London’s Best Factory Outlets and Sale Shops

Factory outlets are easier to find than ever. Seasonal collections don’t sell, the rise of online forces retailers to set up year-round sale stores and things keep getting better for the high street bargain hunter. Here is a collection of the best factory outlets and sale shops in London.

Aquascutum
Having been among the first to bring waterproof cloth to clothing back in 1853, Aquascutum is a brand with heritage. And with a Hackney outlet store open all year round you can buy into that heritage for cheaper than most. Good for outerwear, rainwear and knitwear.

Pringle
Everyone can recognise Pringle of Scotland’s famous Argyle print and luckily for Londoners, there’s a place to buy the brand’s refined range of knitwear for heaps less than you would in one of the brand’s main stores. The shop is located on Morning Lane in Hackney’s unofficial outlet area and stocks bags, socks, underwear, shirts and coats along with knits.

Burberry
The Burberry store is the oldest of all the outlets that have crammed themselves together in the Morning Lane area of Hackney. Its vast size and heavy discounts ensure a constant stream of visitors – including coaches full of tourists from all over the world who come, like Londoners, for the bargains. Think Burberry macs, suits, skirts, dresses, shirts and anything else left over from previous seasons.

Paul Smith
The Paul Smith sale shop isn’t as well known as some, and that might have something to do with its size. Tucked away on Avery Row in a quiet area of Mayfair, the shop is small. It may have two floors but when it’s busy you’ll have to be ready to bump shoulders with others looking for the cheapest Paul Smith garments in town.

Drakes
Drakes is predominantly known for its handmade in London ties and silk handkerchiefs but the heritage company also sells a range of knitwear, shirts, shoes and belts. They are kings of eternally stylish clobber and what’s more, they have a factory shop – whadda-ya-know! – right next to their factory on Haberdasher Street near Old Street roundabout. When you’d rather pay £60 than £115 for a handmade in London tie, Drakes is the place.

Topshop
Located in the Broadwalk Centre in distant Edgware, the Topshop outlet store is a schlep. But if you make the effort you’ll find bargains, on bargains, on bargains waiting for you. Always on sale, this is the place to come and fill up a trolley full of last season’s hipness.

TK Maxx
Not strictly an outlet or much of a secret but TK Maxx offers some incredible prices on anything from clothes to cookware. Speaking of which, we hear they stock a big range of Le Creuset and that alone is a reason to visit. Stores are located across the city but the Leyton branch is said to be the golden egg of bargain shopping.

London Designer Outlet
Wembley Park’s London Designer Outlet is bargain city, it is the Mecca of outlet stores and might even rival Bicester Village for discounts. Located in the shadow cast by Wembley Stadium, you’ll find the likes of Gap, New Balance, M&S, L. K. Bennett, H&M and many more.