Outlet stores

An outlet store, factory outlet or factory store is a brick and mortar or online store where manufacturers sells their merchandise directly to the public. Products at outlet stores are usually sold at reduced prices compared to regular stores because they are overstock, closeouts, returns, factory seconds, or lower-quality versions manufactured specifically for outlets. Traditionally, a factory outlet was a store attached to a factory or warehouse, sometimes allowing customers to watch the production process, as in the original L.L. Bean store. In modern usage, outlet stores are typically manufacturer-branded stores such as Gap or Bon Worth grouped together in outlet malls. The invention of the factory outlet store is often credited to Harold Alfond, founder of the Dexter Shoe Company.