Shopping at Polo Factory Store in South Carolina

What Polo Factory Store offers and where to find it

Polo Factory Store carries Ralph Lauren's clothing, accessories, and home goods at prices lower than department stores. The store sells men's, women's, and children's apparel—polo shirts, sweaters, jeans, dresses—along with shoes, belts, bags, and bedding. You'll find current-season items marked down, plus clearance racks with deeper discounts.

South Carolina has Polo Factory Store locations in two outlet malls: Tanger Outlets in Myrtle Beach (4635 Factory Stores Boulevard) and Tanger Outlets in North Charleston (4840 Tanger Outlet Boulevard). Both stores operate year-round with standard mall hours, though hours shift seasonally—summer and holiday weeks often extend into evening hours.

The Myrtle Beach location draws shoppers visiting the Grand Strand's beaches and attractions; the North Charleston store serves the Charleston metro area and I-26 corridor traffic. Each carries similar inventory but may stock different sizes and styles depending on regional demand.

Key Takeaways

• Polo Factory Store sells Ralph Lauren apparel and accessories at outlet prices, typically 30 to 50 percent below full retail.
• Two South Carolina locations operate in Tanger Outlets malls—one in Myrtle Beach and one in North Charleston.
• Clearance racks and end-of-season sales offer the deepest discounts, though selection shrinks as items sell out.
• Outlet mall parking is free, and both locations sit near other outlet stores if you plan a full shopping day.

Discounts and what to expect on pricing

Polo Factory Store prices run 30 to 50 percent below what you'd pay at a department store or Ralph Lauren boutique, though the exact discount depends on the item and season. Polo shirts, the brand's signature piece, typically cost $40 to $70 at the factory store versus $90 to $130 at full retail. Sweaters, dresses, and outerwear follow similar patterns—the factory store price is roughly half the department store tag.

Clearance racks hold the steepest markdowns. End-of-season sales (late August for summer stock, late January for winter) push prices even lower, sometimes to 60 or 70 percent off. However, clearance inventory is limited and varies week to week—popular sizes and colors sell quickly, especially during holiday shopping periods.

The store also runs periodic promotions: percentage-off sales on specific categories, buy-one-get-one deals on select items, and loyalty discounts for repeat shoppers. Check the Ralph Lauren website or ask staff about current promotions when you visit, as they change monthly.

What makes factory store inventory different from full-price retail

Factory stores do not simply sell last season's leftovers. Polo Factory Store receives a mix of inventory: overstock from department stores, items made specifically for outlet sale, and previous-season pieces. The quality is the same as full-price Ralph Lauren—same materials, same construction—but the styles and colors may differ from what you see at Macy's or Dillard's.

You may notice that factory store selections lean toward classic, neutral colors and traditional cuts rather than trendy seasonal styles. Sizes can be uneven; popular sizes (medium, large) sell faster, leaving gaps in the rack. Visiting mid-week rather than weekends often means better selection, since weekend shoppers thin out the most popular items.

Return and exchange policies at factory stores are typically stricter than at full-price retailers. Polo Factory Store usually allows returns within 30 days with a receipt and tags attached. Without a receipt, returns may be store credit only. Check the receipt or ask staff about the exact policy before you buy, especially on clearance items.

Planning your visit to either South Carolina location

Both Tanger Outlets locations offer free parking in large lots, making it easy to shop multiple stores in one trip. The Myrtle Beach location sits near restaurants, a movie theater, and other outlet stores—plan for a half-day or full-day outing if you want to browse beyond Polo. The North Charleston store is closer to downtown Charleston and sits on the way to or from the airport, so it works well as a quick stop during a Charleston visit.

Outlet malls are busiest on weekends, holidays, and during summer vacation season. If you prefer a less crowded experience, visit on a weekday morning or early afternoon. Both stores are open year-round, but hours expand during peak seasons (May through August, November through December) and contract in slower months.

Bring a valid ID if you plan to use a credit card, and consider downloading the Tanger Outlets app or checking their website before you go—both malls sometimes offer digital coupons that work at Polo Factory Store and other tenants. Parking validation is not required at either location.

Comparing Polo Factory Store to other outlet options in South Carolina

South Carolina's two Tanger Outlets malls are the main destinations for brand-name outlet shopping. Polo Factory Store competes with other apparel outlets at these same locations: Gap Factory, J.Crew Factory, Tommy Hilfiger, and others. If you're shopping for casual clothing and accessories, you can compare prices and styles across multiple brands in one visit.

Polo Factory Store prices are generally lower than department store prices but higher than deep-discount retailers like TJ Maxx or Ross. If you're looking for the absolute lowest price, off-price stores may have better deals on Ralph Lauren items, though selection is less predictable. If you want current Ralph Lauren styles and may provide quality, the factory store sits between full retail and off-price options.

Online shopping through Ralph Lauren's website sometimes matches or beats factory store prices, especially during their own sales events. However, the factory store lets you see and try items in person before buying, which matters for fit and quality assessment.

What to bring and how to make the most of your shopping

Bring a valid ID and a payment method—most Polo Factory Stores accept credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments. If you have a Ralph Lauren loyalty account, bring that information or create one in-store to earn points on your purchase. Loyalty points can be redeemed for discounts on future visits.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you can easily try things on over. Dressing rooms can have lines during busy hours, so plan accordingly. If you're shopping with children, note that both outlet malls have family restrooms and seating areas outside the stores.

Bring a list of what you're looking for—specific sizes, colors, or items—so you stay focused. Factory store racks can be overwhelming, and it's easy to spend hours browsing without finding what you need. If you can't find your size or style, ask a staff member; they may have items in the back or know when new stock arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return items bought at Polo Factory Store to a Ralph Lauren full-price store?

No. Factory store purchases can only be returned to the factory store location where you bought them. Full-price Ralph Lauren stores and outlets do not accept returns from each other. Keep your receipt and note the return window—typically 30 days with tags attached.

Does Polo Factory Store price-match other retailers?

Polo Factory Store does not price-match other stores or online retailers. Prices are set by the outlet location and may differ from Ralph Lauren's website or other outlets. If you find a better price elsewhere, you're welcome to shop there instead.

When does Polo Factory Store mark items down the most?

The deepest discounts happen during end-of-season clearance sales: late August for summer inventory and late January for winter stock. Holiday shopping periods (November through December) also bring promotions, though selection is more crowded. Weekday visits in slower months sometimes reveal older clearance items at rock-bottom prices.

Is the quality the same at factory stores as full-price Ralph Lauren?

Yes. Polo Factory Store carries the same quality Ralph Lauren products as full-price retailers—same materials, same construction standards. The difference is in style selection (factory stores carry classic, neutral styles) and price, not quality.

Do I need to make a purchase to visit the outlet mall?

No. Tanger Outlets malls are open to the public for free. You can walk around, browse stores, and use the restrooms without buying anything. Parking is free for all visitors.