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6 Tips for Back to School Shopping at the Merrimack Premium Outlets

August 25, 2015 By: Masshole Mommy

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As a kid, I always looked forward to going back to school shopping with my mom.  It was so much fun going from store to store picking out a whole new wardrobe for the upcoming school year.  Now that I have my own children to shop for, I love that I get to spend some time with them picking out some new duds for them to go to school.  My oldest is going into the middle school this year and he’s really coming into his own when it comes to fashion.  He definitely knows what he likes and what he doesn’t like.

**Thanks to Simon for sponsoring our back to school shopping trip at Merrimack Premium Outlets.  As always, all opinions expressed here are strictly my own and were not influenced in any way.

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I decided to take my boys up the the Merrimack Premium Outlets up in Merrimack, NH this past weekend to do their back to school shopping. Heading to an outlet mall can bring about a lot of adventure, especially in the back to school shopping department. I love heading to the outlets for things like back to school shopping because in addition to already discounted prices, they usually have lots of great deals for all the back to school shopping season.  Here are some tips for back to school shopping at an outlet mall!

Premium Outlets brings together the finest brands, unique outdoor settings, and savings of 25 to 65 percent every day.

Check the Weather

Before you head to any outlet mall for back to school shopping, you may want to consider the weather. Shopping in a torrential downpour would be anything but fun. Just in case unexpected weather comes to town, bring an umbrella just in case.

Make a List of Items You Need

Heading out to the outlet malls will mean lots of fun back to school shopping, but before you go make a list of what you need. Sometimes it’s nice to have a reminder of what you are shopping for, so you don’t get sidetracked and forget why you’re there in the first place.

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Window Shop First for the Best Deals

Outlet malls have a lot of awesome deals, but before you cash in on any of the deals, make sure you look around first. You can always come back and catch the best deals after you’ve looked around.

Download a Shopping App

There are apps you can download to help you save even more at stores. ShopSavvy is one app you can use to ensure you are getting the best deal. When you have a lot of back to school shopping to do, getting the best deal is incredibly important.

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Know the Difference Between the Outlet and Factory Stores

If you want the best deals for back to school shopping, make sure you know the difference between a factory store and an outlet store. Sometimes the factory stores have items that aren’t always top quality that you’d see at the original brand’s store. The actual outlet stores carry items that have phased out of the original stores. They are still of quality but might show some damage (so always check). As long as the goods are good-to-go there’s no reason to skip purchasing them.

Watch Out for the Big Back to School Sales

Outlet malls have the best deals, no doubt, but when they have their back to school sales, you are going to save even more. Parents who have multiple kids can appreciate the fact that the deals are even bigger as the kids head back to school.

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Merrimack Premium Outlets has an extensive and unique retail mix for both moms and kids, with extraordinary savings of 25% – 65% off every day. A few kids’ stores at the center include J. Crew | Crewcuts, Disney Store Outlet, OshKosh B’gosh, Gymboree Outlet, and the brand new Tommy Hilfiger Kids, which just opened last month. Moms can shop everywhere from Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, Michael Kors, Ann Taylor Factory Store, White House Black Market, and much more. If you’re looking to update sports equipment or sneakers for gym class, you can stop by Under Armour, Nike Factory Store, New Balance Factory Store, Saucony, Reebok, Puma, ASICS, or the Famous Footwear Outlet.  For a full listing of stores please click here.

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The Merrimack Premium Outlets are located at 80 Premium Outlets Boulevard in Merrimack, NH.

Do you live close to an outlet mall? If so, I would love to hear your best tips for back to school shopping at the outlets.


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Comments

  1. kristimaloney says

    August 25, 2015 at 6:26 am

    Great tips! I would stop Guest Services and grab the coupon book to see which stores have the best deals. Looks like you guys had a great day!

    • Catherine S says

      August 25, 2015 at 5:12 pm

      I agree, these are great tips. Shopping around for the best price is a terrific idea.

  2. Janine Huldie says

    August 25, 2015 at 7:40 am

    What great tips and I started our back to school shopping here, but still have a ways to go until next week’s start now.

