Lululemon outlets vs regular stores: What shoppers need to know

• Lululemon outlets offer the same quality products as regular stores at 50-70% off retail prices, but with last season's styles and colors

• Outlet merchandise is identical to regular store products—not defective or lower quality—just items that didn't sell at full price

• You'll find the best selection by shopping midweek (especially Wednesdays) when new markdowns typically appear

• All outlet purchases are generally final sale (no returns), so try items on carefully before buying

• Beware of online "Lululemon outlet" websites—physical outlets are the only legitimate outlet option, as Lululemon doesn't operate an online outlet store

• Military and first responder discounts (15% off) typically apply even at outlets, providing additional savings on already reduced prices

Looking for Lululemon gear without the premium price tag? You're not alone. With leggings starting at $98 and hoodies at $118 in regular stores, many shoppers turn to Lululemon outlets in hopes of finding better deals on this coveted athleisure brand. But are these outlet savings significant, and do they offer the same quality and selection as Lululemon's regular retail locations?

This interest is understandable considering that Lululemon rarely offers discount codes or sitewide sales – in fact, only five promo codes have been released between 2022 and 2024, making traditional discounts exceptionally rare.

This guide examines the key differences between Lululemon outlets and regular stores, analyzing pricing structures, merchandise selection, shopping experiences, and value proposition. We'll explore whether outlets truly offer better value and provide practical shopping strategies to help you make informed decisions about where to purchase your next Lululemon items.

Whether you're a dedicated Lululemon enthusiast or a budget-conscious shopper considering your first purchase, understanding these differences will help you navigate the brand's retail options and potentially save significantly on your athletic wear investments.

Lululemon outlet locations

Courtesy of Lululemon

Before diving into pricing and merchandise details, it's important to understand that Lululemon outlets are relatively scarce. There are only about 20 outlet locations across the United States and Canada, making them significantly less accessible than the brand's 500+ regular retail stores.

Lululemon outlet stores are typically located in premium outlet malls, with locations including:

• Seattle Premium Outlets (Tulalip, WA)

• Chicago Premium Outlets (Aurora, IL)

• San Marcos Premium Outlets (San Marcos, TX)

• Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (Central Valley, NY)

• Toronto Premium Outlets (Halton Hills, ON)

• Las Vegas Premium Outlets (Las Vegas, NV)

• Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets (Orlando, FL)

• Desert Hills Premium Outlets (Cabazon, CA)

Due to their limited number, many shoppers may need to travel some distance to visit a Lululemon outlet. For those who don't live near an outlet location, the "We Made Too Much" section on Lululemon's website offers an alternative, though typically with less dramatic discounts than physical outlets.

To find the nearest Lululemon outlet, use the store locator on Lululemon's official website and filter for "outlet" locations.

Lululemon outlet pricing structure

Understanding Lululemon outlets' pricing approach is crucial for shoppers seeking the best value. Let's break down exactly what you can expect when it comes to prices, discounts, and promotional patterns at these locations.

Significant price differences

Lululemon outlets offer substantially lower prices compared to regular retail stores, with discounts typically ranging from 20% to 50% off original retail prices. However, many savvy shoppers report finding even deeper discounts:

• Most outlet merchandise is marked down 50-70% off regular prices

• Clearance sections within outlets can feature items at 70%+ off

• Core products like Align leggings that cost $118 at regular stores might be found for around $39 at outlets (approximately 67% savings)

These outlet discounts generally exceed what you'd find in Lululemon's online "We Made Too Much" sale section, which typically offers 30-40% off. Outlet prices are consistently at least 10% cheaper than the online sale prices, and often significantly more.

How outlet pricing works

Unlike regular Lululemon stores, which maintain consistent pricing on core products, outlets employ a more dynamic pricing structure:

• Products are tagged with clearance prices (already reduced from original MSRP)

• Flat-price promotions are common (e.g., "all leggings $59" or "all sports bras $20")

• Some locations offer bulk-buy incentives with additional discounts for purchasing multiple items

• Special promotions and prices often change daily or every other day based on current inventory levels

This constantly evolving pricing strategy is designed to move merchandise efficiently, giving shoppers opportunities to find exceptional deals if they time their visits strategically.

