Where to Find Factory Outlets in South Carolina

What factory outlets are and where South Carolina has them

A factory outlet is a store run directly by a manufacturer—or by a company licensed by the manufacturer—that sells overstock, discontinued items, and goods with minor flaws at lower prices than department stores or the brand's regular retail locations. The manufacturer controls the inventory and pricing, which is why factory outlets often have deeper discounts than other outlet stores.

South Carolina has two major factory outlet clusters: Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head. Myrtle Beach hosts the largest concentration, with two separate outlet malls and scattered individual factory stores along Highway 17 and in the downtown area. Hilton Head has a smaller but still substantial outlet presence, primarily in the Hilton Head Factory Stores mall. Both areas draw shoppers from across the Southeast because the outlet density makes it practical to visit multiple brands in one trip.

Beyond these two hubs, individual factory outlets exist in smaller towns and cities—particularly in the Upstate near Greenville and Spartanburg—but they are typically standalone stores rather than clustered malls. The Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head locations remain the destinations where you will find the widest range of factory outlets under one roof.

Key Takeaways

• Factory outlets in South Carolina are concentrated in Myrtle Beach (two major malls) and Hilton Head (one major mall), with scattered individual stores in other regions.
• Prices at factory outlets are typically 30 to 50 percent lower than regular retail, though the exact discount varies by brand and item type.
• Factory outlets sell overstock, past seasons, and items with cosmetic flaws—not necessarily current-season merchandise at full price.
• Myrtle Beach outlets are busiest during summer vacation and holiday weekends; visiting on weekdays or in shoulder seasons means shorter crowds and sometimes better selection.
• Many factory outlets offer loyalty programs or email lists that notify shoppers of additional sales and clearance events.

Myrtle Beach factory outlet malls and what brands are there

Myrtle Beach's two main outlet malls are Barefoot Landing and the Myrtle Beach Factory Stores. Barefoot Landing, located on North Kings Highway, is an open-air mall with over 100 stores, including factory outlets for Nike, Gap, Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, and Tommy Hilfiger. The outdoor layout means you walk between stores, which can be pleasant in mild weather but uncomfortable during summer heat or rain.

Myrtle Beach Factory Stores, on Highway 17 South near the airport, is an enclosed mall with roughly 80 stores. It carries factory outlets for brands like J.Crew, Saks OFF 5TH, Brooks Brothers, and Nautica, along with home goods outlets such as Bed Bath & Beyond and Corning. The enclosed format provides climate control and is easier to navigate during bad weather or extreme temperatures.

Both malls also house outlet locations for athletic brands (Adidas, Under Armour), children's clothing (Carter's, OshKosh), and home décor (Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma). Store rosters change periodically, so checking the mall websites or calling ahead confirms whether a specific brand you want is currently open.

Hilton Head factory outlets and nearby options

Hilton Head Factory Stores, located on Highway 278 near the bridge to the island, is an open-air outlet mall with approximately 60 stores. It includes factory outlets for J.Crew, Gap, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Nike, plus home goods outlets like Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware. The mall is smaller than Myrtle Beach's options but still offers enough variety for a half-day shopping trip.

Hilton Head's outlet mall sits about 20 minutes from the island's main resort and residential areas, making it a practical stop for visitors staying on Hilton Head or in nearby Bluffton. The open-air design and lower traffic volume compared to Myrtle Beach mean a more relaxed shopping experience, though selection may be more limited for specific brands or sizes.

Beaufort, about 45 minutes south of Hilton Head, has a few scattered factory outlets but no dedicated outlet mall. If you are in the Lowcountry and want a concentrated outlet experience, Hilton Head Factory Stores remains the primary destination.

Upstate and other regional factory outlets

Greenville and Spartanburg have individual factory outlets scattered throughout the area rather than clustered in malls. Greenville's downtown and surrounding shopping districts include factory stores for brands like Nike, Gap, and J.Crew, often mixed in with regular retail. Spartanburg has similar standalone outlets, particularly near shopping centers on I-85.

These Upstate locations are useful if you live in or are passing through the region, but they do not offer the same shopping density as Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head. You may need to drive between multiple locations to find what you want, which makes a dedicated outlet mall trip more efficient if you are looking for variety.