  3. carissagarabedian says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:09 am

    The coupon book is key! Thanks for these tips, I am headed to our outlets this weekend

  4. Sinziana Romanescu says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:41 am

    I just love outlets! This post make me in mood for big shopping! 😀

  5. irishred13 says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:02 am

    I live right next to an outlet mall! Love shopping there!

  6. Planet of the Apels says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:02 am

    Those are some great tips. I really only needed to buy shoes. Isaak’s now in the same size as Mica. I got jeans last year on the clearance rack, so we’re good there.

    • Valerie says

      August 26, 2015 at 8:08 am

      It’s always great when you can find clearance clothes for the next year!

  7. Laura says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:46 am

    We don’t have many outlets in the UK, but I do love our local shopping centre!

  8. Jeanette says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:48 am

    We love outlet malls! We do damage there every time we go. Great tips! You all look like you got a lot of stuff you needed!

    • Liz Mays says

      August 25, 2015 at 6:04 pm

      I haven’t been to any in such a long time. I’m getting the urge again now!

  9. Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow) says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:24 am

    We stopped at an outlet mall in Alabama this summer and saw some great deals. I’ll probably visit the ones here outside of Atlanta when the weather gets colder. For now, our son can keep wearing his short/shirts for summer.

    • Pam says

      August 25, 2015 at 2:26 pm

      I love the outlet malls outside of Atlanta. I am inbetween those and the Pigeon Forge outlets.

  10. Alli says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:24 am

    I do love a good outlet mall! I always visit the outlet stores when I’m at the beach. These are all great tips to ensure you don’t get sidetracked. I like the app idea, too.

  11. becca112971 says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:42 am

    son hates back to school shopping so I try to pick things up all summer long. He not a fan of the crowds and the pushing. I on the other hand love a good shopping spree and outlet malls are the best.

  12. Jessica Beal Harlow says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:47 am

    I live relatively close to Freeport, Maine (the home of the L.L. Bean flagship store and so many more factory outlets!) so I can definitely relate to all of your tips on how to make a Back To School shopping trip really work. Good weather is definitely a biggie!

  13. Chubskulit Rose says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:57 am

    I live in a small city so we are missing on things like this as we don’t have it in our area. Looks like a nice place to shop.

  14. Simply Stacie says

    August 25, 2015 at 11:12 am

    Outlet shopping is a great way to save time when shopping especially for back to school, the kids all want different things and brands. It makes it so much easier when they are all in one place!

  15. Michelle Liew says

    August 25, 2015 at 11:43 am

    Packing is always a headache. Glad that you are there for the mums!

  16. Shann Eva says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    Great tips! I really didn’t know there was a difference between outlet and factory stores, but that makes total sense. Thanks for all the information!

  17. Jesica H says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:26 pm

    I love finding a good deal! Outlet stores are not to close to us, so its a bit of a drive, and more times then not I am very disappointed in the deals. I am sure its one of those, must go often type situations!

  18. lisa says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:37 pm

    I love outlet shopping. There are a couple within an hour drive of our home. There are always great deals!

  19. Jo says

    August 25, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    I like how ‘new’ and modern premium outlets look like. That one is similar to a nearby outlet mall in DC area. 😀 It’s nice that you find a sponsor for your trip and because of that, we learn about that mall too. I’ll have to check it out when we’re in the area. 😀

  20. Jasmine Espinal says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    I use to live in Merrimack and shopped there a few times. I loved it, they have SO many stores to choose from you can easily make a day of it.

  21. Pam says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    I love Outlet Shopping. There are some good ones about 2 hours from us.

  22. Jennifer says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    Outlet shopping is the best. You can save so much money! That’s especially important for back to school shopping.

  23. lisa @bitesforbabies says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    Back to school shopping…I’m dreading it and I’m excited about it at the same time!!! lol! Usually I have to be back to school shopping for myself (I’m a teacher!) but this year my son is going to kindergarten!!

  24. Catherine S says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:21 pm

    This looks like a great Outlet mall. We have a similar one not far from us. It is my go to place to shop for Christmas.

  25. linzwwhite says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    Great ideas! I just love shopping so I’ll use these for me lol!

  26. littlemisscant says

    August 25, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    I live super close to an outlet mall but I love going to the bigger ones down in the states.
    We went to Palm Springs a few year ago on a girls shopping trip and I came home with tons of great deals 🙂

  27. Isabella Grey says

    August 25, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    We always used to go the Outlet stores for Back to School! They had such great deals!

