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Where to Shop Fashion Outlets in South Carolina

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

South Carolina's outlet malls and discount fashion stores

South Carolina has three major outlet destinations where you can find brand-name clothing, shoes, and accessories at reduced prices. Tanger Outlets operates two locations—one in North Charleston near the airport and one in Myrtle Beach on the Grand Strand. Belk Outlet stores are scattered across the state in towns like Goose Creek, Summerville, and Myrtle Beach. Beyond these anchors, independent discount retailers and off-price chains like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross Dress for Less operate throughout South Carolina's shopping districts.

Outlet shopping differs from regular retail: stores sell overstock, previous seasons, and items made specifically for outlet sale at lower margins. Prices are typically 20 to 60 percent below full retail, though the discount varies by brand and season. Many outlets run clearance events during holiday weekends and end-of-season sales, which can push discounts higher.

Key Takeaways

  • Tanger Outlets in North Charleston and Myrtle Beach are the largest outlet destinations in the state, with over 100 brands at each location.
  • Off-price retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls operate year-round in most South Carolina cities and towns, with inventory that changes weekly.
  • Outlet merchandise includes overstock and previous seasons rather than current collections, so selection varies by visit and brand.
  • Holiday weekends and seasonal clearance events offer the deepest discounts, though inventory sells quickly during these periods.

Tanger Outlets North Charleston

Tanger Outlets North Charleston sits off I-26 near Charleston International Airport, about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. The mall houses over 100 stores including Nike, Coach, Gap, Banana Republic, J.Crew Factory, and Saks OFF 5TH. Anchor stores include a Belk Outlet and a Saks OFF 5TH, which carries designer and contemporary brands at outlet prices.

The location works well for travelers—you can shop before or after your flight, and the mall has restaurants and a food court. Parking is free and plentiful. The mall is open year-round, typically 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, though hours shift seasonally. Many stores offer additional discounts to military families and seniors, so ask at individual registers.

Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach

Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach sits on the Grand Strand near Highway 17 Bypass, in the heart of the tourist district. This location also has over 100 stores, with a similar mix of brands plus some stores unique to this mall, such as Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Tommy Hilfiger. The mall draws both locals and vacation visitors, so it can be crowded during summer and spring break.

The Myrtle Beach outlet is walkable and near other shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. Hours are typically 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Many visitors combine outlet shopping with nearby attractions like Barefoot Landing or the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Both Tanger locations offer a free VIP coupon book at the customer service desk—these coupons stack with store sales and can add another 10 to 20 percent off select items.

Off-Price Retailers Across South Carolina

TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross Dress for Less operate in most South Carolina cities and larger towns. These stores buy overstock and closeout merchandise from department stores and brands, then resell at 20 to 60 percent below regular retail. Unlike outlet malls, these stores are integrated into regular shopping centers and strip malls, so they are often closer to home than a dedicated outlet destination.

Inventory at off-price retailers changes weekly and varies by location, so the same store may have completely different stock on your next visit. Fitting rooms and return policies are typically more generous than at outlet malls—most allow returns within 30 days with tags attached. Prices are already marked down, so these stores rarely run additional sales, though clearance sections at the back of the store offer deeper discounts on items that have not sold.

Belk Outlet Locations

Belk Outlet stores operate in Goose Creek, Summerville, Myrtle Beach, and other South Carolina towns. These stores carry Belk's own brands—such as Belk Home, Crown & Ivy, and Nautica—plus discounted merchandise from national brands that Belk carries at full price in its regular stores. Belk Outlets focus on clothing, shoes, and home goods rather than the full range of a department store.

Belk Outlets run frequent sales and clearance events, especially around holidays and season changes. The Belk rewards program works at outlet locations, so if you shop at regular Belk stores, your points carry over. Outlet stores are typically smaller and less crowded than the outlet malls, making them a quieter option if you prefer to browse without the weekend traffic.

Seasonal Sales and Timing

The best time to shop outlets depends on what you are looking for. End-of-season clearance happens in August (summer clothes) and January (fall and winter clothes), when stores mark down remaining inventory to make room for new stock. Holiday weekends—Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas—bring storewide promotions and extra discounts at most outlets.

Spring and fall are moderate seasons for outlet shopping: prices are reasonable, crowds are smaller than summer, and inventory is fresh. Summer and December are the busiest times, with longer lines and picked-over selection, though sales are often deepest during these periods. If you shop on weekday mornings rather than weekends, you will encounter fewer crowds and have better access to fitting rooms and sales staff.

Planning Your Outlet Visit

Bring a list of specific items or brands you want to find, rather than browsing without direction—outlet inventory is unpredictable, and you may not find what you came for. Check store websites or call ahead if you are looking for a particular brand or size, since outlet locations do not always carry the full range of a brand's offerings.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable bag or be prepared to carry purchases. Outlet malls are large, and you may walk a mile or more during a shopping trip. Many outlets offer free Wi-Fi, so you can look up prices or reviews on your phone if you are unsure about a purchase. Return policies vary by store, so ask about returns before you buy, especially for items without tags or final-sale merchandise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is outlet merchandise the same quality as full-price retail?

Most outlet merchandise is the same quality as full-price items—it is overstock or previous seasons. However, some brands make items specifically for outlet sale with lower-quality materials or construction. Check labels and seams carefully, and ask staff if you are unsure whether an item is overstock or outlet-exclusive.

Can I return outlet purchases to a regular store?

Return policies vary by brand and retailer. Some brands allow returns between outlet and regular stores; others do not. Always ask about the return policy at the outlet store where you buy, and keep your receipt. Off-price retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls typically allow returns only at the location where you purchased.

Do outlet stores price-match or honor coupons?

Outlet stores rarely price-match or honor coupons from regular retail stores. However, Tanger Outlets provides free VIP coupon books at customer service, and individual brands sometimes offer outlet-specific coupons. Ask at the customer service desk or check brand websites for outlet-only promotions.

What is the difference between an outlet store and an off-price retailer?

Outlet stores are owned by brands and sell that brand's overstock and previous seasons. Off-price retailers like TJ Maxx buy closeout merchandise from many brands and resell it. Off-price stores have more variety but less depth in any single brand; outlet stores have more selection within a brand but fewer brands overall.

Are outlet prices lower in January or July?

Both months offer deep discounts during end-of-season clearance, but January typically has larger markdowns because stores need to clear winter inventory before spring arrives. July clearance focuses on summer clothes and is often less aggressive. Holiday weekends in both months bring additional promotions on top of seasonal sales.