How popular are outlet malls (where you can get quality merchandise for a fraction of the price)?

Question

The one closest to us has all the big-name, trendy stores...I think it's last year's merchandise in some cases, though...

Answer 1

Ours are large barn like structures that tend to stand alone, in certain parts of town.

They have acres of car-park and attract most of the attention to the shoppers. This is to the detriment of the local shopkeepers.

On chain has two locations in our city and once thriving shops have closed leaving that part of the city almost dead.

Answer 2

The only ones that seem to work for the other operators are for those who offer products that the main operator doesn't.

Specialty shops like Lingerie, Chocolate, Intimate Coffee bars where you can sit and watch people go about their business, but at the same time cater to the people passing by. Pharmacies and Electrical shops that have a good range of bits and pieces for the home. Such as computer and stereo leads, cords, adapters and so on.

All compliment a good food barn.