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San Marcos Premium Outlets
Category: Shopping Outlet Stores Outlet Stores [Edit]
3939 S Interstate 35San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 396-2200
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
55 reviews for San Marcos Premium Outlets
Review Highlights
"My favs: Michael Kors, Seven Jeans, Joes Jeans, Banana..."
(in 6 reviews)
"i like the cole hann and the kate spade outlet too."
(in 6 reviews)
"Coach, Cole Haan, Michael Kors, Tory Burch."
(in 5 reviews)
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55 reviews in English
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Review from Jamie R.
Naples, FL
10/19/2011
On return from San Antonio to Austin, we asked the Garmin genie to grant our shopping wishes. 19 miles ahead, the Outlets came up on the right sideof the highway, the back of the store walls running a long distance like the family dog after the neighbor's Ford.
If we had snap-on blinders we could have used them. Shopping choices were so many and inviting, but we had little time and a short list of things to buy. Dang. BOGO shoes at Rockport. Sold. Workout pants for less than ten bucks at Gap. Into the trunk, next to the shoe bag. That was way too cheap and easy to be legal, but I guess it was. -
Review from Leigh B.
San Antonio, TX
12/29/2011
It's hard to believe how big this place is until you go there. Really, really huge! You could literally spend all day here. Cothing, electronics, kids stuff, all kinds of amazing items and most are marked off by at least 10 percent and sometimes as high as 50 percent. Be prepared to be patient and take your time but it 's totally worth it.
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Review from Stacy A.
Alvin, TX
I LOVE going to the outlets. Everytime I'm in the area, I make sure to stop in. I have a couple of tips for the next time you go here.
1) Go to the website (http://www.premiumoutl...) and become a VIP member. When you sign up (for free), you get awesome coupons and a savings book for all of the stores.
2) Make sure the store you're going into says something like "last chance" or "outlet" in the title on the building. If not, then it's probably just a regular-priced store that is the same as another one you could find in a mall somewhere. -
Review from jen p.
San Francisco, CA
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
3 girls on vacation .. one large premium outlet .. 4 hours .. damage between us .. 15 pairs of shoes .. a ton of sweaters, cardigans, pots and pans, among other things. Needless to say .. it was a very good shopping day :) i learned that a good shopping day on vacation will result in a painful packing experience.
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Review from Kaycie L.
Sacramento, CA
7/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gotta love brand names for less!
This place is huge and has a lot of major brand name stores. What I don't like about it is that some stuff are out dated. Other than that, it's always nice to save money. -
Review from Sophia V.
Houston, TX
3/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't really see what the big deal about this outlet is. I am an extreme shoppist but this outlet didn't really intrigue me. I didn't buy much from this outlet and the stores that I did like, the items were way too outdated for me.
I really did enjoy how San Marcos has a Gucci, Vera Bradley and a Michael Kors. From Gucci, my aunt and mom was able to purchase 2 duffle bags. I went into Michael Kors in search of new watches, but didn't find any. Their watches and clothing was a bit too outdated for me. Tory Burch is also one of my favorite brands but I didn't spot anything worth buying.
I somewhat enjoyed their BCBG MazAzria; got some accessories from there. My neices and nephew went on a huge spree in the Disney Store. The prices were great! I suggest you wear your walking shoes cause this outlet is huge! The foodcourt is a bit depressing because there wasn't much to choose from. The day that we went, the weather was gorgeous! Early spring. Might be too hot of a walk on a summer day. That's what the Dippin' Dots will be for :) -
Review from M P.
Brooklyn, NY
5/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
When you're young and in college and the open road beckons you ultimately have to stop here at the massive outlet arena that is San Marcos. I remember spending plenty of time and change on things here in the past. I just didn't remember how large of a landspace they occupied until I was able to compare it to the rest of the country.
They even got better and got themselves some Gucci...outlet?!? Something must be amiss in the designer world if that is situated here, but hey all the more shopping pleasures for you! Actually there are some non-outlet stores here too usually American Eagle and those that aren't too pricey to begin with. Be prepared to be occupied for hours. One of the only outlet malls that I'd actually drive around instead of walking.
Everything IS bigger in Texas including outlet malls. And I've seen my share from west coast to east coast. -
Review from Raquel C.
