Outlet shopping anyone?

If you are lucky enough to live near one of the Chelsea Premium Outlets, here is a guide to making the most of your trip.

Step one- sign up for great coupon deals! Go to www.premiumoutlets.com , click on VIP club, click on Join Now. After you have entered all of your info, you will receive a printable voucher for a free coupon book, redeemable at the Information Center. When you arrive, go to the Info desk and pick up your coupon book. Say for instance you want to use the “$20 off a purchase of $100 or more” at Off Saks- simply hand the book to the cashier when paying. They will give you the discount, and sign off on the book to indicate that you have used that coupon. You do not have to use all of the coupons in one day- keep the booklet and use it the next time you come back.

Step two- eat a big breakfast. You will need fuel for shopping.

Step three- print out a map of the outlet shopping center, and circle the stores you absolutely must see. The place is huge and unless you spend five hours there you can’t see everything, so make a game plan.

Have fun, and remember- outlets are very hit-or-miss. You might score a fabulous Dior bag half-price, or a Burberry trench 30% off, or you might go home empty-handed.

And no, there is no such thing as a Louis Vuitton outlet.