I am going to have to visit one of these outlet centres, and wondered if people have been to both and could give an idea of which was better in terms of getting there (from ZH), prices etc. We'll be looking for winter togs for Mama G, and ski wear mainly.... or anything else that takes her eye
If outlet city means the one in Metzingen, Germany, than I have been to both.
Foxtown was a complete disappointment for me, the reductions are not worth the trip.
Metzingen was worth the trip, but especially for the Boss outlet. So it was for me more about business clothes, no idea if and which shop there has ski gear...
Both Metzingen and Foxtown (Lugano) seem a bit far from Basel. Are there any other Premium Shopping Outlets closer to Basel? I'm looking for winter jackets, mantels, jeans, sweaters and casual clothing.
Arc'terex ski jackets which are like 850CHF in the shops were reduced to 400CHF or so. Salamon gear with up to 50% off. North Face Gear approx 30% off. Bonfire and Salamon Clothing Sales Reps Samples from season 09/10 50% off. It was well worth the trip for me. I came out with bags of stuff. The only issue is that they only have certain sizes and certain brands. The reason I managed to pick up an arc'terex windstopper jacket for more then 50% off, but when I tried to get a ski jacket they didn't have my size, they only had M and XXL in the kind of jackets I was looking at. In other types they had more sizes.
There is an Outlet in Weil am Rhein. Take the Tram 8 to the end station, walk over the Border, and first traffic light on the opposite right hand side is an Outlet Store. They sell Jeans etc. there, I think from €5 and up.
There is also Shoes and lots of Shirts, but not the right place to go if you look for Clothing for Office use.
I've been to Mendrisio a few times and I found for ladies the sizes M, 36, 38 & 40 were almost non-existent. Anyone that's 34, 42 or a 44 would have a great choice. I got a couple of items that were marked as XL and when I tried them on they were incorrectly sized - so don't believe the label.