While you’re visiting the Big Apple, check out one of the popular outlets in New York to pick up a souvenir or special gift. Going shopping is one of the best things to do in NYC, especially if it’s your last day in the city or your plans get rained out.
Shopping isn’t the first thing on our to-do list when we travel, but when we’re in a huge metropolis like NYC, there are lots of cool places and markets to browse. Here, you’ll find everything from pop-up markets and artsy vendor stalls to luxury department stores and outdoor shopping centers. So, no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it at one of New York City’s outlet malls.
To help you out, I’m sharing the 5 best outlet malls around New York and what to expect from each. There are even shopping tours and buses that leave from Manhattan, so it’s easier than ever to get to these places.
1. Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets, the best outlet near New York
First, the Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets is one of the best outlets in NYC as well as the most popular. With over 220 stores and spanning more than 800,000ft², it’s one of the largest outlet malls in the world.
Here, you can find designer clothing, sportswear, shoes, accessories, and more at up to 65% off, making this one of the best places to shop in NYC on a budget. Shop for luxury brands like Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Saint Laurent, and refuel with mall favorites like Auntie Anne’s, Chipotle, and Haagen-Dazs. There is also free Wi-Fi and a children’s play area for your convenience.
Woodbury Commons is in Central Valley, New York, with daily shuttles and tours departing from Manhattan, like this one. The tour is included in several New York attraction passes, such as the New York Pass, so if you’re going to be in the city for a couple of days, it’s a great deal. Plus, this NYC premium outlet is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, so it’s easy to fit into your itinerary.
2. The Mills at Jersey Gardens, a designer outlet near New York
The Mills at Jersey Gardens is another clothing outlet near New York, specifically in Elizabeth, New Jersey, just 30 minutes from Manhattan. It’s closer than Woodbury Commons, and it’s the largest outlet mall in Jersey, with over 200 stores.
This is one of the best places to go for a variety of affordable clothing stores near NYC, including luxury designers and more affordable fashion brands. For example, you can shop at Coach, Levi’s, Sephora, and Victoria’s Secret as well as department stores like Bloomingdale’s and Saks.
Jersey Gardens also has great athletic and sporting goods stores like Adidas, Columbia, and the Nike Factory Store, so you can snag some awesome deals. There are several fast-food places in the food court and a few sit-down restaurants throughout the mall. You can even watch a movie at the AMC movie theater here.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm. If you don’t want to drive there, you can take the NJ Transit Bus 111 from NYC’s Port Authority Bus Terminal.
3. Empire Outlets, Staten Island, the closest outlet to New York
While there are great outlet malls near New York City, you may not feel like driving or taking public transit. In that case, check out NYC’s Empire Outlets, one of the best places to visit in Staten Island.
This New York factory outlet is quite new, so it’s not as large as the other outlet malls. Even so, it continues to expand, and as the first outlet mall in New York City, it’s the most convenient shopping option. Enjoy indoor and outdoor shopping while taking in the views of Lower Manhattan!
What’s unique about the Empire Outlets is that there are lots of small and local businesses here. So, in addition to browsing big-name stores like Banana Republic, Gap, and Nordstrom Rack, you can find family-owned stores and smaller brands to support.
When you get hungry, there are various cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and even a brewery here. Or, you can walk the three minutes to the Staten Island Ferry terminal and head back to Manhattan for dinner.
4. Tanger Outlets Deer Park, Long Island, a nice luxury outlet in New York
Hands down, Tanger Outlets Deer Park is one of the best shopping outlets near NYC. It’s about an hour and 15 minutes from Manhattan, but worth the drive since it’s an exciting venue with shops, a movie theater, and community events.
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it at this luxury outlet in New York. There are over 100 retailers here, including Adidas, Columbia, Nike, and Under Armour. For those who love designer labels, there are brands like Calvin Klein, Coach, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors.
Among the clothing and accessories brands, you’ll find perfume, jewelry, footwear, and cosmetics shops offering great sales. After taking advantage of all this discount shopping in New York City, stop by Regal Cinemas for a movie, or grab a bite to eat.
Tanger Outlets Deer Park is on Long Island, so if you don’t want to drive there, you can take the train from Penn Station in Manhattan. The shopping center is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm (7 pm on Sundays).
5. The Outlets at Bergen Town Center, another big outlet mall in New York
The last premium outlet in New York that I recommend is The Outlets at Bergen Town Center. Technically, this indoor/outdoor shopping mall is in New Jersey, but it’s only about an hour away from NYC, so it’s worth the trip.
In addition to over 100 stores, Bergen Town Center offers steep discounts of up to 70% off. This is your chance to get great deals on clothes, shoes, accessories, home goods, and just about anything else. As one of the biggest outlet malls near New York, Bergen Town Center has all the luxury brands and fashion stores you want, as well as a pharmacy, bank, and gym.
There is also a Whole Foods Market, Kohl’s, Bloomingdale’s, Best Buy, and Lowe’s, so you can really get anything here. The shopping center has casual food kiosks to sustain you while you shop, as well as Italian restaurants, steakhouses, and other eateries.
Bergen Town Center is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 9:30 pm, and if you don’t have a car, you can take NJ Transit Bus 168 from New York City’s Port Authority Bus Terminal.
By now, you should be ready to shop ‘til you drop! I’m including a map of these premium outlets around New York so you can locate them and choose which one to visit during your trip.
Don’t hesitate to leave me any questions in the comments below; I’ll do my best to get back to you. Until then, have fun shopping for discounts in New York City!