4/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here on a whim a couple of days ago, I had never been here before, (since Im from KC)
I fell in love with all these shops! real outlets, and so many you could spend the entire day here!
If your ever driving through or never been before, you must stop by!
--that is all -
Review from tina a.
Aurora, CO
4/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best outlet I've been to through many states. This place is HUGE! Definitely need more than a day if you want to see it all, though. OR, just plan out your route ahead of time and hit those particular stores. This isn't the outlet mall you go to to just walk casually and hope you get all the stores you want.
That being said, this outlet mall has Gucci, Coach, Victoria's Secret, BCBG, Kate Spade, True Religion, Guess -- almost every clothing store a girl could ask for... as well as home goods stores like Pottery Barn, Bose, Crate and Barrel, Kirkland's (which is closing soon, btw, so there are great deals to be had!), the list goes on and on!
I never plan enough time to get through all the stores I would like to... or maybe it's not time that I run out of, but energy!! -
Review from Ed U.
10/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
Did you know San Marcos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the Northern Hemisphere? Yes, there are signs of a prehistoric Paleo-Indian culture... oh, who cares? This is a mall and a zoo. Not actually a zoo, but judging by the stampeding masses that trudge up and down the sidewalks and the SUVs that plow the parking lots, it feels like a zoo, or maybe an animal wildlife park where the chimps and orangutans wear wife-beaters and drink Lone Star Beer.
This is like every other premium outlet center in the country. The ones closest to me in California are Gilroy and Vacaville. The Gilroy one is almost an exact replica of this one except for the dumb Vegas-style clock towers here you can't help but notice off the I-35. Yes, right down to the brand name stores and rude customers who elbow you out of the Fossil $19.95 wristwatch bargain bin. But I became one of them when I grabbed the last green Banana Republic polo shirt in my size.
I beat out a 400-pound woman in curlers who was reaching for it like it was a Salt Lick pork rib. Tough luck, babe. When I see the swarms of locusts here...I mean people...I tend to forget it's located smack-dab between two cities that are ranked 7th and 15th largest in the nation. And man, was it hot that day. Doesn't it seem inevitable that something ugly would come out of such a powderkeg situation? Oh wait, there is something ugly. She's wearing the Kate Spade print with the Ferragamo shoes that just don't match.Listed in: Big Ol' Texas Tease
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Review from M. C.
Redwood City, CA
3/12/2011
I travel & shop all over the world & this is one of the best outlet malls on the planet. Trust me, I know whereof I speak (& have the c-card bills to prove it). The earlier reviewer who said this is just like any other outlet mall - dude, you are really, really wrong. (& I shop Gilroy, Petaluma etc - they can't hold a candle.)
- yes they have all the usual outlet mall stores: as usual, you have to check the quality & prices...just because it's an outlet doesn't mean it's the same merchandise (many brands produce lower end stuff just for their "outlet" locations) or cheaper. that said, I've found better selection & prices here than in CA or East Coast outlets.
- they have multiple home furnishings outlets so this is a great place if you need to furnish a home. Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Foundation Hardware, Williams & Sonoma,etc. Yeah you can find these elsewhere but rarely all in the same complex. Bring a list & comparison shop from store to store.
- last but not least: they have a number of premium brand outlets that are rara avis. Brahmin, a higher end Neimans outlet, Tumi, Gucci, Hartmanns, Barneys, Tori Burch etc.
- mob scene during weekends esp in afternoons. much better during week. open until 9 pm.
- complex is hugh enough to have its own shuttle bus (not walkable, espw shopping bags). better option to shop during week when parking is plentiful...just park & re-park as needed.
- sufficient restaurants to keep you going. Starbucks near the Williams Sonoma outlet or on the other side of the freeway. -
Review from Sharon V.
9/9/2010
Holy Outlets Batman! This is the mother outlet of all outlets and requires an entire day, if not an entire weekend to get through all the stores. Seriously!
It has several designers and other brand name stores that you could ever dream of; Gucci, Tory Burch, Neiman Marcus, Stuart Wietzman, Coach, Cole Haan, Kate Spade, La Perla, Michael Kors, Salvadore Ferragamo, True Religion, Pottery Barn, Yves Delorme--and so many more. Those were all the ones we could hit up but so many were left to be discovered.
