Kate Spade Outlet in South Carolina: Where to Shop and What to Expect
Kate Spade Outlet locations in South Carolina
Kate Spade operates outlet stores at two locations in South Carolina: one at Tanger Outlets in Myrtle Beach and another at Tanger Outlets in Bluffton. Both sit within larger outlet mall complexes, so you can browse other brands while you're there. The Myrtle Beach location is the larger of the two and tends to have more inventory, particularly during seasonal sales.
Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach is located at 10835 North Kings Highway, about 15 minutes north of downtown Myrtle Beach. Tanger Outlets Bluffton sits at 1414 Fording Island Road, roughly 20 minutes south of Hilton Head Island. Both malls are open year-round, though hours vary by season—winter hours are typically shorter than summer hours when tourism peaks.
If you live in the Lowcountry or plan to visit Hilton Head, the Bluffton location is the closer option. Myrtle Beach visitors and residents along the Grand Strand should head to the Myrtle Beach outlet. Neither location requires a membership or advance reservation to shop.
Key Takeaways
- Kate Spade outlet stores in South Carolina are located at Tanger Outlets in Myrtle Beach and Tanger Outlets in Bluffton, both open year-round.
- Outlet prices are typically 30 to 50 percent lower than full-price retail, though the exact discount varies by item and season.
- Outlet inventory includes current-season styles, past-season clearance items, and pieces made specifically for outlet sale.
- Both locations are part of larger outlet malls, so you can shop other brands and grab food or coffee while you visit.
- Myrtle Beach's outlet is larger and often has more selection, while Bluffton's location is more convenient for Lowcountry residents.
What you'll find at Kate Spade Outlet
Kate Spade outlet stores carry handbags, wallets, jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, and small leather goods—the same categories as full-price boutiques, but at lower price points. The inventory mix includes current-season styles that didn't sell at full price, past-season items being cleared out, and pieces manufactured specifically for outlet distribution. You won't find every style available at a Kate Spade boutique, but the selection is substantial enough that most shoppers find something they want.
Handbags make up the bulk of what's on display, ranging from small crossbody bags to large totes. Wallet styles, card holders, and key fobs are usually well-stocked and popular choices for gift-giving. Jewelry includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings in both classic and seasonal designs. Shoes and sunglasses rotate with the season, so spring and summer bring sandals and sunglasses while fall and winter feature boots and heavier styles.
Outlet merchandise is authentic Kate Spade—not counterfeit—but it's distinct from what you'd buy at a full-price store. The quality is the same, but outlet-only pieces may have simpler hardware, fewer embellishments, or slightly different construction than boutique exclusives. This is standard practice across outlet retail and doesn't indicate a defect.
Pricing and discounts at outlet locations
Prices at Kate Spade Outlet are typically 30 to 50 percent lower than full-price retail, though the exact discount depends on the item and the season. Handbags that retail for $300 to $400 at a boutique might cost $150 to $250 at the outlet. Wallets and small goods often see steeper percentage discounts because they have lower full-price points to begin with.
Seasonal sales and clearance events offer additional discounts beyond the standard outlet markup. Both Myrtle Beach and Bluffton locations run promotions around major shopping holidays—Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Black Friday, and after-Christmas sales. During these events, you may find an extra 20 to 30 percent off already-discounted outlet prices, though selection narrows as popular items sell out.
Prices are the same at both South Carolina locations, so there's no advantage to driving to one over the other based on cost. The difference is inventory and convenience. Check the Kate Spade website or call ahead if you're hunting for a specific item or style—staff can tell you whether it's in stock at either location.
How to get the most from your visit
Arrive early in the day or on a weekday if you prefer a less crowded shopping experience. Weekends and afternoons, especially during summer tourist season in Myrtle Beach, draw larger crowds. The Myrtle Beach outlet is busier overall because it's in a high-traffic tourist area, while Bluffton tends to be quieter except during peak vacation periods.
Sign up for the Kate Spade email list before you visit—the brand regularly sends exclusive discount codes to subscribers, sometimes offering an additional 15 to 20 percent off your purchase. You can sign up in-store at the register or on the Kate Spade website. Bring your phone or print the code to use at checkout.
Inspect items carefully before purchasing. Outlet merchandise is final sale at most retailers, though Kate Spade's return policy may vary by location. Ask the staff about their specific return or exchange policy when you check out. Keep your receipt and tags attached until you're certain you want to keep the item.
Getting to the outlets from major South Carolina cities
From Charleston, the Bluffton outlet is about 90 minutes south via US-17 South. Take I-95 North toward Savannah, then follow signs to Bluffton and Fording Island Road. The drive is straightforward and passes through scenic Lowcountry landscape. Parking at Tanger Outlets Bluffton is free and plentiful.
From Columbia, the Myrtle Beach outlet is roughly two hours east via I-20 East and US-501 East. Once you reach Myrtle Beach, follow North Kings Highway north to the outlet mall. The drive is mostly highway and takes you through the Pee Dee region. Parking is free at Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach, with ample spaces near the Kate Spade store.
If you're already visiting Myrtle Beach for the beach, boardwalk, or other attractions, the outlet is a convenient stop on your way to or from the coast. The Bluffton location works well as a side trip if you're exploring Hilton Head Island or the Beaufort area.
Other outlets and shopping near Kate Spade
Both Tanger Outlets locations house 40 to 50 other brand outlets, so you can shop multiple stores in one trip. At Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach, you'll find Coach, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap, Nike, and many others. Tanger Outlets Bluffton has a similar mix, with slightly fewer stores but still a solid range of options.
Each outlet mall has food options—typically a food court or casual restaurants—so you can grab lunch or coffee without leaving the property. Myrtle Beach's outlet has more dining variety because of its size and tourist location. Both locations have restrooms, seating areas, and customer service desks if you need assistance.
If you prefer full-price Kate Spade shopping, the brand has boutiques in Charleston and at Hilton Head Island. These carry the complete current collection and offer different styles than the outlet, though at higher prices. The boutiques also have personal shopping services and can order items not in stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is outlet merchandise the same quality as full-price Kate Spade?
Yes, outlet merchandise is authentic Kate Spade and meets the same quality standards. The difference is that outlet-specific pieces may have simpler designs or fewer embellishments than boutique exclusives. All items carry the same warranty and craftsmanship you'd expect from the brand.
Can I return items bought at the outlet?
Return policies vary by location and may differ from full-price boutiques. Most outlet retailers have stricter return policies, sometimes offering exchanges only rather than refunds. Ask the staff about the specific policy when you purchase, and keep your receipt and tags attached until you're sure about your purchase.
Which outlet location has better selection?
The Myrtle Beach outlet is larger and typically carries more inventory, especially in handbags and seasonal items. Bluffton's location is smaller but still well-stocked. If you're hunting for a specific style, call ahead to check availability at either location before making the drive.
Are there discounts beyond the outlet price?
Yes. Seasonal sales and clearance events offer additional markdowns, typically 20 to 30 percent off outlet prices. Signing up for the Kate Spade email list gives you access to subscriber-only codes that can add another 15 to 20 percent off. Check for promotions around major holidays.
Do I need to make an appointment or membership to shop?
No. Both Kate Spade outlet locations are open to the public without appointments or memberships. You can walk in during regular mall hours and shop freely. Parking is free at both Tanger Outlets locations.