.
There are also a number of other impressive malls to be found in the Rochester region. From Tanger to the Waterloo Premium Outlets and beyond, you’re sure to find an outlet in your price range.