You really have to wear your most comfortable shoes because you will be doing a LOT of walking. There are two sides to this outlet so if you intend to hit up both, prepare to walk a marathon. Another thing you'll need to prepare yourself for is the heat and humidity. Not much coverage so wear a hat and sunblock.
I know you'll want to maximize your time here but if you wait until closing, you will be sitting in traffic for awhile. It took us nearly 30 minutes just to exit the parking lot. It might've been because it was a holiday weekend but several people told me that it's always like that.
If ever in the San Antonio or Austin area and have a day to spare, check this place out. You won't be disappointed! -
Review from Farrah A.
8/15/2010 2 photos
Quote of the day: "Oh, you can totally find this at Ross/Marshall's/TJ Max for much cheaper." -Farrah A
...Oh. Mah. Gah. I'm officially my mother.
Prime Outlets is huge, there are stores o'plenty, and the options are endless - from home goods at William Sanoma to Nike Shoes to Gucci to perfume. But where are the deals? Where are the massive savings? You know, the ones you drove hundreds of miles for, splurged on a hotel stay and woke up early, had an extra bendy morning stretch and even packed snacks and bottles of water (because there ain't shiz to eat in this strip center.).
A few stores did have sales on top of the "outlet mall" savings - like the 50% savings at BCBG - but at some other spots, l had to question: Would I really pay $40 for a Tommy Hilfiger baby jumpsuit for my adorable niece? I mean, she's just gonna spit up on it. I could find the same thing at Marshall's in River Oaks for $15 bucks.
I would come back again, but it would have to be during big holiday shopping seasons (Thanksgiving, back-to-school, Easter, Labor Day, etc.) to really make all the hassle worth it. Other than that, not too impressed with the Outlets. If you do make it out here, I rec parking by the Crate & Barrel and working your way - facing C&B - clockwise.
Best savings I found were at:
Papaya
Neiman's & Saks
AX
Coach
Michael Kors
Victoria's Secret
BCBG
Seven For All Mankind
Joe's Jeans
Nike
PumaListed in: San Marcos - Prime Outlets
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Review from Perky L.
San Antonio, TX
7/17/2011
There is some kind of inexplicable and hugely powerful magnetic force at exit 200 off I-35 that grabs my vehicle, any vehicle, and transports me to this mall. Before I know it, I'm browsing Fendi, Tory Burch, Cole Haan, Hartmann, NM, Ferragamo, etc. and having a grand time.. Terrific selection of brands and good inventory of merchandise as a rule.There are 2 times a year when the crowds are maddeningly thick: Holy Week before Easter (all the shopping pros from Mexico come up and show us amateurs how it is really done!) and the tax-free weekend before school begins.
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Review from Derek D.
Starkville, MS
7/5/2010
I can't believe I'm reviewing an outlet mall, but I'm trying to increase my number of reviews...And there's a part of me that believes this is might give me the sense of purpose and meaning I so desperately crave in my life.
Anyway...This place is frickin' HUGE. I'm not a big shopper, and I've only been to a few outlet malls in my life, but this place blows all the others I've seen out of the water. In 3 hours we only covered about one-third of it (thank God).
There's an outlet here for just about any store you can think of; and some you wouldn't - and some that shouldn't even have outlets [Old Navy? I haven't been there since it was cool (circa 1996), but I'm pretty sure you'd be better off going to Goodwill than buying Old Navy rejects]. There are even several good non-clothing outlet stores - Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma, Restoration Hardware, Books-a-million, etc.
Ok, maybe not Books-a-million, but still.
Two things told me this place is different/special:
1) My sister (a hard-core, veteran shopper who was just here for the weekend and, therefore, had very limited shopping time) opted to go back here instead of a nice, "real" mall when given the choice.
2) My father (a man who despises malls and spends most of his time ranting about our consumer society and the downfall of America when he's in one) even bought some clothes and a coffee table.
What else can I say?
Note: The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because...well, it's an OUTLET MALL, for chrissake! -
Review from David N.
2/18/2010
OK if you have never been to the San Marcos Outlets, brace yourself, pack your bags, slip on your best walk/jogging shoes, grab that black AX card, and start your engines!
