Why outlets are lagging behind other mall categories in the U.S.

Outlet malls have been an American staple for shoppers since the 1930s. But they're not doing as well as they once were.Historically, outlets were attached to the factories where apparel was made, selling out-of-season, overrun or faulty merchandise at a discount to employees. Soon enough, they expanded to the general public and became a favored destination for Americans seeking deals on beloved brands. In 2023, the U.S. outlet industry was a $64.9 billion industry, with 342 centers spread across the nation ...