Shop This Outlet Mall

Visit Warehouse Row for discount name-brand handbags and designer duds.

I don't know about you, but the words "sale," "discount," and "50% off" lure me in every time. On a recent trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee's Warehouse Row, I left the boys (my fiancé and his friend) at the Blimpie in the food court, and I made a beeline to the bargains.

Fancy Digs

One of my favorite things about Warehouse Row is that the atmosphere doesn't scream "cheapskate." While some outlets look like bargain barns with bare-bones shops, you'll find none of this here. This place offers luxury all the way.

Outside, the forest green awnings jutting out from the redbrick buildings create a classy look, while inside, dark brown hardwood floors gleam with fresh polish. Better still, you can shop in peace. Even on the weekends, you won't find yourself wedging between tourists.

Real Deals

Each store on my shopping excursion confirms that paying retail is for suckers. One of my favorite stops is Polo Ralph Lauren, where a kingsize, knit blanket in the home section is discounted from $109.99 to $69.99. The children's and men's sections also boast big savings, including a wide selection of men's blazers on sale for $200.

Like many women, purses are my weakness. At the Coach Factory shop, a black hobo bag marked down from $269 to $169 calls my name as does an elegant briefcase once $389, now $299. Plenty of fun, less expensive items fill the shop as well. Among the most inspired are pastel sunglass cases for $39.

Yves Delorme, a linens store, delivers one of the most exciting finds. Here, I find blue-and-white fitted sheets discounted from $ 190 to $30.

Two hours after separating the men from the shopaholic, we meet again. I rave about the great deals while they give sighs of relief that they missed it, enjoying a meal instead. Still, we all walk away having spent a fabulous afternoon at Warehouse ROW. VIVIAN CANEDO

Warehouse Row: 1110 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402; (423) 267-1111 or 1-888-260-7620.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2005
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