This place is nuts. It's huge and has basically every outlet store known to man. You could easily spend a whole day here and not even finish one of the sections. There are 2 sections!
I love outlet stores because I like brand name clothes but I don't really care that much about what's "in season". I don't mind stocking up on winter clothes in the summer or vi versa.
The best part is the walking because you see people from everywhere. As you walk in notice the license plates of the cars in the lot. You'll even notice some from Mexico!!!Listed in: Austin: Day Activities
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Review from Jamie L.
San Antonio, TX
3/16/2008
Now I'm as much of a label whore as the next fashionista, but I have literally died and gone to outlet heaven. Designer duds to home furnishings to the hottest electronics...this place has EVERYTHING! After being hugely disappointed by the North Star Mall, I had serious doubts of full-filling my shopping addiction....this place is so much more than a quick fix!
Total Shopping Euphoria!
FYI: Every few stores they have a another set of restrooms, so even though they have hundreds of people shopping there is never a line to pee! -
Review from Marsha Z.
San Francisco, CA
9/6/2007
I went over the Labor Day weekend, and the advice to stay away on weekends and holidays is overly cautious. The worst you have to deal with is circling around the lot for what seems like hours looking for parking--something you may already be used to dealing with on a regular basis if you drive in the City.
Other than a few big name stores like Giorgio Armani, Ferragamo, and Neiman Marcus Last Call, the majority of them aren't any I haven't seen before at factory outlets around the Bay Area. In fact, the large location reminded me a lot of the outlets in Vacaville.
The standouts for our party were Off 5th, Kipling, and Movado, the latter being where I was able to score a sweet watch for 70% off retail. A worthy shopping destination for the San Antonio/Austin crowd, you're sure to find at least one good bargain. If you're not fond of the mall environment, the Outlets may be more your cup of tea. -
Review from Cody R.
Austin, TX
4/16/2007
This is a great place to have nearby...... if you know how to work the system.
Don't:
Go on the weekend of Holidays
Expect to have a leisure shopping experience
Expect to find deals in all stores, a lot of them are not good deals
Try and go into every store in one trip.... map out your day (don't just improvise)
Wear anything but walking shoes
Go in the heat of the day
DO:
Go to Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn.... great deals
Expect to be in a crowd
Expect to spend money -
Review from Shari M.
3/7/2010
So I'm pretty sure this was the "high end" side of the outlet mall. It reminded me of a castle because of the architecture and painting. [[Please refer to my review on the other part of the outlet to see how my opinion on them]].
Once again, I was low on cash but I spotted a Papaya. "Ahhhh Papaya, my favorite store!" I practically ran into the store while my dad hit up the Nike store. Gosh there was soooooooo many things I wanted to try on but I was basically window shopping on the inside :( Granted, I had my ATM and credit card but I had to be strong. I did one lap around the store and left because I knew if I was in there any longer, I would've rang up a $100 tab.......
Some of the stores in the Prime Outlet were the Papaya, Nike, Neiman Marcus, and Victoria Secret
I recommend this and the Tanger Outlet. About 30-40 minutes from San Antonio and so worh it.Listed in: Texas
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Review from Val M.
5/9/2010
Stranded in San Marcos , TX for work definitely had a silver lining. I was pouting as i was surveying the scenery outside of my hotel (or lack thereof) when someone mentioned the outlet mall down the road. I immediately perked up and headed on over as soon as I was finished working for the day.
This huge outdoor structure is slightly overwhelming.... i was able to get a good workout walking from shop to shop in the hot sun while hunting for good deals.
There are quite a few outlet mall near me at home in CA, however this one is the largest I've ever seen. The quality of stores is top notch. In order not to get carried away I made a list of the stores I wanted to go to first, then visited the others after. The Victoria's Secret, Banana Republic and Michael Kors outlet were my absolute favorite.
I was disappointed when I went to the Converse outlet looking for 1/2 priced Chucks. The sales rep at Converse politely told me that they legally can't reduce the price on Chucks AND only 2 of the stores at the mall were official outlets. Hmm... these mega corporations ain't fooling me! They probably make merchandise to specifically sell at these outlets. Nonetheless, I am still smiling about my new Michael Kors GOLD leather purse.