  28. miss (@thedealmatch) says

    August 25, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    I am addicted to premium outlet! So much cheaper but I still spend so much money 🙂 can’t stop buying stuff

  29. sicorra says

    August 25, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    I love shopping at the outdoor Premium Outlets whenever we go to the States. So much fun.

  30. Sarah Bailey says

    August 25, 2015 at 4:03 pm

    What a fantastic looking place, I could totally see myself shopping there a lot. x

  31. Kelly Hutchinson says

    August 25, 2015 at 4:22 pm

    We have an outlet where we live and they always have great deals. I love the Gap and Nike stores there.

  32. Liz Mays says

    August 25, 2015 at 6:03 pm

    I never thought outlet stores had additional sales. I just thought they sold at discounts and that was that! Good to know.

  33. Valerie says

    August 25, 2015 at 6:26 pm

    I love shopping at outlet malls. You can find so many great deals!

  34. Amber Edwards says

    August 25, 2015 at 6:52 pm

    I think it would be so much fun to shop at an outlet mall! I’ve never done that before, but I think it would be a fun experience! Plus i love great deals!

  35. Debbie Denny says

    August 25, 2015 at 7:09 pm

    We don’t live close to one. I wish we did. Lots of great finds.

  36. Seattle Travel Blogger says

    August 25, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    We live about 10 minutes from an outlet – so convenient! I love how much money you can save over going to the mall.

  37. Jeanine says

    August 25, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    We live close to a sears outlet… does that count? We just moved so I really have no idea where or what is around us, I will have to search!

  38. shaunatorres says

    August 25, 2015 at 7:52 pm

    I love shopping at outlets for everything, from BTS to the holidays. This one sounds great and love the ability to save more with that app.. Thanks for sharing

  39. Amber NElson says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:07 pm

    Outlets are awesome for back to school shopping. This looks nice!

  40. Maria @ closetohome says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:18 pm

    I am still not thrilled about taking my 13 year old daughter shopping even with all these great hints. Looks like you are a pro.

  41. Marcie W. says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:29 pm

    We have a premium outlet mall near our home and love shopping there. Making a list to know the difference between needs and wants is always a good idea.

  42. Janell @ Saving You Dinero says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:31 pm

    I love shopping at outlet malls. We just moved to Kentucky and I am so happy to have one about 20 minutes from my house.

  43. Ora Lee Gurr says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    I don’t think anyone can top your suggestion for making a list so you remember why you went there. Reno’s regular mall, Meadowood Mall, is a Simon property and very well maintained. The outlet mall in Sparks continues to add shops, and is quite busy much of the time.

  44. Claudette Esterine says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:27 pm

    I simply love outlet shopping – anytime of the year!!

  45. Ann Bacciaglia says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:30 pm

    Merrimack Premium Outlets looks like a great place for back to school shopping. I love going to the outlet stores here.

  46. Tammy Roy says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:32 pm

    These are great tips for back to school shopping. I always make a list before we head out. I will have to see what outlet stores we have in my area.

  47. Elizabeth Lampman says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:35 pm

    I like using shopping apps to save money. I use coupons and price match when i can. Second hand stores are a great way to save money.

  48. Felicita Moncada says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:40 pm

    Love shopping at the Outlets! I have a huge mall close to me here in Florida that has a lot of outlet/factory store. I especially love Gap Factory Store. The cutest stuff for huge discounts. Also the Nike Factory store. I’ve gotten my son sneakers for way less then regular stores

  49. Theresa says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:52 pm

    Our closest outlet mall is about an hour away, and we go several times a year. We were actually just there 2 weeks ago. I stocked up on some clothes for ME for a change lol.

  50. Vera Sweeney says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    I live for shopping!! These are great tips Outlet stores are amazing deals can be had for shopping back to school!

  51. Toni | BoulderLocavore says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:12 pm

    These are great tips. I’ve often gone to outlet malls and spent hours only finding stuff I’d really never buy. Your suggestion about the shopping app is great and also being clear on what you are going to buy to stay focused.

