As the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze finances, finding a bargain has never been more important.
In fact, a new survey by Virgin Red recently found four in five Brits (79%) have become more committed to tracking down the best deals when shopping.
If you can’t resist a designer label, then one way to save money on big brands is to visit your nearest outlet store or shopping centre.
But when exactly is the best time to go? And what tips and tricks are shoppers missing out on when it comes to grabbing a bargain?
We spoke to John Ralston, UK regional director of McArthurGlen, to find out how to track down the best deals.
McArthurGlen has seven outlet centres across the UK, offering up to 60% off brands including Nike, Ted Baker, Reiss, Carvela, Kurt Geiger and Adidas.
Its biggest site in Cheshire Oaks is home to more than 130 shops.
When is the best time of the week to visit?
John explained to The Mirror that new stock arrives daily across all McArthurGlen sites, meaning you should see new deals every time you visit.
This also means the availability of stock will vary from day-to-day.
But the best time to visit depends on the type of shopping experience you’re after.
He said: “If you prefer to spend your bargain-hunting time solo, with fewer fellow shoppers around, Monday - Friday before 12pm or after 3pm are the quietest times, as many of the local community enjoy their lunch break at our restaurants or exploring the shops.
“If you enjoy the buzz of busier shops or want to get the family or friends together to spend a day in the centre - weekends, lunchtimes and evenings are popular times for our guests to visit, as our late opening hours offer more flexibility to visit around work and family life.”
When is the best time of year to visit?
There are various events throughout the year when shoppers can make even more savings at McArthurGlen, explained John.
For example, its centres regular run "late-night shopping" events, which offers an extra 20% on many high street brands.
There are also exclusive discounts for students in September at some of the centres ahead of the new school year.
But John also shared how McArthurGlen runs free or affordable community and cultural events for the whole family.
He said: "For example, this July, McArthurGlen York will launch The Great Summer Social - offering guests free entertainment from beach games and mini golf to picnic areas and deck chairs.
"In Cheshire Oaks, there are a whole host of affordable summer activities on offer, from free live music to a ticketed giant Ferris wheel – for just £20 per family ticket ride.
"Christmas at McArthurGlen is another popular time for guests to visit, or take advantage of affordable festive experiences, from Bridgend’s Story Time with Santa to York’s Winter Wonderland."
Are there any discounts or saving schemes people should be aware of?
John said his "biggest tip" would be to make sure you are a McArthurGlen Club member for first access to events and offers.
He explained: "Guests can sign up to the free McArthurGlen Club to receive exclusive benefits with additional discounts, such as buy one get one free, personalised rewards, as well as styling tips and first access to McArthurGlen shopping events.
"Many new visitors the centres are unaware of the McArthurGlen Club membership rewards, or forget to use them in store, which could mean missing out on additional offers and discounts."
Shoppers can also get a 10% discount voucher to use at participating stores when they recycle unwanted clothing through the Recycle Your Fashion scheme.
To get your discount code, you need to take your old clothing to Guest Services and then donate your belongings into a clothing recycling bin.
What shops offer the best deals?
John told The Mirror that Boss and Reiss are two of his favourite brands at McArthurGlen.
He said: "I have bought a Reiss blazer at 60% off RRP for myself in the past.
"I know that many of the brands like Barbour and Adidas stock some of the most sought-after collaborations at our centres too.
"Centre guests have also discovered iconic Burberry trenches and coats when shopping at Cheshire Oaks, with a number of savings on designer brands throughout stores including Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Mulberry and high street favourite Ted Baker.
"My wife also loves to shop for shoes in McArthurGlen centres - she has found some great savings in Kurt Geiger."
