Ann Taylor Factory Store in South Carolina: What to Expect and Where to Shop

What Ann Taylor Factory Stores Carry and How They Differ From Regular Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Factory Stores sell clothing, shoes, and accessories at lower prices than the full-price Ann Taylor locations. The inventory consists of items made specifically for the factory store, overstock from regular Ann Taylor shops, and previous-season pieces. You will find dresses, blazers, pants, sweaters, and shoes across a range of sizes, along with belts, scarves, jewelry, and bags.

Factory stores operate on a different model than regular Ann Taylor boutiques. The merchandise turns over frequently, and what is in stock one week may be gone the next. Prices are typically 30 to 50 percent lower than full-price locations, but the selection is smaller and more unpredictable. If you find something you like, buying it then rather than waiting is usually the better choice.

The stores are designed for browsing and discovery rather than a curated shopping experience. Fitting rooms are available, and return policies match Ann Taylor's standard terms, though you should confirm the specific policy at your location since details can vary.

Key Takeaways

• Ann Taylor Factory Stores stock clothing and accessories at 30 to 50 percent below full-price Ann Taylor locations, with inventory that changes frequently.
• Merchandise includes factory-exclusive items, overstock, and previous-season pieces, so selection varies week to week.
• South Carolina has factory store locations in Bluffton and Myrtle Beach, both in outlet mall settings.
• Shopping early in the week and during off-season months often means better selection and fewer crowds.
• Return policies and payment methods are the same as regular Ann Taylor stores, though you should confirm details with your local location.

Ann Taylor Factory Store Locations in South Carolina

South Carolina has two Ann Taylor Factory Store locations, both situated in outlet malls. The Bluffton location is in Tanger Outlets Bluffton, on Lady's Island near Hilton Head. The Myrtle Beach location is in Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach, in the central part of the city near the airport.

Both stores operate within the outlet mall framework, meaning they share parking, dining, and other retail options with dozens of other brands. Hours typically run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, though holiday hours and seasonal adjustments are common. You can call ahead to confirm current hours before making the trip.

The Bluffton location draws shoppers from Hilton Head and the surrounding Lowcountry. The Myrtle Beach store serves the Grand Strand area and is convenient if you are already visiting the beach or shopping at other outlet retailers. Both locations offer the same merchandise categories and pricing structure.

What Prices Look Like and When Sales Happen

Base prices at Ann Taylor Factory Stores run lower than full-price Ann Taylor, but the stores also hold regular sales and clearance events. You may see an additional 20 to 40 percent off already-reduced prices during holiday weekends, end-of-season clearance, and promotional events. Sign up for the Ann Taylor email list or check the website to learn about upcoming sales before you visit.

Clearance racks are a fixture in factory stores and often hold the deepest discounts. These sections change constantly and are not organized by size or style, so they require patience to navigate. Clearance items are typically final sale, meaning they cannot be returned, so inspect them carefully before purchasing.

Prices vary by item type. A factory-store blazer might cost $60 to $80, while a pair of pants could run $30 to $50. Accessories like scarves and jewelry are often $10 to $25. These are estimates based on typical factory store pricing; actual prices depend on the specific item, current promotions, and inventory.

How to Shop Strategically at a Factory Store

Factory stores reward regular visits and patience. Inventory rotates constantly, so returning every few weeks means you see different merchandise. Early morning and weekday visits typically mean shorter lines and more time to browse without crowds. Tuesday through Thursday mornings are usually the quietest times.

Bring a list of what you are looking for, but stay flexible. Factory stores rarely have the exact item you want in your size and preferred color. Thinking in terms of categories—a blazer, a pair of neutral pants, a patterned scarf—rather than specific pieces makes the experience less frustrating. Try things on; sizing can vary between factory and regular Ann Taylor lines.

Check the clearance section first if you have limited time. The deepest discounts are there, and you may find something unexpected. Then move through the regular racks. If you find something at full factory price that you love, do not wait for a sale; inventory moves quickly and it may not be there next week.

Return and Exchange Policies

Ann Taylor Factory Stores accept returns and exchanges within 60 days of purchase with a receipt. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition with tags attached. Clearance items are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged, so read the tag carefully before checking out.

Exchanges are straightforward: bring the item and your receipt, and the store will swap it for another size or color of the same piece if available. Returns are issued as store credit or refunded to your original payment method. Online purchases made through Ann Taylor's website can sometimes be returned to a factory store location, but policies vary, so confirm before you buy online.

Keep your receipt and tags until you are certain you will keep the item. Factory store merchandise moves fast, and if you need to return something, doing so quickly increases the chance the store will have your size or color in stock for an exchange.

Payment Methods and Loyalty Programs

Ann Taylor Factory Stores accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. They do not accept personal checks. If you shop frequently, opening an Ann Taylor credit card can earn you rewards points on purchases, though the card is optional.

Ann Taylor's loyalty program, called Ann Taylor Rewards, tracks your purchases across both factory and regular stores. You earn points on every dollar spent and can redeem them for discounts. Signing up is free and happens at checkout or online. Members also receive early notice of sales and special promotions.

Gift cards purchased at factory stores work at any Ann Taylor location, including online. If you are shopping for someone else, a gift card removes the guesswork around size and style preferences.

What to Know Before You Go

Factory stores are not outlet malls in the traditional sense of being overstocked warehouse spaces. They are carefully merchandised retail locations designed to move inventory quickly at lower prices. Expect a clean, organized store with fitting rooms, but also expect that what you see today may not be there tomorrow.

Parking is free at both Tanger Outlets locations. The Bluffton store is about 20 minutes from Hilton Head proper, and the Myrtle Beach store is central to the city. Both are easy to reach by car and have ample parking.

If you are visiting from out of state, note that South Carolina does not charge sales tax on clothing and shoes, which means factory store prices are already lower than you would pay in many other states. Accessories like belts and jewelry do carry sales tax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return factory store items to a regular Ann Taylor location?

Most Ann Taylor locations will accept returns from factory stores if you have your receipt and the item meets return conditions. However, policies can vary by location, so call ahead to confirm. Factory store clearance items are final sale everywhere and cannot be returned.

Are factory store sizes the same as regular Ann Taylor sizes?

Sizing can differ between factory and regular Ann Taylor lines. Factory items are sometimes cut slightly differently or made by different manufacturers. Always try things on, and do not assume your regular Ann Taylor size will fit the same way in factory pieces.

Do factory stores have online shopping or shipping?

Ann Taylor's website includes factory items, and you can order online for delivery or in-store pickup. Shipping costs and delivery times vary. Some online purchases can be returned to a factory store location, but this depends on how the item was ordered, so check the return policy at checkout.

What is the best time of year to shop for deals?

End-of-season clearance sales in January and July typically offer the deepest discounts. Holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday also bring significant markdowns. Sign up for email notifications to learn about sales before you visit.

Is there a dress code or specific dress style at Ann Taylor Factory?

Ann Taylor Factory carries the same style range as regular Ann Taylor: professional workwear, casual pieces, and dresses for various occasions. The store does not specialize in one look; you will find everything from blazers and trousers to jeans and casual tops, all at factory prices.