Every day is a good day to go shopping in Massachusetts. The state features unique shopping districts, outlet centers, open-air marketplaces, and lifestyle destinations. From the Berkshires to Greater Boston, you’ll find plenty of places where shopping can become part of a fun day trip.
Outlets are among the top shopping destinations in Massachusetts. Not only do they offer convenience and accessibility, but they also provide great deals and discounts throughout the year.
They boast stores for different budgets. You’ll also find many of the things you need in one place, from trendy clothes to beauty products, home décor, electronics, fragrances, shoes, accessories, and gifts.
Should you desire to drink or eat while shopping, you can enjoy several food offerings ranging from snack bars and food courts to take-out spots and sit-down restaurants.
That said, here’s our top recommendation of the best outlets to shop in Massachusetts.
Let’s dive in!
The Top 3 Outlets in Massachusetts
1. Lee Premium Outlets
- Address: 17 Premium Outlets Boulevard, Lee, MA 01238
- Opening Hours: Mon to Sat (10:00 am–8:00 pm), Sun (10:00 am–6:00 pm)
- No. of Stores: 60 stores
Let’s kick-start our guide with Lee Premium Outlets, located in Western Massachusetts in the scenic Berkshires. This shopping center is designed to mirror an outdoor, quaint New England village.
It’s one of the best bargain-hunting destinations in Massachusetts. It also features mountain views, small-town charm, and a relaxed outdoor shopping atmosphere.
With around 60 stores, the outlet sells a wide range of products. At this shopping destination, you can find discounted designer clothing for men, women, and children, along with accessories, shoes, jewelry, gifts, and more.
The shopping center includes:
| Aeropostale | American Eagle | Banana Republic Factory | Clarks |
| Coach Outlet | Famous Footwear Outlet | Gap Factory | J.Crew Factory |
| Kate Spade New York Outlet | Levi’s Outlet Store | Lindt Chocolate | Michael Kors Outlet |
| Old Navy Outlet | Sunglass Hut | Talbots Outlet | Under Armour |
| Tommy Hilfiger | Van Heusen | Yankee Candle | Zumiez |
Many visitors and residents of Massachusetts flock to this outdoor shopping plaza to enjoy deals and discounts on popular brands. Before visiting the outlet, check Lee Premium Outlets’ official website for current deals, coupons, and store updates. Offers change frequently, and signing up for the outlet’s shopping rewards program can help you access additional discounts.
But that’s not the only reason to visit. Some people stop by this Simon-owned center as part of a Berkshires day trip. There are food vendors and quick dining options around the center, so you can take a break between stores. Dining options may vary, but places worth checking include:
- Berkshire Burrito
- New England Wraps
- Pizza Bar
- Subway
Like many outlet centers, individual store lineups can change over time. Before making a special trip for a specific brand, check the official store directory to confirm that the store is still open.
So, when you are around the rolling hills of the Berkshires in Massachusetts, stop by Lee Premium Outlets.
2. Wrentham Village Premium Outlets
- Address: One Premium Outlets Boulevard, Wrentham, MA 02093
- Opening Hours: Mon to Sat (10:00 am–8:00 pm), Sun (10:00 am–6:00 pm)
- No. of Stores: 170+ stores and brands
Just like Lee Premium Outlets, Wrentham Village Premium Outlets is part of the Simon Premium Outlets family. Designed with bargain hunters in mind, it is New England’s largest outdoor outlet shopping destination.
With more than 170 stores and brands, you can score deals on apparel, shoes, handbags, jewelry, beauty products, home goods, travel items, and more. This is especially true during seasonal and holiday sales. Around major shopping periods like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and the winter holidays, discounts and promotions can be even more attractive.
Massachusetts also has a useful clothing tax advantage. Most clothing and footwear items priced at $175 or less are exempt from Massachusetts sales tax. For items that cost more than $175, only the amount over $175 is taxable. This can make outlet shopping in Massachusetts especially appealing for visitors buying apparel and shoes.
