(SPOT.ph) Sometimes, a trip isn't at all about the destination. It's about the things we find along the way. People, memories, et cetera—but in this case, outlet stores, especially when you're driving up and down the North. Whether it’s to Bulacan, Pampanga, or even further up to Baguio, you’ll find many gems in the form of discounted items at huge stores lining the way. We list below the stores you can stop by for your next trip up North—and back (you know, for more discounts you might have missed).
Also read: Uniqlo, Nike, Adidas + More: The Biggest Standalone and Outlet Stores for Your Next Road Trip South
Nike, Miniso, and more: the best standalone and outlet stores north of Metro Manila
NLEX Drive&Dine
We say it should be drive, dine—and shop thanks to the number of stores to spot at NLEX’s Drive&Dine. For one, you can find the biggest Nike Factory Store as well as a Miniso building located here. Check them out:
Nike Factory Store
This Nike Factory Store in NLEX Drive&Dine is touted as the biggest one in the Philippines. We aren't kidding. Just imagine a gargantuan space filled to the brim with markdown items with The Swoosh logo, from sportswear, and accessories, down to your favorite kicks—and you can score them at much cheaper prices, too. It's a win-win situation. A trip to the North won't be complete without making your Nike heart happy.
Oregon Premium Outlet Center
From adidas, New Balance, PUMA, Converse, and Vans to The North Face, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Columbia, you can find them all under one roof at the Oregon Outlet Center. You can score kicks, apparel, and a whole lot more on can't-be-missed-deals. The Oregon Premium Outlet Center can also be found at Savano Park, SJDM, and The Cabanas Mall in Malolos, Bulacan.
Miniso
When it comes to cute stuff and other trinkets for personal and home care (and from experience, last-minute gift searching), Miniso is top of mind. You can find two whole floors of cute must-haves at the NLEX Drive&Dine, too. Gird your loins, err, we mean your wallets, because you're bound to spend hours inside just looking at the wide array of adorable items. You'll never know what you'll bring home with you. And, if you’re going to be completely honest, it's a whole trip in itself.
A+ Premium Tech Depot
Tech and gadgets usually have hefty price tags, so we don’t blame you if you're always on the lookout for the best deals and prices that won’t break the bank. Well, you might find what you’re looking for in a gadget—the cheap price tag, for example—at the A+ Premium Tech Depot. Spot Apple products such as iPhones and other products from Bose, JBL, and Sony inside.
The NLEX Drive and Dine is located at Barangay Canumay, Valenzuela City.
Shell of Asia
Don't lie, you've stopped over once or twice—or all the time you go up North and back—at the NLEX Shell of Asia for a quick grub, gas, or, in most cases, to look at the number of stores scattered around the area—because there is a lot. Other than of course, the Nike Factory Store and adidas Outlets, here are a few stores you should also check out:
PUMA Outlet Store
Stop for gas and stay for PUMA’s sneakers. You’ll find seemingly endless racks and shelves filled with the brand’s offerings, from apparel like activewear, and accessories, to cult-favorite pairs at discounted prices.
Crocs
Need some last-minute comfy footwear for your trip? You can always drop by the Crocs store in the area and scour through their wide selection of shoes and sandals for men, women, and kids—such as their known clogs that are just perfect for summer.
Shell of Asia is located at North Luzon Expressway, Guiguinto, Philippines North Luzon Expressway, Guiguinto.
Mega Station
After hours of driving up North, you’ve reached Pampanga, and your butt is most probably aching from all the sitting. You can stop by and have a short walk (and a quick shopping sesh) through all the stores located at the Mega Station by the NLEX road in San Fernando, Pampanga. Check out these brands you could visit:
Adidas Outlet
As a fan of the Three Stripes, you take every chance to shop adidas store whenever you have the chance and do some shopping haul. What makes shopping in outlet stores more exciting are the great deals you’ll be able to grab. Be it on stylish apparel, kicks, and other gear for both men and women of the active lifestyle—you’ll definitely drown in it.
Fashion Rack Designer Outlet
When we say you can find everything you’ll need at Fashion Rack Designer Outlet, we mean everything. From men's and women’s clothing—for fashion, athleisure, et cetera—footwear and accessories like bags and such, there are also beauty and personal care items up for grabs. We’re talking skincare, makeup, and heck, even home items can be found here. You can spot popular brands such as Nike, Adidas, Sperry, and Vans as well as Kiehl’s, Victoria’s Secret, MAC, Innisfree, and Bath & Body Works, among others. And yep, at massive discounts, too. You can also find them at NLEX Drive&Dine and NLEX Balagtas, Bulacan.
Decathlon
You’re already up for an adventure, having driven all the way North, but you may or may not be missing a few gears. It can’t be helped. But don’t worry, you can just drive to Decathlon’s first outpost outside Metro Manila in Clark, Pampanga to get last-minute equipment. They house more than 70 sports—and anything that involves the great outdoors and physical activities—under one roof. You can drown in all equipment and goods at budget-friendly prices. It also has self-service checkout counters, which is a first in its stores.
Decathlon is located at the ground level of the Clark Tech Hub 8 and 9, SM City Clark, Pampanga.