Gaffney Outlet Marketplace: What to Shop and Where to Park

What you'll find at Gaffney Outlet Marketplace

Gaffney Outlet Marketplace is a 350,000-square-foot indoor outlet mall in Gaffney, about 45 minutes north of Charlotte on I-85. It holds roughly 130 stores, most of them brand outlets—Nike, Coach, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Saks OFF 5TH, Polo Ralph Lauren, and others—plus some full-price retailers and local businesses. The mall is climate-controlled, which matters in the Piedmont heat and cold.

The stores lean toward apparel, footwear, and accessories, with a smaller selection of home goods and sporting equipment. If you're looking for outlet pricing on mainstream brands, this is the largest concentration in the region. The mall also has a food court with regional and national chains, and a few sit-down restaurants.

Key Takeaways

• Gaffney Outlet Marketplace is an indoor mall with about 130 outlet and full-price stores, located on I-85 north of Charlotte.
• Anchor stores include Saks OFF 5TH, Nike, Coach, and Gap, with most inventory in clothing, shoes, and accessories.
• The mall is open year-round and offers free parking in a large lot; no admission fee to enter.
• Peak shopping times are weekends and holiday periods, so weekday visits tend to be less crowded.
• The food court and nearby restaurants make it possible to spend a full day without leaving the area.

Getting there and parking

Gaffney Outlet Marketplace sits at 10 Outlet Drive, Gaffney, SC 29340, just off I-85 Exit 177. If you're coming from Charlotte, take I-85 North; from Greenville or the Upstate, take I-85 South. The exit is clearly marked, and the mall is visible from the highway.

Parking is free and abundant. The lot wraps around the building and rarely fills, even on busy Saturdays. Handicapped spaces are available near the main entrances. There is no parking fee, no validation required, and no time limit.

Store layout and what to expect

The mall is organized in a single long corridor with stores on both sides. Major anchors—Saks OFF 5TH on one end and Nike on the other—give you natural endpoints. Most stores are outlet versions of their full-price counterparts, meaning inventory is often last season's stock, overstock, or items made specifically for the outlet channel at a lower price point.

Outlet pricing typically runs 20 to 40 percent below full retail, though some stores discount more deeply during sales. Return policies vary by store and are often stricter than at full-price locations—many outlets have a 14-day return window instead of 30, and some require a receipt. Check the individual store's policy before you buy if returns matter to you.

The mall is not a designer outlet destination like some outlet centers; it's more mainstream brands at outlet prices. If you're hunting for luxury goods at a discount, Saks OFF 5TH is the closest option here, though its inventory changes regularly.

Hours and best times to visit

Gaffney Outlet Marketplace is open year-round. Hours are typically 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, though hours may shift seasonally or for holidays. Call ahead or check the mall's website if you're planning a visit around a holiday.

Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be the quietest times. Saturdays and Sundays draw crowds, especially in fall and around the winter holidays. If you prefer a more relaxed shopping pace, Tuesday through Thursday mornings are your best bet.

Dining options

The mall has a food court with seating for several hundred people, featuring chains like Subway, Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, and others. There's also a Cracker Barrel restaurant adjacent to the mall, and several other sit-down options within a short drive. You won't go hungry, and you can easily take a break without leaving the property.

If you're planning a full day of shopping, bring a water bottle or plan to buy drinks at the food court. The mall is large enough that you'll walk several miles if you visit most stores.

What to bring and how to plan

Wear comfortable shoes—the corridor is long, and outlet shopping often means browsing multiple stores to find your size and style. Bring a credit card or cash; most stores accept both, though some smaller outlets may be cash-only. A reusable shopping bag helps if you're buying multiple items.

If you're coming from out of state or from far away, note that Gaffney is a small town, so plan your trip around the mall's hours. There are a few hotels nearby if you want to make it a weekend trip, but most people visit as a day trip from Charlotte, Greenville, or the surrounding area.

Nearby attractions

Gaffney is home to the Gaffney Peach Water Tower, a quirky roadside landmark shaped like a giant peach—worth a photo if you're in town. The town itself has a small downtown with local restaurants and shops, though most visitors come specifically for the outlet mall.

If you're making a longer trip, Greenville is about 30 minutes away and offers museums, parks, and dining. Charlotte is about 45 minutes south. Many people combine a mall visit with a meal or activity in one of those cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to enter the mall?

No. Gaffney Outlet Marketplace is free to enter, and there is no admission fee. Parking is also free.

Can I return items I buy at the outlet stores?

Return policies vary by store. Outlet locations often have shorter return windows (14 days instead of 30) and may require a receipt. Ask the store associate about their specific policy before you purchase.

Is there a directory or map of the stores?

Yes. The mall has a directory posted at the main entrances and online. You can also ask at the information desk or call the mall directly to confirm whether a specific store is currently open.

What's the best day to visit if I want to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings and early afternoons, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are typically the quietest. Weekends and holiday periods draw significantly more shoppers.

Are there restaurants inside the mall?

Yes. The mall has a food court with several chains, and there's a Cracker Barrel restaurant adjacent to the property. Additional dining options are within a short drive in Gaffney.