Best Outlet Malls Near Boston
Outlet malls make shopping so much easier. Most of what the average person needs for any occasion is in one place. There are several of these convenient shopping centers in and around Boston, so even when one is missing a favorite store or item, there are other options just a short drive away. Some are bigger than others or cater to a different demographic, but they all have a range of store selections that make life convenient.
South Shore Plaza
250 Granite St.
Braintree, MA 02184
(781) 843-8200
www.simon.com
The South Shore Plaza is just a few minutes south of Boston off Route 3. It has two stories of storefronts and includes some two-level stores, such as Macy's and Target. The mall has a range of options from cozy boutiques to electronics shops. There are also several restaurants and snack stores in the building, both in and out of the food court area on the second floor. Whether customers are looking for high-end makeup or a new phone case, the South Shore Plaza has them covered.
Related: Best Shopping In Boston's South End
The Arsenal Project
485 Arsenal St., Suite 37
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 923-9944
www.thearsenalproject.com
Watertown's The Arsenal Project is not the biggest mall in the area, but it has a selection of dozens of stores and eating establishments. They include popular names like Old Navy, Marshalls and Victoria's Secret. It even has a Home Depot, which may be unusual in smaller malls, but comes in handy when shoppers really only want to go to one location to finish all of their shopping. Places to grab a bite to eat include Subway, Master Wok and Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Assembly Row
340 Canal St.
Somerville, MA 02145
(617) 440-5565
www.assemblyrow.com
Assembly Row has a number of clothing and shoe shops, such as Francesca's and Charlotte Russe. It has an even better array of restaurants with local favorites like Tony C's and Legal on the Mystic. There are also plenty of entertainment opportunities for adults and kids. However, what makes Assembly Row truly special among local outlet malls is the Assembly Farmer's Market. It takes place on Sundays from June through October and includes live music and other attractions for shoppers.
Square One Mall
1201 Broadway
Saugus, MA 01906
(781) 233-8787
www.simon.com
Much like South Shore Plaza, and run by the same company, Square One Mall is an attractive two-story shopping center. It has large Macy's, Sears, T.J. Maxx and Dick's Sporting Goods stores. It also contains dozens of smaller stores, including favorites like Aldo, Aeropostale, Charlotte Russe, Famous Footwear and Forever 21. Grab a warm pretzel at Auntie Anne's or something more substantial at Wayback Burgers. Whether it is the holidays or the middle of the year, shoppers will find all of their typical needs are met at Square One Mall.
Related: Boston's Best Shopping Malls
Independence Way
Danvers, MA 01923
www.simon.com
The Liberty Tree Mall is one of a shopper's best local choices because it has more than 70 stores, a movie theater and a 20,00-square-foot indoor playground. Virtually every popular store chain and a few unusual finds are under this mall's roof. There is also a massage parlor, plenty of places to eat, pet stores, piercing parlors, an indoor trampoline park and even a seasonal Halloween store. Families and individuals can easily spend a day at this mall just hanging out, even if they didn't want to shop. Though it is hard not to shop with all of these stores under one roof.
Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.