Jennifer P.
Yelp
So since I was already visiting Toronto I figured I'd make the 2 hour trek to this new Outlet Mall (which boasts to be the largest outdoor outlet mall in Canada).
So what I really like about this mall is the layout. It's all outdoors, but there are sections that have canopies, so you are not completely exposed to the elements. On the day I went it was 31 degrees Celsius, which is too stinkin' hot if you ask me. However, under the canopies, it was bearable. There are lots of shaded areas for those who fear the sun like me, and lots of sunny areas for the sun worshipers. I imagine that the canopies also protect you from rain on those rainy days.
There is also a lot of free parking. Yay. And in The Eatery there is a water bottle re-filling station. Cool!
The Eatery (a.k.a. Food Court) does not have sufficient indoor seating. We wanted to eat there but there was literally no place to sit. They do have outdoor seating, and although it is covered it is covered with a slatted covering, so no refuge from the heat. The McDonalds is across the parking lot in a stand-alone building. It also did not have sufficient seating. The Tim Hortons is at the other end of the mall in the Guest Services building. The line-up was huge and the seating situation was the same.
They claim there is free WiFi, but I wasn't able to use it (I could get on, and it said "connected" but I couldn't actually go to any websites).
Alright, on to the shopping:
There were no good deals here for me. The prices are not any better than I can easily find elsewhere (however, it's only fair that I mention I am an extreme shopper, and an "unusual size" (shoe size 5, dress size 2), and thus am often able to find unbelievable deals - we're talking I once scored a pair of lambskin Cole Haan wedges for $36, and a Theory dress for $18!).
They have a Not Your Daughter's Jeans Outlet. While the section is phenomenal, the prices are about $45 for a pair of jeans. Compared to retail price this is great. However, I find Not Your Daughter's Jeans in sizes 0 and 2 all the time at Winners for $10-$20. If you are larger than a 2 and feel that $45 is a good deal, then you should go here. Their sample size is a 6, so if you are a 6 you will have the greatest selection in terms of styles.
I was so looking forward to going to the Crocs store. If you have normal sized feet you might find some bargains. They had nothing in my size (I'm a size 4 or 5 in Crocs). Normally shoe outlets have lots of stuff at the ends of the size spectrum, which is women's 5 and 11. Not at this Crocs (or any of the shoe outlets here). Lots of sizes 7-10. They had Kadee Wedges for $34.99 and everything was buy 2 get 1 free.
Coach Outlet and Michael Kors Outlet: mostly poorer quality "made for factory outlet" stuff. Very few boutique store transferred items.
I think they have the only White House Black Market Outlet in Canada. Petite ladies will enjoy this place. Tons of petite size 00, 0 and 2 (and their petite pieces really are petite proportioned). Prices are not a bargain in my opinion though. However, if you're short and slim and not looking for hardcore bargains, you'll find some fashionable pieces here.
I have never seen a L'Occitane en Provence Outlet before, but they had one here. Lots of things on sale, and better than regular retail store sales. Also lots of pre-packaged gift sets for a fraction of the regular price.
The sales at the shoe stores were good (Ecco, SoftMoc, GEOX, Rockport, etc.). But they had nothing in my size. Lots of sizes 8, 9 and 10.
If you are from outside the Niagara Region, go to the Guest Services desk, and show them some ID and you will get a "Collection Perks" Coupon Booklet. The booklet will give you coupons that will give you an additional discount at some retailers. Discounts range from 10%-50%. They mark it down on a little sheet where you're from for statistics (which I'm sure they pass along to their marketing department).
So overall, I personally was not impressed, but that is because I am a bargain hunter extraordinaire and not a "normal sized" person. If you are less hardcore in your bargain hunting and closer to the national average when it comes to size, you may rate this place higher than I did.