Make your hard-earned money go further at some of the world’s best outlet malls. From spacious complexes in the English suburbs to factory outlets with unbelievable views of Mount Fuji, you’ll want to make a day trip to these destinations (and maybe pick up a designer brand handbag or two). 

Here are the best places around the world to snag a covetable bargain. Best of all, Cathay members can even enjoy an accelerated Asia Miles earn rate at a couple of locations – read on for more.

1) Bicester Village

This sprawling English outlet mall is one of Oxfordshire’s biggest draws, with visitors making the three-hour train journey from London to get their hands on designer pieces at affordable prices. You’ll find over 150 brands represented at the complex, including luxury fashion hard hitters like Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta as well as homeware, beauty and skincare heroes.  

Making a day of it? Restaurants like London favourite Ottolenghi , rainbow patisserie Ladurée and a rose-hued Cecconi’s outpost will fuel you up for the spree ahead.

If you’re headed to Bicester Village, Cathay members can earn EUR/GBP1 = 1.25 at any European retailer in the Bicester Collection upon presenting their receipts and Cathay membership card to Concierge Services. 

2) Gotemba Premium Outlets

This Hakone outlet mall boasts an impressive roster of brands, but perhaps this mall’s claim to fame is its view of Mount Fuji. Japan’s most sacred mountain rises over the complex, gazing down at people as they flitter between adidas, Christian Louboutin and Loewe stores. Local brands are represented among the 200 stores here as well, with incredible deals on Issey Miyake, Kenzo and Onitsuka Tiger. 

Several Japanese restaurants and even a hot dog specialist are on site to feed hungry shoppers, while cafés like Tully’s and Starbucks are around to provide caffeine boosts.

3) Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu

You’ll find Tokyo’s savviest shoppers hopping on a bus to this gargantuan outlet park , where nearly 250 brands span this outdoor complex. Tax free shopping and a line-up of international stores including Gucci, Vivienne Westwood, adidas and All Saints make it the ideal place to grab an investment piece, with local heroes like Mitsumine and Onitsuka Tiger also represented. 

There’s fun for the whole family with Pokemon, Disney and Kate Spade New York Kids on the docket, alongside other stores. Buses run regularly  from key Tokyo locations such as Shinjuku and Shibuya stations, as well as from Yokohama if you’re further afield with journeys taking between 40 to 90 minutes depending on where you board. 

Cathay members can enjoy an earn rate of JPY100 = 1 when presenting their Cathay membership card and shopping receipts at the Mitsui Outlet Park Tourist Information Centre, across any of Japan’s Mitsui outlets. And from 17 June, members will also be able to enjoy a tripled earn rate until 31 August, 2024.

Members shopping at the Mitsui Outlet Park Taiwan and Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Taichung between 1 June 2024 and 30 April 2025 can enjoy an earn rate of TW30 = 1. Overseas travellers from Hong Kong, Macao, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia shopping at these Taiwan destinations can also enjoy a doubled earn rate until 30 April, 2025.

4) Woodbury Common

New York is one of the world’s most fashionable cities, so where better to build the huge shopping village Woodbury Common ? Located less than two hours by train from downtown Manhattan, this winding outdoor complex comprises 250 stores. Clothing is the main draw here, with luxury brands such as Gucci and Alexander McQueen available alongside New Balance, Ganni, Reformation and Lululemon. 

There’s also a children’s play area  with an indoor waterpark, climbing wall and arcade games – guaranteeing fun for the whole family while you get your shopping done. Thirsty? Visit Gongcha for bubble tea to sate your cravings, or Bollicine & Co. Champagne bar to toast the special occasion. 

5) Serravalle Outlet Mall

An hour from oh-so-chic Milan, Italian outlet mall Designer Outlet Serravalle  teems with stylish brands including Givenchy, Off-White, Gucci, Coach and more. Local labels are well represented here with pieces by Valentino, Armani and Missoni all up for grabs, alongside plush interior decor by Versace and Le Creuset. 

With daily shuttles from Milan Central Station, getting here is hassle-free. Don't miss the gigantic lifelike sculpture of a horse peacefully drinking from a rippling water fountain – a moment of calm amidst the splurge. 

6) Desert Hills Premium Outlets

Be sure to bring your walking shoes and sunglasses to Desert Hills Premium Outlets  in California – you’ll want to spend hours exploring its broad, palm tree-lined streets. One of the most popular outlet malls in America, its terracotta and ochre hues are easy to spot as you drive up to the sprawling carpark. 

Crowds flock to swishy brands  like Prada, Gucci, Moncler and Jimmy Choo for savings of up to 65 per cent off, while home decor aficionados sweep the shelves at Bath & Body Works. If you’ve got the whole family with you, teens will be taken by the many surf and skateboard brands – and there’s also the quintessential trip to Claire’s for tomorrow’s fashionistas. Bear in mind that dining destinations are slightly limited, with Five Guys, Sbarro and Starbucks on the docket. 

7) Florentia Village Shanghai

Enter this themed Chinese outlet mall  and you’ll be transported to the streets of Florence, with faux canals, mosaic-tiled squares, and rows of villa-style buildings that house designer outlets. As you weave in and out of shops like Saint Laurent, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo and Coach, you’ll also want to make time to enjoy the rousing fountain show and live musical performances taking place outside.

It’s a little bit smaller than some of the other outlet malls on this list, but you can find several Florentia Villages throughout China, in cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Tianjin and Wuhan – making it one of the country’s most recognisable outlet malls.