When I travel I love to find deals – who doesn’t? Especially when I am in the U.S.. In Canada, there are deals to be had but between the exchange, duty and finding the deal – it’s a lot of work. I’m all about keeping the Canadian dollar in Canada. But when you see something that is 60-70% off retail from where the price stands in Canada; tell me – what would you do? Exactly.
Whilst in NYC I made sure I left some time to head over to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. I’m glad I did. It was worth taking a breather from the intensity of shopping downtown NYC for a day and be out in the country amongst some quaint cottages holding some wicked labels.
Ann Taylor, Armani, Balenciaga, Banana Republic, Burberry, Chloe, Coach, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Tom Ford, Tommy Hilfiger are all represented and have bargains galore.
My journey started early on a Friday morning to head over to Central Valley, NY. I grabbed an early train from Greenwich Village and then jumped on a ShortLine/Coach USA. ShortLine/Coach USA offers a frequent daily bus service to Woodbury Common from Port Authority in New York City (42nd St & Eight Ave). For around $40 I was able to kick back and enjoy the scenery as we headed out of the city. Indeed there are other ways to get to Woodbury; but the coach service was perfect for a single girl like me or if you are venturing out with your girlfriends or partner. Easy, safe and affordable.
When we arrived at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets we went to the Tower Building and were able to pick up an amazing coupon booklet for additional savings with our bus ticket voucher.
After that exercise, I was off to the races. I was keen to check out Le Sportsac for a cosmetic bag, Levi’s, Under Armour (because it was freezing that day and I hadn’t dressed warmly enough) and also perhaps get lost in Diane Von Furstenberg, Dior and Polo. I liked being able to shop at stores that my pocket book could afford and then also check out the luxury goods that perhaps I could dream I could afford.
The rolling hills of Central Valley behind the outlet beckoned with gold, yellow, orange and red Fall colours. For a moment I felt transported out of NY State. Take a moment to enjoy this sight even in the winter with your hot coffee.
The shops were endless and still easy to navigate. If you are wondering – ‘I don’t want to go all the way up there for a few shops’. Quit that thinking asap. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets as the name states is premium in its wares. Just when you thought you had hit all of the stores a whole other lane opens up for you to get lost in. Keep your eyes peeled and grab a map before you start.
There is a real culture at these Premium Outlets that I have noticed. There are a lot of Europeans who arrive at the airport, empty their cases at their hotels and jump on a coach to Woodbury to fill them with goodies. It’s fascinating to watch. My job was to keep my shopping to a minimum for necessities as I only brought a duffle bag with me to NYC. I spoke to a girl from Madrid on my way back to NYC who expressed she had filled her current suitcase and had merrily gone to the Samsonite shop and filled it with Coach, Cole Haan, Polo Ralph Lauren goods. No shame, no shame. Just do it well and with class.
If you are looking for break points to leave your partner and the kids or need a respite from all that shopping there are some great food options on site. From the cheap and cheerful cafes and sit down eateries – again Woodbury has you covered.
I got to Woodbury at 9:30 a.m. and left around 3 p.m.. I had hit my threshold by that point. I encourage you if you can to try and stick to that schedule. This way you can get on a non-crowded coach, avoid traffic and to also monitor you’re spending – ‘Do you really need another pair of boots?’.
Lastly, make some time if you are in NYC for Black Friday to travel up to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. You will be certain to grab the lion’s share of savings.
What’s in my checklist before I leave for Woodbury?
– Sign up for their VIP Shopper Club for added discounts or coupons https://www.premiumoutlets.com/vip/
– Grab a bottle of water, wear some comfortable shoes and be ready to walk.
– Get a good night sleep the night before so you are clear and ready to search out some awesome deals.
– Try to keep your normally heavily purse down to the bare minimum. The less you carry on your upper body frees up hands for purchases.
– Make a list of things you want to buy for yourself, family and price points that fit your budget.
– Grab a map and a coupon booklet from the Tower Building before you start shopping.
– Lastly, keep your chin up and have fun.
What are Woodbury’s store hours over Black Friday and the Christmas holidays?
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/hours.asp?id=7
How do I get to Woodbury?
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/directions.asp?id=7
Keep it simple and have fun! Tell me what you pick up!
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
498 Red Apple Court
Central Valley, NY 10917
(845) 928-4000
Thirty Four Flavours 