In a previous article, we discussed the advantages of shopping at an outlet store center. Discount prices, liquidations and overstocks are among the advantages of shopping at these discount spots. And the spaciousness of most of these facilities are adequate especially when the holiday crowds arrive.

Now, we’ll spotlight which stores are the best to shop at. The criteria that base these rankings are stock, presentation and discounts. But when you visit these outlet store centers you will see that there are certain few franchises that stand out from the rest. They Nike, Ralph Lauren and Gap.

The Nike outlet is one of the best examples of what an outlet store should be: large, well-stocked and organized. As with normal outlet stores, overstocks, sale items and liquidated items are merchandised. But every category that Nike sells retail items, there are plenty of items. Shoes of course, take the majority of the stock. But apparel, accessories, sunglasses and bags are well stocked too. Women’s shoes and apparel take up as much merchandise as mens items.

The luxury brand Ralph Lauren carries apparel for both men and women, but also items for the home and kitchen. Starting with mens and womens apparel, their large outlet stores are adequately stocked with formal, casual and sportswear. But if you’re looking for a good deal on bedding and dinnerware, the outlet stores are stocked with high thread count sheets and pillowcases. Duvets and comfortables for bedding, bath towels and sheets for bath and tablecloths are available for kitchen and dining.

The Gap store and its sister store, Old Navy are already a couple of the biggest retail franchises in the world. And you will definitely find plenty of liquidated and overstocked items at their outlet stores. From mens and womens apparel all the way to childrens items, the Gap company outlet stores are normally larger than their conventional mall stores. One feature that these stores have are a large stock on jeans, that they usually sell at premium discount prices.

Whether you are shopping for yourself and if you want to find items for family and friends this holiday season, the outlet stores are a good bet. The aforementioned stores will not disappoint in their stock and in their discounts. The majority of holidays shopper will do a great deal of business at these stores. If you visit these stores, be prepared to purchase a lot.

Image credit: Fan of Retail on Flickr