Unfortunately I don't foresee myself ever going back to San Marcos, TX, however if the opportunity presents itself I may go back just for the shopping. -
Review from Mallory G.
Houston, TX
8/29/2010
I love the outlet malls! I always find something but at different stores each time. Only go to this side of the outlet mall. Its not really worth going to the other side. All the good stores at the other one are at this one also, so save your energy and just go here.
My favs: Michael Kors, Seven Jeans, Joes Jeans, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Crate and Barrel, Neimen Marcus, Coach, Cole Haan and Bath and Body Works. There are also lots of stores guys could like also like sony and brooks brothers.
Food is a little sparse. Just bring some snacks to get you through like 6-7 hours of shopping then pig out at the Weinerschnitzel down the highway after.
While this is an outlet mall, the best times to go are at holidays like 4th of July, memorial day and such were they make up sales to get you there. Normal days the deals just aren't that amazing.
Driving to parking is crazy. Parking isn't too bad, just getting into the outlet mall and finding parking is annoying. So just be prepared to take like 10 minutes to get to a parking spot.
If you are ever near San Marcos I recommending taking a whole day here. You are going to be amazed at the amount of stores then you will be sad if you don't get to all the ones you wanted.
So pull out your savings and get ready to spend it all! -
Review from Don P.
Austin, TX
8/5/2007
No habla who?
"Hey bro, we may have driven a little TOO far south"
"But I don't remember customs"
"Yeah, me either. But we obviously crossed a border somewhere"
Granted, we were only there for like 3 hours... which to put in perspective is progress similar to that of sneezing at a windmill farm, but the only store I found with bargains worth anything was the Adidas outlet. Buy one pair of shoes, get the 2nd pair for 50% off... and the shoes are priced at around the $40 range.
So for those of you playing the home game, that means if you buy two pairs, they come out to around $30 a pair. -
Review from julie p.
Austin, TX
3/11/2008
MASSIVE & EXCESSIVE!
But hey, we still used the excuse of looking for socks and other things we forgot to bring with us on our trip to come here and check it out.
Freaking huge, but still fun to check out. I really liked the Converse and American Eagle stores. The rest of it was too yuppish for me. My best friend was delighted though cause he's into that stuff. He saw plenty of places that he would be buying his suits next time he came by. I saw a girl with a Hot Topic bag but couldn't find the place at the outlet. Oh well, still something to check out if your killing time in San Marcos.Listed in: Why I luv Austin ^_^
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Review from Bek S.
Austin, TX
1/14/2008
Don't waste your time. Huge mall packed with bull. I scoured this place for "deals" and there ain't none! If you live in Austin, stay in Austin, shop in Austin. There are local designers for those with cash to thrash. And for the deal-junkies, there are lots of local thrift stores. Money spent there goes to help people worse-off than you. And yes they have "brand names", they are "used" but whoopie ding-dong, throw it in the washer and you won't get cooties.
PS - if you want a really cool, classy furry hat with animal ears, go to http://www.ChiaHats.com -- my neighbor makes these herself and they are totally faboo and so is she. -
Review from Larry M.
Austin, TX
3/29/2007
It's a nightmare. Tons and tons of people you've never seen from San Antonio getting in the way, and staying there.
I treat it like a stealth mission, no shopping groups in my posse to slow it down, it's NOT fun for the whole family, it's know what you want and get it
Great deals. The Crate and Barrel outlet is cheap, as is the bookstore outlet, the Gap is a bit picked over, as is the Last Call Neiman Marcus store, Calvin Klein always has a decent deal.
Off 5th is the BEST place to find the high end stuff for dirt cheap, takes some effort to find it, but always worth it and NO ONE is ever in there.
Lacoste is still high at $56 a shirt.
Never go on: weekends, evenings, holidays. EVER.
Gondola rides amidst this sad venetian backdrop covers about 20 feet. Pointless.
30 minute drive south.Listed in: "...I see Gay People"
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Review from Caitlin H.
Round Rock, TX
5/11/2010
I just spent $500 at the outlet mall. And I have a brand new wardrobe!!! Take that Stacy and Clinton! I did it with $500 not $5000. And it's all thanks to the outlet mall and the $5 coupon book!!! You may be wondering why I needed a new wardrobe... I recently lost 20 lbs and don't fit any of my old clothes. So I decided to reinvent myself and started at the outlet mall! Thank goodness I did, because otherwise I wouldn't have any money left...
