Menswear bargains along the I-75?

February 8, 2009 10:37 AM

Shopping filter: Are there any factory outlets or good deals to be had along the I-75?

We'll be driving from Port Charlotte, FL to Toronto, Canada this month, and my fiancé needs new work clothes. Usually he wears a shirt and tie to work, or sometimes a golf shirt, but when he's receiving stock or other physical work his clothes get ruined easily, so he never buys "nice" dress clothes.

Before we go to WalMart for his usual cheap dress shirts and pants, are there any places we should hit up along the I-75? King Frog comes to mind (because of all the billboards for 30 miles in each direction), but I don't remember if there were actually any good deals there. Any recommendations?

NB - he's a size small/ size 15 collar -- which can be hard to find. Costco, for example, usually only has mens sizes M-XXL.

posted by kaudio to shopping (7 comments total)

Outlet Bound is a directory of US factory outlets.
posted by forallmankind at 10:55 AM on February 8

The Ellenton Outlet Mall (Exit 224) is just north of Bradenton,FL . They have a bunch of stores which would fit the bill. I really like the Hagar Outlet Store. Much better quality than Walmart. And the prices are pretty cheap. The Van Huesen store is also a good deal usually. But be careful some of the other stores prices aren't much better than full department stort retail.
posted by MCTDavid at 10:56 AM on February 8

Shortly after crossing into Michigan from Ohio on I-75, you'll enter the city of Monroe, Michigan. There you'll find the Horizon Outlet Center, which has a nice variety of shops.
posted by Oriole Adams at 11:16 AM on February 8

Forgot to mention that Horizon is visible from the freeway, so you won't have to venture far from the interstate to get there. Also, unless you're going to shop only on your return trip to Florida, make sure to keep all your receipts in case you get questioned at the Canadian border (they might not even look in your trunk, but if they do, you'll have to explain that these are purchases you made for yourself and not for gifts to be left in Canada).
posted by Oriole Adams at 11:19 AM on February 8 [1 favorite]

The OP won't be anywhere near Michigan. Indeed, unless they are taking a side trip, they won't be on I-75 for very long. More like I-77 and I-79.
posted by yclipse at 12:02 PM on February 8

Actually, I usually cross at Detroit, so I will be on I-75 until I get to the border. :)
posted by kaudio at 12:44 PM on February 8

Ellenton is great. Any of the Tanger places usually have a few good shops. All of the Premium Outlets malls are great.

The south Georgia places, King Frong in particular, are not good bets.
posted by sadiehawkinstein at 2:45 PM on February 8