Wondering where to find the best bargains post sale season? When the High Street falls short, savvy shoppers snap up year-round savings at outlets instead.
The UK’s 37 sales villages supply a vast range of luxury and premium stock from past seasons and clearance lines, and discounts can be as lofty as 70 per cent off the initial retail price.
The latest data from the British Retail Consortium indicates a challenging High Street environment, with footfall declining over the eight months to December 2025, while a 2.9 per cent year-on-year pre-Christmas drop marked a ‘muted’ golden quarter. Yet at Britain’s outlets, there have never been more visitors.
The 2025 European Outlet Industry Review revealed that discount hubs and factory outlets throughout the continent gained a million shoppers from 2022 to 2024. And recent research predicts outlet sales could grow by 30 per cent to £26billion by the end of 2028.
Kildare Village is located less than an hour south-west of Dublin and offers more than 130 brands
In Northern Ireland, The Boulevard designer outlet reported impressive results last year, with the final trading week achieving a record-breaking 24 per cent uplift in sales and a 37 per cent increase in visitors compared to the previous year, signalling its best sales month in the shopping destination’s history.
Figures released by McArthurGlen Designer Outlets also demonstrate strong sales and growth, with the period from Black Friday to New Year enjoying 7 per cent growth compared to last year. Its York location saw more than 800,000 shoppers visit last July and August.
If you’re looking for bargain buys, these are the top five outlets to visit – and the unique savings they offer.
Kildare Village, Ireland
Less than an hour south-west of Dublin in County Kildare, this open-air village of more than 130 brands is Ireland’s premier shopping destination.
This Claudie Pierlot Beige Clair Jacket has an ORP of £240 but can be found in outlets for £154, or 36 per cent off
Best for: A range of elevated services includes a multilingual concierge, reserved parking, personal shoppers and hands-free shopping, whereby purchases can be collected from boutiques and stored for customers to pick up at a central location or to be loaded directly into their car.
Standout brands: Armani, Jimmy Choo, Penhaligon’s and Polo Ralph Lauren.
Just arrived: Rixo and Number 55, a new multi-brand pop-up store featuring Anne Louise, Paige, Really Wild and Strathberry.
Discounts: Up to 60 per cent off ORP all year round.
Best bargain: Claudie Pierlot Beige Clair Jacket: ORP £240, outlet £154 (36 per cent off).
McArthurGlen, York
This northern hotspot of around 100 High Street and mid-range brands is just a 15-minute drive south of York city centre.
The Coach Mini Josie Top Handle bag retails at £350 but has an outlet price of £189, or 46 per cent off
Best for: Premium beauty brands and mid-price fashion.
Standout brands: Beauty: Clarins and Molton Brown. Fashion: Boss, Coach, Hackett and Tommy Hilfiger.
Just arrived: Belstaff, Crocs, Levi’s and Rituals.
Discounts: Up to 60 per cent off RRP all year round.
Best bargain: Coach Mini Josie Top Handle bag: RRP £350, outlet £189 (46 per cent off).
Caledonia Park, Scotland
Southern Scotland may offer spectacular scenery, hiking and history. But the shopping is just as ‘wow’. With more than 50 stores, Caledonia Park (formerly Gretna Gateway) is located just off the motorway A74(M) near the border – ideal if you’re driving to or from Glasgow.
This Le Creuset cast iron heart-shaped dish has an RRP of £225 but is priced at £15.50 in outlets, or 93 per cent off
Best for: Homeware, jewellery, occasionwear and accessories.
Standout brands: Homeware: Le Creuset, Denby and ProCook. Fashion: Boss, Hobbs, Phase Eight, Radley and Swarovski.
Just arrived: Adidas, French Connection and Skechers.
Discounts: Up to 70 per cent (or more) off RRP all year round.
Best bargain: Le Creuset cast iron heart-shaped dish: RRP £225, outlet £15.50 (93 per cent off).
Bicester Village, Oxfordshire
With more than 150 stores, Bicester Village is only 47 minutes by train from London and 14 minutes from Oxford. As a global tourist destination, it is the only UK outlet to include Mandarin signage.
The Vivienne Westwood Doll XL bag retails for £330 but can be found in outlets for £125, or 62 per cent off
Best for: High-end services such as a concierge and personal shoppers.
Standout brands: Celine, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Mulberry and Vivienne Westwood.
Just arrived: Dyson, Fortnum and Mason, Rixo and Zimmermann.
Discounts: Up to 40 per cent off RRP year round; up to 70 per cent off on Black Friday and Boxing Day.
Best bargain: Vivienne Westwood Doll XL bag: RRP £330, outlet £125 (62 per cent off).
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Wales
Following a £2.5million makeover, this sales haven of more than 80 brands – just a 30-minute drive from Cardiff and Swansea – is recognised as Wales’s top shopping destination.
These Under Armour Tribase trainers have an RRP of £125 but are available in outlets for £35, or 72 per cent off
Best for: Premium sports brands and outdoorwear.
Standout brands: Barbour, Helly Hansen, Mountain Warehouse and Timberland.
Just arrived: Columbia, Puma and Under Armour.
Discounts: Up to 60 per cent off RRP all year round.
Best bargain: Under Armour Tribase trainers: RRP £125, outlet £35 (72 per cent off).
