Rule one, of course, is never pay retail. Premium outlet stores really help in this area. What is it? Premium outlet stores are large shopping centers located in remote areas. Many company stores claim to provide reduced prices on various close-out products - ranging from shoes, clothes, music CDs, etc. - by selling factory-direct to the customer. Premium outlet stores tend to be tourist-oriented. So let's make a little but very essential tour on New York premium outlet stores!

First of all, let's drop in the Liberty Village Premium Outlets (1 Church St., Flemmington, NJ 08822, near Rte. 202; 908-782-8550). This quaint, village-style outlet shopping center is filled with big-name factory outlets. Outfit yourself in high style at the Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Geoffrey Beene, Izod, Liz Claiborne, L.L. Bean, Nautica, and Tommy Hilfiger. Spiff up your home and kitchen with items from Waterford Wedgwood, Ralph Lauren Home Collection, and Le Creuset.

Next stop is Woodbury Common Factory Outlets (498 Red Apple Ct., Central Valley, NY 10917, near Rt. 87; 845-928-4000). This is an extremely huge shopping giant - boasts 220 stores, so it's no sense to list them all or even part. This Colonial-style "village" possesses the world's highest concentration of marquee labels (MaxMara, Christian Dior, Kate Spade, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Chanel, Fendi, Gucci), all in one parking lot. Here you can find everything that is available at any usual store and a little bit more.

Now we visit the Lake George area that has quite a few outlet centers to choose from. One of them is the Adirondack Factory Outlet Center (1454 State Rt. 9, Lake George, NY 12845; 518-793-2161). Stores include: Banister Shoe Studio, Big Dog Sportswear, Bonworth, Book Warehouse, Bugle Boy, Champion, CK Eatery, Converse, Corning Revere Factory Store, Craftworks, Dress Barn, Greetings 'N' More, KB Toys, Kitchen Collection, Rue 21, Swank Factory Store, Totes/Isotoner/Sunglass World.

Another one is the French Mountain Commons (State Rt. 9, Lake George, NY 12845; 518-792-1483). Their stores include: Country Road Australia, Hush Puppies Direct, Jonathan Logan, 9 West, Oneida Factory Store, Pfaltzgraft Collectors Center, Pier 1 Imports, Reebok, and others. Lake George Plaza Outlet Center (State Rt. 9, Lake George, NY 12845; 518-798-4001) is also one more outlet store in this area. Stores include: Anne Klein, Bass Shoe, Cape Isle Knitters, Dansk Factory Store, Geoffrey Beene, Gilligan & O'Malley, Harve Benard, Helly Hansen, London Fog, Pierre Cardin, Timberland, and more. As you see all these premium outlet stores possess a great variety of brand names and can satisfy even the most fastidious customer.

Niagara Falls, NY has also proven to be a prime location for outlet centers. Currently, there are two major centers in the American city of Niagara Falls. They are the Niagara Falls Factory Outlet Center at 1900 Military Road, and the Rainbow Center Factory Outlets at 302 Rainbow Blvd. North. This center has expanded to almost double its original size in the last five years, which demonstrates the success the retailers have experienced. Stores include: Adolfo II, American Tourister, Aunt Mary's Yarns, Bare Necessities, Brooks Brothers, Coro Factory Outlet, Dots, Easy Spirit, Electronics Warehouse, Fanny Farmer, Jaeger, Jim & Chuck's Boots, Johnston & Murphy, Kidco, Nautica, Royal Doulton, Shoe Works, Starter Factory Outlet, Tie Shop, and many, many others, most of which are well-known names with great reputations.

The Tanger Factory Outlet Center (1770 West Main St., Suite 200 Riverhead NY 11901; 631-369-2732. Major outlet shopping center that offers the nation's most popular brand name manufactures and upscale design outlet stores. Stores include: Adolfo II, American Tourister, Bruce Alan Bags, Champion Hanes, Geoffrey Beene, Izod, John Henry & Friends, London Fog, Samsonite, Springmaid Wamsutta, and many others.

Of course premium outlet centers aren't a thrift shop and of course the prices there aren't so low and reasonable. Good product costs good money! Remember it when buying in New York. And good luck!