Outlet shopping isn’t just an American thing.

In 2006, there were more than 60 outlet malls in 14 European countries. And in the next two years, 23 more will be built.

Like American ones, European outlets offer designer merchandise 30 to 70 percent cheaper than normal retail prices.

In England, McArthurGlen opened one of the first outlet centers in Cheshire Oaks. But don’t expect to rummage through bins of discount clothing – much of the selection is upscale.

La Vallée Village near Paris offers discount shopping with a chic, country ambiance, complete with cobbled streets and flower boxes.

Value Retail Management has several outlets around Europe, and its staff assists tourists with tax forms for refunds on value-added tax.

Remember, the dollar is not as strong as the euro or pound, so for the best deals, head to Eastern Europe.

An outlet list can be found www.chicoutletshopping.com.

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