How Outlet Stores Work
Outlet stores sell branded products at reduced prices. Some stock genuine overruns and past-season items from the main brand, while others carry products made specifically for the outlet channel. For Amazon resellers, the opportunity lies in finding branded items at prices significantly below their Amazon selling price. The key is knowing which outlets offer genuine discounts and which products actually sell well online.
Best UK Outlets for Reselling
Bicester Village, Cheshire Oaks, and Gunwharf Quays are among the largest designer outlets. For Amazon reselling, factory shops attached to brands like Cadbury World, Denby Pottery, and Portmeirion can offer excellent margins on giftware. Clarks Village and similar multi-brand outlets offer a range of homeware and fashion brands.
The most productive outlets for Amazon arbitrage tend to be those selling homeware, kitchenware, and branded beauty products rather than fashion. Clothing has high return rates on Amazon and sizing complications that make it a challenging category for resellers.
What to Look For
Focus on items that are sealed, in original packaging, and from recognisable brands. Check the Amazon selling price before you buy — outlet stores are not always cheaper than Amazon. Some products sold at outlets are outlet-exclusive lines that do not have Amazon listings at all. Scan before you buy, every time.
End-of-season clearance at outlets can produce the best margins. When stores need to make room for new collections, discounts can reach 70 to 80 percent off the original retail price. If those products maintain their Amazon price, the margins can be substantial.
Challenges and Limitations
Many premium brands sold at outlets are gated on Amazon, requiring authorised invoices to sell. Outlet receipts may not satisfy Amazon's ungating requirements for some brands. Check your selling eligibility before committing to purchases. Some outlets also limit quantities — particularly during sales events — which restricts how much stock you can acquire.
Outlet stores are typically located outside town centres, so fuel and travel time are real costs. Plan trips to cover multiple stores or combine with other sourcing activities to make the journey worthwhile.
Factory Shops: A Hidden Gem
Factory shops attached to manufacturers can be even better than retail outlets. They often sell seconds, discontinued lines, and overstock at deeply discounted prices. Products from factory shops may not always be in perfect condition — check for defects that would prevent listing as new on Amazon — but when the quality is there, the margins can be excellent.
Build a list of factory shops within reasonable driving distance and visit them periodically. Stock changes as production overruns and seconds become available, so what you find one month may be different the next.