It’s easy to spend the whole day at the outlet due to impressive discounts and the large number of stores. In fact, serious shoppers may want to plan several hours here, especially if they want to compare prices, browse luxury outlets, and stop for food.
Wrentham Village Premium Outlets has a broad mix of designer outlets, sportswear stores, family-friendly apparel retailers, shoe stores, and accessories shops. Popular brand stores in the outlet mall include:
| Adidas | Armani Outlet | Banana Republic Factory | Boss Outlet |
| Burberry | Calvin Klein | Coach Outlet | Crocs |
| Famous Footwear Outlet | Gucci | J.Crew Factory | Kate Spade New York Outlet |
| Lacoste | Michael Kors Outlet | Nike Factory Store | Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store |
| The North Face | Tory Burch Outlet | Under Armour | Vera Bradley Factory Outlet |
Besides apparel, the shopping destination boasts several retailers selling housewares, beauty products, luggage, accessories, and food items. At Wrentham Village, you can find quick bites, coffee, snacks, and sit-down dining nearby. Dining options include:
- Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
- Carvel
- Dunkin’
- Shake Shack
- Tavern in the Square
- Uno Pizzeria & Grill
The only downside is that during busy periods, such as holidays and weekends, it can get crowded and parking can take longer than expected. If you want a calmer shopping experience, consider visiting on a weekday morning.
That said, you can join Simon’s shopping rewards program or check the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets website before visiting to find current offers and participating stores.
3. Assembly Row
- Address: 355 Artisan Way, Somerville, MA 02145
- Opening Hours: Mon to Thur (10:00 am–8:00 pm), Fri to Sat (10:00 am–9:00 pm), Sun (11:00 am–6:00 pm)
- No. of Stores: 50+ shops, restaurants, and entertainment options
Do you have a few errands to run near Boston? Consider heading over to Assembly Row. It is a modern outdoor lifestyle and outlet shopping destination in Somerville that offers shopping, dining, entertainment, fitness, and residential spaces in one walkable neighborhood.
At this shopping destination, you’ll experience a lifestyle concept like no other. This is because it’s home to a vibrant mix of outlet stores, national retailers, local vendors, spas, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment spots. Basically, it’s a one-stop destination for you and your family.
Popular stores here include:
| Adidas Outlet | Banana Republic Factory | Columbia Factory Store | Express Factory Outlet |
| J.Crew Factory | Le Creuset Outlet | Levi’s Outlet Store | Nike Factory Store |
| Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store | Puma Outlet | Saks OFF 5TH | Sephora |
| The North Face Outlet | Tillys | Warby Parker | Zwilling J.A. Henckels |
Furthermore, this outdoor shopping destination can offer strong savings, especially at outlet and factory stores. Shoppers can find discounts on apparel, shoes, cookware, outdoor gear, accessories, and more.
Assembly Row shines when it comes to dining and entertainment. Dining options include casual, family-friendly, and date-night-friendly choices. You can check the following restaurants:
- Legal C Bar
- Earls Kitchen + Bar
- River Bar
- Sweetgreen
- Totto Ramen
- Shake Shack
- CAVA
- J.P. Licks
As for entertainment, you, your friends, or your family can watch a movie at AMC Assembly Row. You can also check out entertainment and activity options such as Muse Paintbar, Lucky Strike, and seasonal events around the neighborhood.
Besides that, you’ll enjoy free parking in the garages at Assembly Row. The center is also accessible by public transportation via the MBTA Orange Line’s Assembly Station, making it one of the easiest outlet-style shopping destinations to reach from Boston without a car.
If you visit Assembly Row during the warmer months, take a walk near the Mystic River after shopping. It’s a nice way to turn a shopping trip into a full afternoon outing.
Secrets To Shopping at Outlet Malls
If you’re driving to an outlet mall for shopping, chances are you want to save as much money as possible. Make the most out of your trip to an outlet mall with the help of these practical shopping tips.
Get Information on Coupons
If you’re not planning to frequent the outlet mall, there may be no need to sign up for every store’s email list. There’s a good chance you already receive plenty of promotional emails and don’t want to be on every mall’s mailing list year-round.
