Tanger Outlet Centers in South Carolina: What to Expect and Where to Go

Tanger operates two outlet centers in South Carolina, one near Myrtle Beach and one near Charleston

Tanger Outlet Centers are discount shopping destinations where brand-name retailers sell overstock, past-season, and specially made merchandise at reduced prices. South Carolina has two locations: Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach, located off Highway 501 in North Myrtle Beach, and Tanger Outlets Charleston, located in Goose Creek about 30 minutes north of downtown Charleston. Both centers operate year-round and are open to the general public with no membership required.

The Myrtle Beach location is the larger of the two, with over 100 stores spread across indoor and outdoor walkways. The Charleston location is smaller, with roughly 70 stores, but sits closer to the historic district and downtown dining. Both centers include anchor stores—typically department store outlets like Saks OFF 5TH or Nordstrom Rack—alongside brand outlets such as Nike, Coach, Gap, and J.Crew.

Key Takeaways

• Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach and Tanger Outlets Charleston are open daily year-round with no membership fee or advance registration required.
• Stores typically offer 20 to 60 percent discounts on brand merchandise, though prices and selection vary by store and season.
• Both locations have free parking, restrooms, and dining options ranging from casual food courts to sit-down restaurants.
• Visiting during off-peak times (weekday mornings or late afternoons) generally means shorter lines and easier navigation than weekends and holidays.
• The Myrtle Beach location is larger and better suited for a full day of shopping, while Charleston's location works well as a half-day stop.

Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach: Layout and Store Mix

The Myrtle Beach location spans roughly 400,000 square feet across two connected sections. The outdoor promenade runs along Highway 501 and includes popular brands like Nike, Gap, Old Navy, and Tommy Hilfiger. The indoor mall section connects to this promenade and houses additional retailers, including home goods, beauty, and accessories stores. Anchor tenants have included Saks OFF 5TH and Nordstrom Rack, though store lineups can shift.

The center is designed for extended browsing. Most visitors spend two to four hours here, moving between stores and taking breaks at the food court or one of several casual dining spots. The outdoor sections are weather-dependent—summer heat and occasional rain can affect comfort, while winter months are generally pleasant for walking. Covered walkways connect many stores, but some outdoor walking is unavoidable.

Parking is free and plentiful, with multiple lots surrounding the center. The layout can feel sprawling, so first-time visitors often benefit from grabbing a store directory near the main entrances or checking the Tanger website for a map before arriving.

Tanger Outlets Charleston: Smaller Scale and Goose Creek Location

The Charleston location in Goose Creek is more compact than Myrtle Beach, making it easier to navigate in a shorter timeframe. The center includes roughly 70 stores arranged in a more traditional outdoor outlet mall format, with a central walkway and stores on either side. Anchor stores and popular brands like Nike, Coach, Gap, and J.Crew are present, though the overall selection is smaller.

This location works well for visitors who want outlet shopping without the scale of the Myrtle Beach center. The drive from downtown Charleston takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic, making it a reasonable half-day excursion. Parking is free, and the center includes a food court and several casual dining options.

The Goose Creek location tends to be less crowded than Myrtle Beach, particularly on weekdays. This can mean shorter checkout lines and easier store browsing, though the smaller store count means fewer options in some categories.

What Discounts and Brands to Expect

Outlet merchandise typically carries discounts of 20 to 60 percent off regular retail prices, though actual savings vary widely. Some items are overstock from full-price stores, while others are made specifically for outlet sale. The quality is generally consistent with the brand's standard offerings, but outlet-exclusive items may have different construction or materials than full-price versions.

Both Tanger locations stock similar major brands—Nike, Adidas, Coach, Michael Kors, Gap, Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein appear at both centers. Specialty stores for home goods, beauty, and accessories round out the mix. Anchor stores like Saks OFF 5TH and Nordstrom Rack offer discounted department store merchandise across clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Inventory changes seasonally. Winter and spring typically bring new seasonal stock, while summer and fall often feature clearance items from the previous season. End-of-season sales (late August and late December) can offer deeper discounts, though selection may be picked over.