Stores I recommend:
Armani Exchange was a huge surprise. I got incredibly awesome jeans with really cool washes for $30-$60 a pair! They were way cuter than Joe's or 7's jeans and about $100 cheaper! They Also had some super cute tops.
I also cleaned up at American Eagle oddly enough. Love the way their clothes fit and are so summery! Of course I also love Betsy Johnson but can never justify an occasion to wear anything but her swimsuits...
All the stores have something to offer but I love that it goes from dirt cheap on one end to high fashion/expensive on the other. There is something for every price range... Or in my case get a few really nice pieces and then add in the cheaper stuff to supplement.
Happy shopping! -
Review from Miki M.
Houston, TX
11/5/2009
I don't know- to some, Austin is probably a very big city. To me, Austin is a nice small town. I like the small town lifestyle- don't need to worry about traffic, smog, pollution... And no need to be the most fashionable person in town, in order to be happy.
But although I feel tame most of the time, I do get bitten by certain bugs. Powerful ones... Which inflame my mind and soul...
I do feel the need to do some quality shopping. I cannot wear shorts and t-shirts all the time- I need to feel the tight fit of a premium dressy shirt gently squeezing my upper body, and I really miss the uncomfortable sensation of putting brand new leather shoes that haven't been broken-in yet. Shoes that are likely to give me blisters after 10 minutes of walking down 6th street- but will also ensure that I won't remain unnoticed...
When I feel rich, handsome and famous (and hands itchy to spend some money) I do have options in Austin. Thank God I do.
I can go to the Domain which as you know well has some really good premium shopping...
But what if I want to buy cool stuff AND still save some money? Well, then. An easy 45 minutes drive South to San Marcos- and wow, look at all the cool Premium Outlets. I feel so lucky. One could call premium shopping "divine". But is it really? Or is it the most decadent thing, that will ensure that you have a hot cauldron of boiling water reserved for your soul at a certain retreat deep underground... A sort of extreme (and eternal) Jacuzzi, enhanced by sulfur fumes (aroma-therapy)...
For example, how do you explain that Prime Outlets of San Marcos is in zip-code 78-666? Contains three sixes... Out of all possible numbers. Hmm, what a coincidence... Also 7+8=15, 1+5=6. So it's actually... four sixes, not three. And if you add all the numbers of this lovely zip code: 7+8+6+6+6 = 33... which is also a SIX! :) OK never mind, let us forget about this Kabbalah thingie- let's just enjoy. And oh yes, I do enjoy it. Quite a bit! Too much.
Only one thing bothers me about the Prime Outlets in San Marcos: how can there be so many cool premium (but discounted) stores around, and not even one GOURMET RESTAURANT to crash at, after scratching the premium shopping itch? What if I have $50 remaining in my pocket and want to satisfy also my craving for Crap'es & S-Car-Go??? Who do I have to (expletive) to get them to open a healthier, higher-end, premium outlet-worthy food place...
Guess I have to satisfy with the Outback Steakhouse for the time being.Listed in: Upscale Austin
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Review from Lam Ngan L.
Hyattsville, MD
5/18/2011
This outlet is HUGE........ so many choices to choose from. Need to spend the whole day here.
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Review from Jennifer F.
Miami, FL
4/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Clean, easy to get to and the Ferragamo and Gucci stores do not disappoint. I have to limit my trips there but when I go, it is dangerous. Excellent parking, nice spacious walking. I really like it here. The people at Gucci could be nicer but overall come here and enjoy a nice day walking around and shopping. Buy Italian and American! :)
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Review from melinda w.
San Marcos, TX
8/25/2010
Don't go on weekends, holidays, or during the summer. Same selection as a normal mall but with bigger bargain racks so you have the illusion of getting a good deal. The stores are set up in two circles around the parking lots so in order to go from one store to another you have to deal with slow-boat out of state/country drivers full of kids.
Do yourself a favor and hit the Round Rock outlets with its shaded walkways and American Apparel store. :D -
Review from Kevin N.