The best way to approach this is to sign up for the outlet center’s newsletter or rewards program a few weeks before visiting. This can help you discover deals that match your needs. It is also wise to visit the mall’s official website for additional sales, discounts, and limited-time coupons.
Alternatively, you can take the direct approach and sign up for notifications from your favorite outlet stores. As a result, you may receive texts or emails for an additional 10%, 20%, or 25% off your purchase.
If you don’t have enough time to prepare for your shopping trip, stop by the customer service desk or welcome center and ask whether any coupons, printed offers, or rewards programs are available before entering your favorite stores.
Read The Tags
Some brands create separate lines of clothing, shoes, and accessories specifically for outlet stores. These items can still be worth buying, but they may differ from the merchandise sold in regular retail stores.
Before shopping at an outlet mall, do a quick search for your favorite brand to see whether it has outlet-specific labels, tags, or product lines. Also, see what other buyers say about the item. This does not mean you should avoid outlet products, but it helps you understand what you are buying.
To make the most out of your shopping, consider buying classic items, wardrobe basics, shoes, outerwear, bags, or pieces you already know you will use often. Outlet malls can be great for basics and past-season styles, but not every discount is automatically a great deal.
Check the price tags to make sure the discount on the product is worth it. For instance, if the offer is “buy two shorts, get two free,” calculate the total price and divide it by the number of shorts to see whether you are actually saving money.
Plan Your Visit
It goes without saying that it’s crucial to plan your shopping trip to beat crowds, especially during holidays. Heading out early means you’ll have a better chance of securing a parking space, browsing comfortably, and avoiding long checkout lines.
Most outlets release deals throughout the week, and major promotions often run through holiday weekends. Going early can help you get the same deals while avoiding the heaviest weekend crowds.
Try to maximize your savings during major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and the winter holiday season. You may find big savings at the most expensive stores, so visit your highest-priority stores first.
Although it’s wise to arrive early, there’s nothing wrong with arriving later in the day if your main goal is to avoid crowds. You can still enjoy great discounts, even if some sizes or styles are sold out.
Take Advantage of Sales
Shopping at the best outlets in Massachusetts is fun since the prices of many items are already discounted. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be on the lookout for additional sales.
Traditional sale weekends are ideal times to score great deals at these shopping destinations because many stores do bigger markdowns. It can be worth dealing with crowds if you want to save as much money as possible.
Although most sales will be posted on the mall’s official website or store pages, some may only be advertised inside the store. So, we recommend checking clearance racks, asking store associates about additional markdowns, and comparing prices before buying. It’s not unusual to see the best deals on out-of-season products.
Take Advantage of Rewards
Many outlet stores honor rewards and points systems from their main retail brands. This means you may be able to enjoy additional savings through loyalty programs, app offers, birthday rewards, or store credit card benefits.
However, don’t open a credit card just to gain those points. Opening and closing too many accounts can harm your credit score. The same applies to applying for a new card too often.
Because of that, we recommend only applying for a store credit card if it is from a retailer you visit frequently and expect to use regularly in the coming years.
Watch The Return Policy
Last but not least, review the return policy. Usually, shops within outlet malls exist to move inventory, and some stores have stricter return policies than their regular retail locations. Furthermore, some regular stores may not accept returns from outlet locations.
Therefore, it makes sense to check the return policy before you purchase any product. This is especially true if you’re only visiting Massachusetts and are not willing to drive back for a refund or exchange. To prevent this issue, try everything on when possible and inspect items carefully before making any purchase.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you can benefit from hidden savings at the best shopping outlets in Massachusetts. This is especially true if you’re shopping for clothes and footwear, since most clothing and footwear items priced at $175 or less are exempt from Massachusetts sales tax.
You will enjoy a great shopping experience and plenty of bargains at the outlets mentioned above. If you’re visiting Massachusetts for the first time, consider stopping by one of these outlets. But before visiting, keep the listed tips in mind to make the most out of your shopping trip.