I just visited Woodbury Common and while not much has changed in the past year, one of my favorite stores, Rag & Bone, has closed. There's a lot of construction going on and by the end of the summer, new shops will open.
My daughter, Elizabeth, lives in New York and we always look forward to a shopping day at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets when I come to town. I’ve visited most of the outlet malls around the world, researching Born to Shop, and unfortunately, the US malls often disappoint. Not so Woodbury Common! This is still one of the best shopping adventures anywhere and it’s an easy one hour bus ride from Port Authority terminal in Manhattan. (When traveling in Europe, don’t miss the Value Retail Chic Shopping Villages (www.chicoutletshopping.com) I’ve begged the firm to bring their concept to the US; still waiting.)
My daughter, Elizabeth, lives in New York and we always look forward to a shopping day at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets when I come to town. I’ve visited most of the outlet malls around the world, researching Born to Shop, and unfortunately, the US malls often disappoint. Not so Woodbury Common! This is still one of the best shopping adventures anywhere and it’s an easy one hour bus ride from Port Authority terminal in Manhattan. (When traveling in Europe, don’t miss the Value Retail Chic Shopping Villages (www.chicoutletshopping.com) I’ve begged the firm to bring their concept to the US; still waiting.)
Liz and I had a list of shops we wanted to visit including Lululemon, JCrew (Liz is an employee and can score an extra discount!), Tod's, DVF, Tory Burch and Bottega Veneta. Once again, the Tory Burch store was so crowded, a line was formed and a wait of 15 to 20 minutes was necessary to enter. A list of stores, along with a shopping map, is available on the company website, but it's not always up to date. The Rag & Bone outlet is still listed, as are a couple of others that have closed. If you're going to visit a particular shop, call ahead. Also, the coupon book we were given as part of our $42 ticket was basically worthless. The good stores don't participate. www.premiumoutlets.com.
Hungry? There's a food court with lotsa chains - Subway, McDonald's, Cinnabon… The best is the Mexican place on the left as you enter. Fabulous guacamole!
GETTING THERE
The Woodbury Common website lists several bus companies offering transport from Port Authority but in fact, once you arrive at the bus depot, there’s just one big long line for the ride. Go to the ticket booth on the second floor for your $42 round trip ticket; the buses run every 15 minutes or so. The website lists a schedule, but we found it inaccurate.
OUR HAUL
Liz: From Lululemon – Two workout tops, one pair of yoga pants.
Me: From JCrew - one sweater. From Tod’s – One pair of signature Gommino Leather Moccasin loafers. From Barney's - two sweaters.