3/24/2007
Because I'm inherently fond of any parking lot in Texas with gondolas (?), let me drop two pennies on the Prime Outlets.
A bevy of brands herded together as gi-normous shopping situation, Prime Outlets are roughly equidistant (hell, you take the 'Midpoint Road' exit) between Austin and San Antone. What you'll find here is a cup-runneth-over scenario of most well-known brands interpreted as storefronts. The problem, if you want to call it that, with living so close to this place is that I find that I expect all outlet malls to ape this one, which, to put it politely, they do not.
The prices aren't always anything special (for a time it seemed like the selling angle for these guys was that you were buying directly from the manufacturer and saving $, though if that's true things have really shaken out more as a different type of mall or whatnot: similar products, different name on the marquee).
Speaking from experience: if you know you're planning to hit P.O.S.M, consider a week night, despite what others may say. I've found it easier to get in and out if you know what you're looking for, and I've found better deals when they know they'll be slow. Otherwise, stop in on the weekends in case you wanted to remember what waiting to park feels like. -
Review from Christine C.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is huge. I've been to 4 outlets and this one by far is the best. The one in vacaville, CA, Barstow, CA, Gilroy, CA were nice until I came here. It's got almost every store you can think of. You need about 2 days to really check out every store though.
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Review from Natalie D.
Austin, TX
6/3/2007
First of all -- I hate shopping. I hate the mall. But for some reason, I decided that I needed to go to the outlet mall yesterday. A Saturday no less. In the middle of the afternoon. Now, under normal circumstances, I think I'm crazy. But this trip actually turned out to be a pretty successful one. (Outlet malls are not always so fortuitous for me.)
The thing about outlet malls is that they can be very hit or miss. There is always just random inventory. All sizes are not well stocked. Though some stores have special stuff made JUST for their outlets -- like you wouldn't find it if you went to their regular store. So that's interesting. And it is crowded. Always. And if you're not in a store, you're outside. So it can be hot. Or rainy. Not a great place to go on a bad weather day.
The gems of the outlet (to me) are the Crate and Barrel outlet and the Pottery Barn (aka Williams and Sonoma) outlet. Great for housewares, rugs, and random furniture pieces (PB has a larger selection than C&B for the furniture).
I'm a sucker for purses and there are a good number of fancy (aka expensive) purse stores, if that's your thing (Kate Spade, Coach, Dooney & Burke, Furla, Guess...).
If you're into Bath and Body Works (which I'm generally not, but I decided to check out their outlet -- I was going ker-azy with the shopping yesterday) GO HERE. It is mostly the same stuff as in they mall (though, honestly, it's been a while since I've been to one in a mall) -- lotions, bath gel, etc -- at like HALF PRICE. ALL THE TIME (as far as I could tell). So if you are a Bath and Body Works junkie, I would highly recommend a trip.
As far as clothing, some stores that would be in most city malls (Gap, Talbot's, Anne Taylor, J. Crew) and a lot of high end stuff and then stuff I've never heard of. And shops seems to come and go so check the webpage for the latest shops.
If you like/love shopping, the outlets are for you. There are deals to be had, but you either have to time it right (a couple stores I went to had, like, 40% off EVERYTHING this weekend) or search hard/get lucky. A lot of times prices aren't any better than a normal mall's sale. Be prepared to walk. Park in the center (the shops are basically in a giant U) so if you buy a lot, you can make frequent trips back to your trunk. Good luck! -
Review from Mara S.
Chicago, IL
9/5/2007
Holy cow I love it here.
I only make it home to Texas once or twice a year, but every time I make a trip home, I make a trip to San Marcos. After not having decent outlet malls near me in Chicago, this is a welcome change.
They've recently made drastic improvements to the outlets - the general appearance of the mall and the addition of several great stores make this a worthwhile trip.
Prime outlets have all of the basics plus a lot of great extras like Off 5th, Tumi, etc. Be prepared to walk a lot when you're there, it's really spread out. You'll probably spend a decent amount of money too.
The only negative thing that I can say about these outlets are the lack of decent restaurants in the immediate vacinity. Eat before you come or you'll end up in a crappy food court or fast food restaurant. -
Review from Austin L.
TX
4/18/2008
Labels.
Meh.
