The Best Outlet Shopping in Connecticut for Last Minute Gifts

We are just over a week away from Christmas, and the clock is ticking for you to find that perfect gift. Connecticut is home to three big outlet centers, but only two of them are worth the trip at this moment.

All three of the major outlet shopping centers of Connecticut are located along the shoreline. The best of the three is Clinton Premium Outlets on the Killingworth Turnpike just off of i-95 in Clinton. This outlet center is owned by the Simon Property Group, and with over 70 stores there are almost no vacancies. The major brands that you hope for at outlets are here: Armani, Bath & Body Works, Calvin Klein, Coach, Gap J. Crew, Michael Kors, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Sketchers, Timberland, UGG, and Vineyard Vines are the main attractions, and they also have food trucks and a few other food options.

The Westbrook Outlets are located on Flat Rock Place in Westbrook, and this place is doomed. Retail outlets have disappeared over the past two years here at an alarming rate. As of today, the Pepperidge Farm Outlet is gone, leaving Eddie Bauer, H&M, Williams Sonoma, Loft, J. Crew, and Old Navy as the last stores standing. Developers are waiting to throw millions of dollars at this land to redevelop it into a thriving neighborhood again in the near future. Don't bother, unless you like Williams Sonoma.

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Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods is a great destination, because you can't compare to its location. Foxwoods is a city, with dozens of entertainment and dining options in addition to outlet shopping. Tanger also has quite a few of the same major outlets that Clinton and Westbrook have: Nike, Coach, Polo, Gap, Express, and Sunglass Hut.