  52. Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:37 pm

    A lot of back to school “sales” are just traps to lure you in! Make sure the prices you’re getting are good!

  53. Claudia Krusch says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:53 pm

    We have just finished back to school shopping, we went to the outlets as well! Love the sales!

  54. Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    We have a rather new outlet mall near us. Finally! Back to school shopping isn’t as fun or painful as it could be. My son wears a uniform so there isn’t much to do other than make sure he can still fit them. We did buy his sneakers from Tanger Outlet this time.

  55. Stephanie @CopyKat.com says

    August 25, 2015 at 11:22 pm

    You definitely have the back to school shopping down. I need to see if one of these Outlets are around my house.

  56. censie says

    August 25, 2015 at 11:27 pm

    Looks like a great place to visit. I love outdoor malls!

  57. socialite123l says

    August 25, 2015 at 11:30 pm

    Thanks for the tips. I didn’t know there was a difference between an Outlet Mall and Factory store . I’ve been hearing a lot about those Shopping Aps

  58. Crystal says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:27 am

    We have an outlet mall about 45 minutes away. It isn’t somewhere we go often, but it’s great for times like these. It can be overwhelming if I don’t stick to my list.

  59. Autumn @Mamachallenge says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:30 am

    Awesine tips! I love shopping at our local outet mall.

  60. Elizabeth O. says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:37 am

    Yep, I wait for sales too, so at least even if it’s not a factory outlet, we get it at a discounted price. Al the tips are very effective!

  61. Annie M says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:52 am

    I love shopping at the outlets! Same quality for cheaper, woot!

  62. rochkirstin says

    August 26, 2015 at 1:10 am

    As kids, shopping in premium outlets with parents is always fun. Now things turn different. Whenever we shop, it’s my mom who feels more excited since I always treat her to the items she wants to buy.

  63. Aubrey says

    August 26, 2015 at 1:20 am

    Outlets are th best. So many fun stores in one place.

  64. Laura O'Neill (@LauraOinAK) says

    August 26, 2015 at 1:50 am

    We don’t have outlet malls here in Alaska, but I used to shop at them all the time back east and in the south. They can be a great place for deals and the new apps would make it even easier to find what you need at a fabulous price.

  65. Dogvills says

    August 26, 2015 at 3:09 am

    The kids were back ti school last week and I have finished shopping for them. These are great and useful tips that I can use for my next purchases.

  66. Mykidsguide says

    August 26, 2015 at 3:51 am

    We have a few outlet malls here in our area and that’s where I usually shop. I just love their great deals.

  67. Ourfamilyworld says

    August 26, 2015 at 5:06 am

    I love shopping at outlet malls. Their prices are incredible and there many items to choose from.

  68. indah nuria Savitri says

    August 26, 2015 at 6:31 am

    I loveeeee premium outlets..we usually go to the Woodburry, the closest one from here. And I can go crazy hereeee :). ANd the kids love it as well..

  69. Krystal's Kitsch says

    August 26, 2015 at 7:55 am

    We have a ton of outlets here in southwest Florida but I never make an effort to shop there. I should so I can SAVE!

  70. milenabarrett says

    August 26, 2015 at 8:05 am

    We live close to an outlet, but I haven’t been in ages. Parking is a drag, but now you’ve sparked an interest in me. I should go check it out.

  71. tracey says

    August 26, 2015 at 8:45 am

    I love shopping at outlets. I live close to the American border and you guys have the best outlets so I hop over a lot to shop.

  72. Megan @ C'mon Get Crafty says

    August 26, 2015 at 8:46 am

    We have an outlet mall not far from our house, and I’ve been fighting the urge to go since I know I will find LOTS more that I want to buy than is budget friendly!

  73. Mama to 5 BLessings says

    August 26, 2015 at 9:32 am

    Sounds like this outlet mall has a great selection. I love Gymborree, one of my favorite kids stores!

  74. michele d says

    August 26, 2015 at 9:36 am

    We have tons of outlets here in Florida. The ones near me are surrounded by tourists. I don’t get over there as often as I would like. But when I do, I find great deals.

  75. Jason Young says

    August 26, 2015 at 10:38 am

    That’s a very nice looking outdoor mall and a great place to go this time of year for B2S sales.

