Woodburn Company Stores

What: Woodburn Company Stores
Where: Woodburn, Oregon (about 40 miles S of Portland on I-5)
When: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Insider tip: If you go, bring your patience for crowds, chaos and traffic jams

Info:
Much to the utter dismay of Oregonians (and her transplants) the number one attraction in the state isn’t the beautiful Multnomah Falls, or the stunning Crater Lake. Rather, it’s the extensive tax-free shopping found at the outlet shops of Woodburn.

The Woodburn Company Stores offer a number of sales, but really great, totally amazing, awesome deals just don’t seem to be the norm. I’ve found some good things at Calvin Klein and White House/Black Market, but for the most part, you can get savings just as impressive on local clearance racks at the Lloyd Center.

Big names at Woodburn include athletic giants like Nike, Adidas and Puma and brand names like Guess, Eddie Bauer, Polo Ralph Lauren, GAP and Banana Republic. Of course, what would an outlet mall be without the standard shops of Big Dog, Jockey and Perfumania. Click here for a complete listing.

If you plan on braving the traffic on a weekend, go early! As in, right when the shops open. Last minute shopping on a late Sunday afternoon around 5 or 6 p.m. also seems to be less crowded. Otherwise, expect long lines in the stores and at stoplights when you attempt to get on the freeway.

There was a time when outlet mall shopping really did offer the best deals, the greatest savings and most bang for your buck. Unfortunately, you shouldn’t expect to find that at Woodburn.