Charleston has some factory outlets in the downtown area and in nearby shopping centers, but the city is not known as an outlet destination. Most Charleston visitors and residents who want a full outlet experience drive to Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head.

What to expect in terms of pricing and inventory

Factory outlet prices are typically 30 to 50 percent lower than the brand's regular retail price, though the exact discount depends on the item and the brand's pricing strategy. Some brands discount more aggressively than others; luxury brands like Coach and Polo Ralph Lauren often hold prices closer to regular retail even at outlets, while athletic and casual brands tend to discount more deeply.

Inventory at factory outlets consists of overstock from previous seasons, discontinued styles, and items with minor cosmetic flaws—a small stain, a loose thread, or a slightly misaligned seam. These flaws are usually invisible in normal wear and are why the price is lower. Factory outlets do not typically stock current-season full-price merchandise; if you see an item at an outlet, it is usually because it did not sell at full price elsewhere.

Selection varies by season and by how recently the mall received shipments. Summer and holiday weekends bring crowds and can deplete popular sizes and styles quickly. Visiting on a weekday or during shoulder seasons (spring or fall, outside major holidays) often means better selection and shorter lines at checkout.

Loyalty programs and sales events at factory outlets

Many factory outlet stores offer loyalty programs or email lists that notify shoppers of additional markdowns, clearance events, and exclusive discounts. Signing up at individual stores or through the outlet mall's website can save you money beyond the already-reduced outlet prices. Some programs offer birthday discounts or early access to seasonal sales.

The outlet malls themselves sometimes run promotions—discount days, double points for loyalty members, or special events during holiday weekends. Checking the Barefoot Landing, Myrtle Beach Factory Stores, or Hilton Head Factory Stores websites before your visit can reveal current promotions and help you plan your trip timing.

End-of-season clearance events (typically January and July) offer the deepest discounts, as stores clear inventory to make room for new stock. If you are flexible on timing and do not need items immediately, shopping during these windows maximizes your savings.

Planning a factory outlet trip in South Carolina

If you are visiting Myrtle Beach, plan to spend two to four hours at an outlet mall, depending on how many stores you want to visit and how crowded it is. Barefoot Landing's outdoor layout works best in mild weather; Myrtle Beach Factory Stores is better if you want climate control. Both malls have parking, though summer weekends can make parking challenging.

For Hilton Head, Hilton Head Factory Stores is a half-day destination. It is less crowded than Myrtle Beach outlets, which some shoppers prefer, but the selection is smaller. If you are staying on the island for a week or longer, a morning at the outlet mall fits easily into your itinerary.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, as outlet malls require significant walking between stores. Many outlets do not have dressing rooms as spacious as department stores, so trying items on before you buy is important. If you are shopping with children, both Myrtle Beach malls have family facilities, though Barefoot Landing's outdoor setting means fewer indoor rest areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are factory outlets cheaper than regular stores?

Factory outlets typically offer 30 to 50 percent discounts compared to regular retail prices, though the exact savings depend on the brand and item. Luxury brands often discount less than casual or athletic brands. The trade-off is that outlet inventory consists of overstock, past seasons, and items with minor flaws rather than current full-price merchandise.

What is the difference between a factory outlet and a regular outlet store?

A factory outlet is run by or licensed directly by the manufacturer and sells the brand's own overstock and discontinued items. A regular outlet store is often run by a third party and may sell merchandise from multiple brands or items purchased from other retailers. Factory outlets typically have deeper discounts and more control over pricing.

When is the best time to visit South Carolina factory outlets?

Weekdays and shoulder seasons (spring and fall, outside major holidays) offer the best combination of shorter crowds and good selection. End-of-season clearance in January and July provides the deepest discounts. Summer weekends and holiday periods are busiest and can mean depleted inventory and long checkout lines.

Do I need to bring anything specific when shopping at factory outlets?

Bring comfortable walking shoes and your ID if you plan to use a credit card or loyalty program. Many outlets have limited dressing room space, so trying items on before checkout is important. If you are shopping during a promotion, bring your phone to show digital coupons or loyalty membership cards.

Can I return items bought at factory outlets?

Return policies at factory outlets vary by brand and store. Some brands have the same return policy at outlets as at regular retail; others have stricter policies for outlet purchases (shorter return windows, final sale on clearance items). Check the specific store's return policy before you buy, as outlet purchases are often non-returnable or have limited return periods.