Hours, Admission, and Practical Details

Both Tanger locations are open daily year-round. Hours typically run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, though hours can extend during peak seasons (summer and holidays) and may shorten during slower periods. There is no admission fee, membership requirement, or advance registration—simply show up during operating hours.

Both centers offer free parking, public restrooms, and family facilities. The Myrtle Beach location has a larger food court with more dining variety, while the Charleston location has a smaller food court plus a few sit-down restaurants. Neither center has a hotel on-site, though both are near hotels and accommodations in their respective areas.

Tanger offers a free rewards program called Tanger Club that provides digital coupons and early sale notifications via email or mobile app. Signing up is optional and does not affect shopping or pricing for non-members.

When to Visit and What to Bring

Weekday mornings and late afternoons tend to be the quietest times at both locations. Weekends, especially Saturdays, and holiday periods draw larger crowds. Summer is peak season for the Myrtle Beach location due to beach tourism, while the Charleston location sees steadier traffic year-round.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential—both centers require significant walking, and the Myrtle Beach location in particular spans a large area. For the Myrtle Beach outdoor sections, bring sunscreen and a hat during warm months. A reusable shopping bag or small backpack helps manage purchases as you move between stores. If you plan to spend several hours, bring a water bottle or plan to purchase drinks at the food court.

Both centers accept all major credit cards and payment methods. Dressing rooms are available at individual stores, and return policies vary by retailer—check with each store about their specific terms before purchasing.

Getting There and Nearby Attractions

Tanger Outlets Myrtle Beach is located at 10835 North Kings Highway (Highway 501) in North Myrtle Beach, about 15 minutes north of central Myrtle Beach. It sits near other shopping and dining options along Highway 501 and is easily accessible by car. The area has ample hotels and restaurants within a short drive.

Tanger Outlets Charleston is located at 4840 Tanger Outlet Boulevard in Goose Creek, about 30 minutes north of downtown Charleston via Interstate 26. The location is straightforward to reach by car but is not accessible by public transit. Nearby attractions in the Goose Creek area are limited, but downtown Charleston, historic sites, and waterfront dining are a short drive away.

Both locations are designed for car travel. If you are visiting South Carolina without a vehicle, rideshare services or rental cars are the most practical options for reaching either outlet center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a membership or coupon to shop at Tanger?

No membership or advance registration is required. You can walk in during operating hours and shop without any special status. Tanger Club is a free rewards program that sends digital coupons via email or app, but it is optional and does not affect your ability to shop or access regular prices.

What is the difference between outlet merchandise and regular store merchandise?

Outlet items are typically overstock, past-season, or made specifically for outlet sale. Quality is generally consistent with the brand's standard line, but outlet-exclusive items may have different construction or materials. Discounts usually range from 20 to 60 percent off regular retail prices, depending on the item and store.

Which Tanger location should I visit if I have limited time?

The Charleston location in Goose Creek is smaller and can be browsed in two to three hours, making it better for a half-day trip. The Myrtle Beach location is larger and typically requires four to six hours for thorough shopping. If you are already at the beach, Myrtle Beach is more convenient; if you are in or near Charleston, the Goose Creek location is closer.

Are there restaurants or food options at the outlets?

Both locations have food courts with casual dining options. The Myrtle Beach center has a larger food court with more variety. The Charleston location has a smaller food court plus a few sit-down restaurants. Options typically include pizza, sandwiches, Asian food, and other casual fare.

Can I return items purchased at Tanger outlets?

Return policies are set by individual retailers, not by Tanger. Most outlet stores accept returns within 30 to 60 days with a receipt, but policies vary. Ask the store associate about their specific return terms before you purchase, as outlet merchandise sometimes has different return windows than full-price stores.