Seasonal patterns and timing

Lululemon outlets operate on a year-round clearance model rather than a traditional seasonal sale schedule. However, understanding the inventory flow can help you maximize savings:

• Outlets receive merchandise as each season concludes at regular stores

• End-of-season periods (post-holidays, seasonal transitions) typically bring waves of fresh inventory and markdowns

• Major shopping events like Black Friday indirectly impact outlet stock, as remaining unsold sale merchandise eventually reaches outlet locations

• Some outlet stores hold special promotions around holidays, though these aren't as predictable as the main website's scheduled sales events

Unlike regular Lululemon stores and the official website, which follow more consistent promotional calendars, outlet pricing remains relatively steady throughout the year. The primary variables are inventory availability and the specific merchandise that didn't sell through regular retail channels.

Are Lululemon outlets worth it?

When considering a trip to a Lululemon outlet, the primary question for most shoppers is whether the savings truly justify the effort. Let's analyze the value proposition by examining price comparisons, merchandise quality, and inventory differences.

Significant savings by category

Lululemon outlet prices are substantially lower than regular retail, offering considerable savings for budget-conscious shoppers. Based on shopper reports and outlet visits, here's what you can typically expect:

• Leggings: Regular retail prices of $98-$128 can drop to $39-$79 at outlets (savings of 40-70%)

• Tops and tanks: Items normally priced at $58-$78 may be found for $19-$39 (discounts of 50-67%)

• Outerwear and jackets: Regular prices of $118-$168 often reduced to $79-$99 (discounts of 33-50%)

• Accessories: Items like bags and hats see discounts of 30-60% off regular pricing

The most significant discounts are typically found on seasonal or limited-edition colors, with core items in popular neutral shades seeing more modest reductions. Markdowns tend to increase midweek at many locations, with Wednesday visits often yielding the best pricing.

These discounts provide an opportunity to purchase premium Lululemon gear at a fraction of the retail cost – potentially scoring multiple items for the price of one full-retail piece.

Quality of outlet merchandise

A critical consideration for value-conscious consumers is whether outlet merchandise maintains the quality standards Lululemon is known for. The good news is that Lululemon does not produce lower-quality lines specifically for their outlets – unlike some brands' factory stores.

All merchandise found at Lululemon outlets originally came from regular Lululemon stores. The brand doesn't stock their outlets with defective items or cheaper-made versions. Every piece has passed Lululemon's standard quality control processes.

The only reason these items appear at the outlet is because they didn't sell at full price – not because of quality issues. This means an Align legging purchased at an outlet for $39 will perform identically to one bought at a regular store for $118; it's simply in a less popular color or from a previous season.

Outlet-exclusive products vs. overstock

Understanding what type of merchandise ends up at outlets helps set realistic expectations for your shopping experience. Lululemon's outlet inventory consists primarily of:

• Overstock from regular stores

• Last-season merchandise

• Discontinued styles

• Items that didn't sell well in mainline locations

• Seasonal colors or patterns that weren't popular at full price

Unlike some competitors, Lululemon does not create separate "factory store" lines or lower-tier products exclusively for outlets. Every item comes from the standard catalog, which means you're getting authentic Lululemon products with the same fabric quality, construction, and durability.

Basic staples like solid black Align leggings or popular accessories like belt bags rarely make it to outlets because they typically sell out at regular prices. Instead, you're more likely to find bold prints, seasonal colors, and less mainstream designs.

Lululemon retail store vs Lululemon outlet

Understanding the fundamental differences between Lululemon's regular retail locations and their outlet stores can help set appropriate expectations for your shopping experience. Here's how these two shopping venues compare across multiple factors.

Product selection and availability

Regular Stores:

• Carry the latest collections and core products

• Full range of sizes consistently available

• Reliable stock of staple items (black leggings, neutral colors)

• New releases and current-season merchandise

Outlet Stores:

• Past-season items and discontinued styles

• Colors and patterns that didn't sell out in regular stores

• Inconsistent sizing (popular sizes like 6-8 often sell first)

• Rarely stock staple items that sell well at full price

For shoppers seeking specific items in particular sizes, regular stores provide more reliability. Outlets tend to shine for those who are flexible about color and style, creating more of a "treasure hunt" shopping experience.