Because I drive down to San Marcos for school, I went here a time or two. I bought nothing.
That's right. Nothing. Even with a mile or three miles or whatever it is of shops. I agree fully with Julie P's assessment of "too yuppish." I found that while sometimes the window displays seem promising, the stuff in the stores was somehow generic and disappointing. I also found that in many places the quality was terrible--things had holes and were coming apart on the hangers. And they were not cheap even so.
Not for me... -
Review from Vi Y.
2/11/2009
Driving from Austin to San Antonio, we thought we would only see dirt, tumbleweeds, and armadillos....instead we saw a little piece of heaven. AN outlet with Gucci, Zumiez, Pac Sun, Betsy Johnson, Sunglass Hut, Hot Topics, BCBG Girls, Armani Exchange, Juicy, and even DC! If everything is bigger in Texas, then their outlets are HUGE!!!
We took the amount of time we had (2 hours before dinner), and divided it out to 4 stores we wanted to go into the most, giving us 30 minutes in each store. :) The things on the clearance rack are cheap cheap cheap! I got a full corset with garter belt and panties for $4, beanie for $2, and shoes for $5. The non-clearance stuff was normal price. A bit more expensive than Ross or Marshalls.
We're not done yet...going back tomorrow to hit up the rest of it. :) It may earn an extra star after tomorrow. :)
**edit** Turns out we were at the Tanger Outlets yesterday, which was TINY compared to the Prime Outlets. OMFG A/X stuff with racks and racks of things under $10....Betsy Johnson outlet with so many cute dresses, shoes, and purses. I got a purse and makeup bag for under $30! This is the biggest reason to come back to Texas. :) -
Review from Leah R.
8/25/2009
It may have just been the circumstances - we'd already shopped through Tangier and it was tax free weekend and it was PACKED and 104 degrees - but I was not impressed. As I said in my last review, I am so very much a cheapskate, and prefer to get fun stuff in thrift stores that will last me a season than spend money on good quality stuff. So these are not my stores. If I win the lotto, perhaps. But not yet.
I did find some amazing deals in the Oakley store but it was one rack of mens stuff. Famous Footwear and Naturalizer did have some nice and decently priced shoes. However - the rest of it? Pretty to look at but I didn't have the patience to dig for the stuff within my budget. I'll definitely give it another try one day when it's cooler, not so crowded, and don't have a specific agenda.
That said, if you're the kind of person that regularly drops a chunk of change on each clothing piece and is into labels, this place is for you. Considering the normal retail prices, they are discounted so shop away! -
Review from Stephanie T.
Austin, TX
11/11/2009
Personally, I think the shopping in Austin sucks (I am from California...lived in Los Angeles and the bay area so I had access to great shopping) but just a short drive to San Marcos and I'm in heaven!!! There are so many great shops here both designer and non and the savings can be incredible. Obviously, with any store, it can be hit or miss, but you're bound to find something somewhere!!! I can shop here for hours...let me just say that you need more than a full day to make it around the entire shopping center! Was just here with a girlfriend for 7 hours and that was with us driving only to stores we were interested in (prob 10 or so stores...no joke!)
If you're not from Texas and you're visiting, make sure to plan a trip to Prime Outlets in San Marcos! You will love it! Just to give you an idea of the directory: Gucci, Ferragamo, Fendi (Coming Soon), True Religion, 7 For All Mankind, Cole Haan, Tory Burch, Last Call Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth, and the list continues!!!!
Awesome shopping, incredible prices!!! -
Review from Mai D.
1/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
i spent 8 hours here!
so yeah, i'd say i was a fan...my favorite part is the Victoria Secret outlet...i am a sucker, yes.
this outlet is pretty big, so even if you were just browsing around, plan to spend some time out here.
the converse outlet has a clearance rack thats pretty awesome.
anyways, i come here for the discounted basics. usually they will have the dress pants, tshirts and long sleeves, slightly cheaper than in the city...be prepared for elbow grease and its pretty much busy all the time. less so at like 8pm. :)
i like the cole hann and the kate spade outlet too.
the benneton outlet usually has some sort of deal going on, so suits a little cheaper.
there's even an alteration place stashed away in the outlet stores if you need a quick mend. also a tax/H&R place - weird.