  76. victoria says

    August 26, 2015 at 11:32 am

    I agree this is really great Outlet shopping is a great way to save time when shopping especially for back to school, Since my son was back to school next week we do shopping on weekends

  77. livingoffloveandcoffee says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:14 pm

    I really wish we lived close to an outlet mall but it’s quite a drive away. These are some awesome ways to save.

  78. Christie says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:23 pm

    I never thought about the difference between factory store and outlet until you wrote about it! Great tips for shopping and saving!

  79. Digna Dreibelbis says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:29 pm

    Looks like a great place to shop! I still need to shop for my son, we start later on the east coast.

  80. SixFeetUnderBlog says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:53 pm

    I love outlet malls. We have one close by and we like to go there often.

  81. angelaweight says

    August 26, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    I’ve always wondered what the difference is between an outlet and a factory store. Thanks! Gotta go back to school shopping for my boys as well. Thanks for the tips.

  82. Emily says

    August 26, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    Great advice! I’m all for school shopping in an efficient and affordable way.

  83. Shell Things (@shellthings) says

    August 26, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    I love outlet shopping! Sometimes I do go when it rains, just because it’s a lot less crowded.

  84. Camesha | Mama Motivator says

    August 26, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    I didn’t know there was a difference between outlet and factory stores. See, you learn something new every day.

  85. Lena says

    August 26, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    I am all about back to school sales – SHOP ON!

  86. Nickida says

    August 26, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    We live near a few outlet stores. We went to one in Lancaster PA for my birthday earlier this year.

  87. casavilorainteriors says

    August 26, 2015 at 8:53 pm

    That looks like a fun place to shop. Even your boys are into shopping. that is great

  88. Maureen says

    August 26, 2015 at 10:15 pm

    Discount and outlet shopping are the way to go. It is amazing how much you can save when you do that!

  89. Christina Aliperti says

    August 26, 2015 at 10:52 pm

    We get our best deals for the whole family at outlets. It’s amazing how much you can save from shopping regular retail stores.

  90. toxict15 says

    August 26, 2015 at 11:44 pm

    I literally had no clue there was a difference between outlet and factory stores. Awesome

  91. Alison says

    August 27, 2015 at 1:05 am

    I love outlet mall shopping, we have a few simon malls in our region that I shop at pretty regularly. They always make back to school shopping a little easier on the old pocket book

  92. Uplifting Families says

    August 27, 2015 at 1:14 am

    I love finding good deals on clothing. We have a few supposed outlet malls around here. I find that their outlet prices aren’t always the best price. I suggest using your phone to comparison shop. Amazon is sometimes cheaper on the same item. If you have prime, it’s to your house in two days.

  93. Rosey says

    August 27, 2015 at 4:42 am

    The list so you don’t get sidetracked made me laugh. I do have a sidetracked problem at an outlet mall. 😉

  94. Stowed Stuff says

    August 27, 2015 at 7:01 am

    I’ve never shopped here! We’ll have to check it out sometime!

  95. Kristin says

    August 27, 2015 at 2:44 pm

    This reminds me…I haven’t been outlet shopping in forever! It’s time!

  96. Yona Williams says

    August 28, 2015 at 1:52 pm

    I love checking out the sales at a Premium Outlet. We have one about 45 minutes away in Waterloo, NY.

  97. Gabriel Bregg says

    August 28, 2015 at 10:35 pm

    I didn’t know the distinction between a factory store and an outlet, though I did know that you have to watch for stuff that might be seconds. Still great deals though.

  98. Christina Aliperti says

    August 28, 2015 at 11:55 pm

    One of my tips is to know your sizes in different brands. The closest outlets are a few hours away so avoiding buying things that are too small or big is important to me.

  99. alexisakamom0616 says

    September 8, 2015 at 11:18 am

    I love the outlets here! The Nike Clearance store is my fav!!!

  100. natdarcy21 says

    October 6, 2015 at 11:01 pm

    It is funny how weather can make or break a shopping trip like you described. I have experienced many chaotic trips that only went downhill once the rain began to fall. Also, school shopping can be tricky when you have multiple kids. Making a list is a brilliant way to make sure that each one gets the things that they need. Thank you for such a helpful article, I will be applying your tips soon!

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