A Guide To The Southland's Outlet Malls
The Block At Orange
20 City Boulevard West
Suite #C5
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 769-4001
http://www.simon.com/Mall/?id=1236
Hours: Monday through Thursday - 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Buzz: The Block houses dozens of top brand stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Ecko Unltd., H&M, Victoria Secret and more. In addition to clothing, shoe and sneaker and accessories stores, there are entrainment centers like an AMC theater, a Dave & Busters, Lucky Strikes Lanes and the Vans Skate Park.
Bonus: Free Wi-Fi, valet parking and a Ticketmaster retail location
Downside: Too many loud school kids
Camarillo Premium Outlets
740 East Ventura Boulevard
Camarillo, CA 93010
(805) 445-8520
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=20
Hours: Monday through Saturday - 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday - 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Buzz: Camarillio Premium Outlets is for "upscale, fashion conscious shoppers who prefer designer labels" who don't mind a 25 to 65 percent markdown. The list of high-end stores at his huge outlet mall includes brands like Anne Klein, Barneys, BCBG, Ed Hardy, DKNY, Juicy Couture, Nautica and more. The dining options include your usual pretzel and sandwich fare, in addition to Johnny Rockets, China Max and Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant.
Bonus: Lockers, electrical vehicle charging station
Downside: Not enough dining options, poor layout
Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Drive
Suite 480
Los Angeles, CA 90040
(323) 888-1724
http://www.citadeloutlets.com
Hours: Monday through Sunday - 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Buzz: The Citadel, located in an Assyrian-style castle, offers discounts up to 70 percent off at more than 85 outlet stores, some of which includes names like Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, Nine West, Eddie Bauer and more. There's also plenty of food kiosks as well as the Garden Spot, Maui Style Hawaiian BBQ and Ruby's Diner when shoppers can refuel before hitting the racks.
Bonus: Continuously adding new stores, great parking
Tanger Outlets
2796 Tanger Way
Barstow, CA 92311
(760) 253-4813
http://www.tangeroutlet.com/barstow
Hours: Sunday through Saturday - 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Buzz: Although Tanger Outlets only has about 50 brand name stores, it has all the right ones -- like, Calvin Klein, Coach Factory, Nine West, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Michael Kors, and more. In addition to their 30 percent - 70 percent markdowns, Tanger promises to refund the difference for any item they sell that you find advertised elsewhere at a lesser price -- just bring your receipts and a copy of the ad. Food options include Chilis, Denny's Quigley's Restaurants and a few more.
Bonus: Great mid-way stop between LA and Vegas
Lake Elsinore Outlets
17600 Collier Avenue
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
(951) 245-0087
http://www.lakeelsinoreoutlet.com/
Hours: Monday through Saturday - 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday - 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Buzz: Lake Elsinore Outlets promises 30 percent - 70 percent off retail prices for some of the best brands, some of which include: Guess Factory Store, Hush Puppies Shoes, Levi's Outlet, Reebok and others. The eateries, however, are nothing spectacular and include the usual like Dairy Queen and Wetzel's Pretzels. Bottom line, the place is huge, so wear your best walking shoes.
Bonus: A Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Downside: Not the best location for an outlet mall