From tax-free shopping in New Hampshire to splurging in Connecticut, here’s our list of the best outlets in New England. These malls won’t disappoint!
By Yankee Magazine
May 17 2022
Enjoy tax-free shopping at the Merrimack Premium Outlets in Merrimack, New Hampshire.
Photo Credit : Aimee TuckerIn need of a new wardrobe but short on cash? Fear not! With this list of the best outlets in New England, you can meet all your shopping needs in one stop, while scoring the best bargains out there. Fashion crisis (and financial crisis) averted. From tax-free shopping in New Hampshire to splurging in Connecticut, these best outlets in New England have got you covered!
Devour a day in a flash as you browse through the 70 upscale stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, J.Crew, and Brooks Brothers. You can pick up everything from designer fashions and sportswear to fine leather and luggage.
10-9. 20-A Killingworth Tnpk., exit 63 off I-95, Clinton.
Wondering what to do with all that cash you won at the casino? Pay a visit to the Tanger Outlets Foxwoods and you’ll have no trouble spending it all! The mall boasts a wide range of footwear, apparel, and specialty stores — all entirely indoors and perfect for completely weather-independent shopping.
455 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket.
Everybody knows about L.L. Bean and Freeport, but if you’re in the mood for a shorter drive, check out Kittery’s 120-plus brand-name designer outlets just over the border from New Hampshire. Drive Route 1 from outlet to outlet to shop favorites such as Gap, Eddie Bauer, Nautica, Banana Republic, and Crate & Barrel. Don’t miss the Kittery Trading Post (it’s hard to miss, really), with three floors of outdoor recreational equipment, clothing, and footwear. After shopping, explore the rest of beautiful Kittery Point.
Rte. 1, Kittery.
Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Under Armour, and specialty food makers Harry and David are just a few of the stores that the Berkshires can boast. Many shoppers flock toward the great savings in this center, which is located only an hour’s drive from Hartford and two hours from Boston.
50 Water St., Lee.
Although this outlet center is not really in Rhode Island, it might as well be, because it’s right on the border. Styled to look like a New England village, the center’s 170 outlet stores offer the cream of the crop, while landscaped courtyards provide places to rest weary feet (there’s Nike and Nine West to cure that ailment, too). Save at stores such as Burberry, Calvin Klein, Guess, Restoration Hardware, and Vineyard Vines.
Rte. 1A, Wrentham.
The best part about shopping in New Hampshire is that everything is sales tax–free! The Merrimack Outlets are a huge, outdoor shopping mall with more than 100 premium and diverse retailers. The mall also features a large food court, as well as outdoor seating areas for summertime sunbathing.
80 Premium Outlets Blvd., Merrimack.
Even the White Mountains aren’t safe from quality shopping! In addition to the many upscale fashion stores at Settlers Green, the nearby Settlers Crossing features many of New England’s classic brands, like L.L. Bean and Eastern Mountain Sports. For a break from shopping, check out the Conway Scenic Railroad while you’re in the North Conway area!
Rte. 16, North Conway.
Big names such as Rue21, Van Heusen, and Coach; foot-wear selections such as Bass and Skechers; and home-furnishing gems like Kitchen Collection make this an outlet center not to miss.
120 Laconia Rd., Tilton.
At the Manchester Premium Outlets, you’ll find more than 40 designer retailers, like LOFT, Crabtree & Evelyn, and Clarks Bostonian. The stores are spread along Manchester Center’s main drag, giving it more of a small town shopping feel.
97 Depot St., Manchester Center.
With all of these great outlet stores, you can get out and get shopping. It’s a perfect activity for a rainy spring day. But since most outlet shopping malls let you catch a little fresh air between stores, you’ll have an excuse to go on a sunny day, too.
What are your picks for the best outlets in New England?
This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated.