Shopping at Banana Republic Factory Store in South Carolina
What Banana Republic Factory Store offers
Banana Republic Factory Store carries men's clothing at lower prices than the full-price Banana Republic locations. The store stocks button-front shirts, chinos, jeans, sweaters, blazers, and casual wear in a range of sizes. Inventory changes seasonally, and the factory outlet typically carries current-season items alongside clearance stock from previous seasons.
The factory store operates separately from the regular Banana Republic boutiques you might find in shopping malls. Factory locations receive overstock, discontinued styles, and items made specifically for the outlet channel. This means you'll find different selections and price points than at a full-price store, though the quality and construction remain consistent with the Banana Republic brand.
Key Takeaways
- Banana Republic Factory Store locations in South Carolina are found at outlet malls in Bluffton, Myrtle Beach, and Walterboro, not in traditional shopping centers.
- Prices run 30 to 50 percent lower than full-price Banana Republic stores because the factory outlet sells overstock and outlet-specific merchandise.
- The store accepts returns within 30 days with a receipt, and most items can be exchanged for different sizes or colors on the spot.
- Seasonal sales and clearance sections rotate regularly, so visiting multiple times during a season can yield different inventory and deeper discounts.
South Carolina locations and hours
Banana Republic Factory Store has three locations across South Carolina, all at outlet malls. The Bluffton store sits at Tanger Outlets Bluffton on Lady's Island, near Hilton Head. Myrtle Beach has a location at Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach on Highway 501. Walterboro's store is at Tanger Outlets Walterboro on Frontage Road.
Hours vary by location and season. Most stores open at 10 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, with Sunday hours typically starting at 11 a.m. or noon. Outlet malls often extend hours during holiday shopping periods and summer vacation weeks. Call ahead or check the Tanger Outlets website for the specific location's current hours before you visit, especially during off-season months when some outlets reduce their schedule.
Pricing and discounts
Factory store prices typically run 30 to 50 percent below full-price Banana Republic boutiques. A shirt that costs $60 at a regular store might be $35 to $40 at the factory outlet. Chinos and jeans follow the same discount structure. Clearance racks—usually at the back or side of the store—offer additional markdowns on items from previous seasons, sometimes reaching 60 to 70 percent off original prices.
The store runs sales events around major holidays: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday typically bring extra discounts or bonus promotions. Email signup at the register or through the Banana Republic website can alert you to upcoming sales. Outlet malls themselves sometimes offer coupon booklets at their information desks with store-specific deals.
What to expect in the fitting room
Fitting rooms at Banana Republic Factory Store operate on a first-come, first-served basis during busy hours. An attendant typically counts items as you enter and limits the number you can take in at once—usually around 8 to 10 pieces. Dressing rooms are individual stalls with doors, and mirrors are positioned to let you see the fit from multiple angles.
The store keeps fitting rooms staffed during operating hours, though wait times can stretch during peak shopping periods like weekends and holiday weeks. If you're trying on multiple sizes or colors of the same item, the attendant can usually hold pieces for you while you try on others, so you don't have to make repeated trips to the racks.
Returns and exchanges
Banana Republic Factory Store accepts returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase with a receipt. Items must have tags attached and show no signs of wear. If you bought something in the wrong size, you can exchange it for a different size in the same style on the spot—no need to process a return first.
Without a receipt, the store can still process a return as store credit, though the amount is based on the current selling price rather than what you paid. Clearance items are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged. If you're unsure about fit or color before you leave the store, ask the cashier about the return window so you know your options.
Sizing and fit considerations
Banana Republic's sizing runs true to standard American men's sizing for most items. Shirts are available in XS through XXL, with some styles in tall and big-and-tall sizes depending on the location and season. Chinos and jeans come in waist sizes 28 through 42, with inseam options from 28 to 36 inches.
Fit varies slightly between different garment types. Casual button-fronts tend to run roomier than dress shirts. Chinos fit closer to the body than jeans in the same waist size. The fitting room is your best tool for checking fit before you buy, especially if you're trying the brand for the first time or shopping for an unfamiliar style.
What makes factory outlet different from regular stores
Factory outlet merchandise is not lower quality—it's a different business model. The factory store receives overstock from full-price locations, items made specifically for the outlet channel with the same construction standards, and previous-season styles that didn't sell through. This is why you see lower prices, not because the fabric or stitching is inferior.
The trade-off is selection. A factory store may not carry every size in every color of a popular item. If you need a specific size or style, visiting early in the season or calling ahead to ask about availability makes sense. The regular Banana Republic boutiques in malls carry a wider range of current inventory, though at higher prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return something I bought at a regular Banana Republic store to the factory outlet?
No. Factory outlet stores and full-price Banana Republic locations operate as separate retail channels. You must return items to the store where you purchased them. If you bought something at a mall boutique, return it there; if you bought it at the factory outlet, return it to that location.
Do factory outlet stores carry the same brands as full-price locations?
Banana Republic Factory Store carries only Banana Republic merchandise. If you're looking for other brands like Gap or Old Navy, those have their own factory outlets at the same Tanger Outlets malls, but they're separate stores with separate inventory.
Are clearance items at the factory outlet final sale?
Yes. Items marked as clearance cannot be returned or exchanged, even within 30 days and with a receipt. Regular-priced factory store items follow the standard 30-day return policy. Check the tag or ask a staff member if you're unsure whether something is clearance before you buy.
What's the best time to visit for the biggest selection?
Early in each season—late August for fall, late November for winter, late February for spring, and late May for summer—brings the freshest inventory. Mid-season visits often mean picked-over sizes and colors. Clearance sections grow larger as seasons end, so if you're hunting for deals on previous-season items, visit toward the end of a season.
Do I need to bring anything besides my items to return something?
Bring your receipt if you have it. The receipt shows the purchase date and price, which speeds up the return. If you don't have a receipt, bring your credit or debit card—the store can look up the transaction if you paid by card. Items must have tags attached and show no signs of wear.