Return policy differences

One of the most significant differences between shopping venues involves return policies:

Regular Stores:

• Allow returns/exchanges on unworn items within 30 days (with receipt)

• Full refunds available on regularly-priced merchandise

• Quality guarantees and repair services for all products

Outlet Stores:

• Most items sold as "final sale" with no returns accepted

• Cannot return outlet purchases to regular Lululemon stores

• Some locations may make case-by-case exceptions for exchanges

• Essential to try on and thoroughly inspect items before purchasing

Lululemon's membership program has introduced some flexibility for online "We Made Too Much" purchases, allowing store credit or exchanges on final sale items. However, it's safest to assume outlet purchases are non-returnable.

Shopping experience

The ambiance and service level differ substantially between these shopping environments:

Regular Stores:

• Sleek, upscale boutique presentation

• Products displayed in curated outfits

• Abundant staff ("educators") offering personalized assistance

• Premium shopping atmosphere

Outlet Stores:

• No-frills, warehouse-like setup

• Merchandise organized on simple racks by size and style

• Handwritten signs advertising clearance prices

• Focus on self-service browsing

Both venues maintain Lululemon's quality standards and staff friendliness, but the service model differs. Regular stores emphasize a high-touch experience, while outlets prioritize efficient clearance shopping.

Pros and cons summary

Outlet Pros:

• Significantly lower prices (50-70% off retail)

• Better value for your money

• Opportunity to experiment with colors or styles at lower investment

• Most cost-effective way to buy authentic Lululemon

Outlet Cons:

• Limited and unpredictable selection

• Challenging to find specific items or sizes

• All-sales-final policy with no returns

• Requires patience to sort through inventory

Regular Store Pros:

• Immediate access to new releases

• Full range of colors and sizes

• Predictable shopping experience

• Generous return policy

• Premium customer service and amenities

Regular Store Cons:

• High prices with few discounts

• Limited sales sections

• May encourage full-price impulse purchases

• Significant price premium compared to outlet options

Legitimacy of online "outlet" options

In the digital shopping landscape, numerous websites claim to offer "Lululemon outlet" prices online. However, distinguishing legitimate channels from scams is crucial for protecting both your wallet and personal information.

Beware of "Shop Lulu Outlet" websites

Lululemon does not operate any separate online outlet store. The only official online channels for Lululemon in the United States are:

• The main website (shop.lululemon.com) and its subpages

• The "We Made Too Much" sale section on the official website

• Lululemon Like New (their official resale program)

Any website with names such as "Shop Lulu Outlet" or "Lululemon Outlet Store" is unauthorized and potentially fraudulent. These deceptive sites often:

• Use Lululemon's logo without permission

• Advertise unrealistic "outlet" prices

• Deliver counterfeit products or incorrect items

• May never deliver products at all after collecting payment

Lululemon explicitly confirms that genuine products are sold only through their stores, registered e-commerce site, or a select few approved partners.

Red flags for fake Lululemon sites

When evaluating whether an online "Lululemon outlet" is legitimate, watch for these warning signs:

• Unrealistic discounts: Offers like "80% off everything" or "All Align leggings $29" are too good to be true

• Suspicious URLs: Any domain that isn't an official Lululemon website

• Poor website quality: Spelling errors, grammar mistakes, or awkward phrasing

• Limited contact information: No phone number, physical address, or only a generic email

• Unusual payment methods: Credit card only, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer requirements

Lululemon's brand protection team actively monitors for counterfeit websites, many of which copy the look and feel of the official site to appear legitimate.

The safest approach remains shopping directly from Lululemon's official channels or visiting a physical outlet store. Remember the company's straightforward advice: "Anywhere else, and you're not getting the real deal."

Shopping tips for Lululemon outlets

To maximize your savings and overall experience at Lululemon outlets, consider these strategic shopping tips from experienced outlet shoppers.

Strategic timing for best selection

Since outlet inventory can be unpredictable, timing your visit strategically can significantly improve your shopping success:

• Call ahead: Ask store staff when they typically receive new shipments

• Shop early in the day: Popular outlets can get picked over by afternoon, especially on weekends

• Consider midweek visits: Wednesday is often mentioned as the best shopping day, when new markdowns frequently appear

• End-of-season opportunities: Periods just after major seasons often bring larger merchandise selections

Some dedicated shoppers check their local outlet every few weeks to catch new markdowns, recognizing that inventory refreshes continuously rather than on a fixed schedule.

