Style & Shopping
Big Box & Discount Stores
They may not have the most charm, but they often have the best prices.
The Company Store at Saks Distribution Center
500 Hickory Dr., Aberdeen, 410-297-5200.
Great for: The DIY maven ready for a road trip.
Details: A discerning eye is key for sifting through the revolving selection of designer gear for men and women. Many of the items are slightly worn samples or imperfect garments pulled directly from the Saks Fifth Avenue sales floors. New arrivals are delivered daily, but the early bird gets the worm, as most of the treasures are gone by mid-morning. If you’re willing to wait in line, the third Tuesday in March, July, and November are when the biggest deliveries arrive. Also note that hours are limited: Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Editor’s Pick: Opening Ceremony glitter ankle boot, $79.99.
DSW
Several locations, including 3501 Boston St., 410-246-4867.
Great for: Sole-searching shoe lovers.
Details: Shop by style to find kicks for every function——from work-outs to cocktail hour to errand running. Brands include Nike, Clarks, Nine West, Coach, and Steve Madden. Clearance racks house one-off styles at an additional 30 to 80 percent off discount.
Editor’s Pick: Ralph Lauren riding boots, $149.95.
H&M
Several locations, including 301 Light St., #1575, 410-685-5780.
Great for: Trendsetters looking for straight-from-the-runway inspired pieces.
Details: The fast-fashion mega-retailer of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children offers stylish items perfect for mixing with basics already in your closet. While quantity over quality may be the general rule of thumb here, you can’t beat the low price points or the chance to nab an item from one of the designer collaboration collections.
Editor’s Pick: Women’s honeycomb knit sweater, $19.95.
IKEA
8352 Honeygo Blvd., White Marsh, 410-931-5400.
Great for: Outfitting the home of a newlywed couple or college dorm room.
Details: The Swedish powerhouse offers everything for the home: décor, kitchenware, furniture, and linens. Stock up on sleek contemporary designs in a multitude of finishes and color palettes——perfect for mixing and matching. IKEA FAMILY cardholders benefit from additional product discounts, 90-day price adjustment protection, and discounted admission to the Baltimore National Aquarium and Port Discovery.
Editor’s Pick: Tickar graphic stripe 12- inch dinner plates, $4.99/each.
Loehmann’s
160 W. Ridgely Rd., Timonium, 410-252-7177.
Great for: The thrill of the hunt for designer labels from seasons past.
Details: Heavy in women’s apparel, browse the “Backroom” racks for high-end contemporary labels like Elizabeth & James, Helmut Lang, and Theory. Beloved accessories like Delman ballet flats and Marc by Marc Jacob satchels are occasional finds. Insider Gold Club members receive an extra 10 percent off everything and additional discount coupons throughout the year during milestones like birthdays and holidays.
Editor’s Pick: Elizabeth & James navy blazer with rabbit fur collar, $219.99.
Marshalls
Several locations, including 1238 Putty Hill Ave., Towson, 410-825-0350.
Great for: Thrifty shoppers with an eye for quality.
Details: Sifting through racks, you’ll find more mainstream labels like Polo Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Michael Kors, and Elie Tahari. Categories range from clothing and accessories to luggage and home goods.
Editor’s Pick: Michael Kors men’s leather bomber jacket, $149.99.
Nordstrom Rack
Several locations, including 700 Fairmount Ave, Towson, 410-296-2111.
Great for: Brand devotees willing to give up service for savings.
Details: While some merchandise is designed and sold specifically for the discounter, clearance racks are ripe with merchandise from the full-line store, with brands like Tory Burch, Milly, Cole Haan, and Joe’s Jeans. Deliveries arrive five to six days a week, so the merchandise is always changing. Visit on the last Sunday and Monday of each month to browse through additional markdowns in the women’s department “Clear the Rack” merchandise.
Editor’s Pick: Cole Haan men’s suede lace-up loafer, $98.90.
Outlet Stores
Sears Outlet
A nick or scratch is a small price to pay for a great deal on big-ticket home appliances—all are either refurbished or taken directly from showroom floors.
Several locations, including, 8200 Belair Rd., Nottingham, 410-882-1081.
Under Armour Factory House
Baltimore’s beloved athletic-apparel brand offers its awesome heat and cold gear, athletic shoes, and accessories for men and women at a discount.
6611-A Cabot Dr., Curtis Bay, 410-255-2468.
Overstock
A no-frills warehouse setting offering furniture salvaged from hotels and office buildings at a steep discount. Think bedding, sofas, and dinettes.
2811 Sisson St., 410-235-2000.
Arundel Mills Mall
Over 1 million square feet of shopping. Highlights include
Off 5th, Neiman Marcus Last Call, and Coach.
7000 Arundel Mills Cir., Hanover, 410-540-5110.
Hagerstown Premium Outlets
An open-air collection of outlet and factory stores in every category, anchored by Restoration Hardware, Kate Spade, and
Calvin Klein.
495 Prime Outlets Blvd., Hagerstown, 310-790-0300.