Do your homework first

Before making a special trip to an outlet, take time to research and prepare:

• Browse the "We Made Too Much" section: Check Lululemon's online sale section to preview what styles and colors are currently being cleared out

• Note original and sale prices: Knowing the regular retail price and current online sale price helps you recognize truly exceptional deals at the outlet

• Make informed decisions: If you see something you love in your size on the WMTM section online, consider purchasing it rather than hoping to find it at an outlet

This preparation helps set realistic expectations and ensures you recognize great deals when you see them in the store.

Look for additional discounts

Even on top of outlet prices, there may be opportunities for additional savings:

• Military and first responder discount: The 15% military and first responder discount typically applies even to outlet purchases

• Program limitations: Be aware that the Sweat Collective discount (25% off for fitness professionals) generally does not apply to marked-down merchandise

• Lululemon membership benefits: The free loyalty program recently introduced a perk allowing members to return final-sale items for store credit

• Outlet-specific promotions: Watch for special promotions like "all shorts $29" or additional percentage discounts on certain categories

Following your local outlet's social media accounts or subscribing to their newsletters can alert you to special events and additional promotions.

Shop with a plan

Outlet shopping can trigger impulse purchases due to seemingly irresistible prices. Stay focused with these strategies:

• Set a budget: Decide on a spending limit before you arrive

• Make a priority list: Identify specific categories you're shopping for and focus there first

• Bring a shopping partner: A friend can help scan for sizes and provide honest feedback – particularly valuable when items are final sale

• Split bulk deals: Some outlets offer additional discounts when purchasing multiple items, which you can share with a shopping companion

Leverage Lululemon services

Remember that outlet purchases qualify for the same services as regular store items:

• Free hemming: Any Lululemon item can be hemmed for free at any regular Lululemon store

• Quality guarantee: If an outlet item has a defect, Lululemon's quality guarantee should cover it just as with full-price merchandise

• Membership tracking: Keep receipts and register for the free Lululemon membership program to track purchases

These complimentary services add significant value to your outlet purchases and can expand your shopping options, particularly when it comes to fit adjustments through the hemming service.

Are Lululemon outlet stores worth it?

Lululemon outlets represent a compelling alternative to regular retail stores for budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize value without sacrificing quality. These outlets offer substantial discounts – typically 50-70% off retail prices – on authentic Lululemon merchandise.

The key takeaways from our analysis include:

• Same quality, lower prices: Outlet merchandise is identical in quality to regular store items – not made-for-outlet versions or defective products – just last season's styles or less popular colors at significantly reduced prices.

• Different shopping experience: While outlets lack the premium boutique atmosphere and extensive selection of regular stores, they provide a more treasure hunt-like experience with potentially greater rewards for patient shoppers.

• Final sale consideration: The primary tradeoff at outlets is the final sale policy, requiring more certainty in purchasing decisions since returns are typically not accepted.

• Outlet legitimacy matters: Physical Lululemon outlets are the only legitimate "outlet" option – online sites claiming to be Lululemon outlets are unauthorized and potentially fraudulent.

• Strategic approach pays off: Timing visits, researching ahead, leveraging additional discounts, and shopping with a plan significantly enhances the outlet shopping experience.

For those willing to compromise on having the latest trends or specific colors, Lululemon outlets deliver exceptional value. A flexible shopper might walk away with three premium athletic pieces for the price of one full-retail item – a compelling proposition for anyone looking to build a quality workout wardrobe without the premium price tag.

Ultimately, whether Lululemon outlets are "worth it" depends on your personal shopping priorities and if you are even in proximity to a Lululemon outlet. If you value flexibility in selection, predictable inventory, and the ability to return items, regular stores might better serve your needs despite the higher prices. But if maximizing your dollar while still enjoying Lululemon's quality appeals to you, outlets offer unmatched value for the savvy shopper willing to embrace their unique approach to retail.

Ready to start saving? Find Lululemon promo codes here or check out the Lululemon WMTM site.