wheels99

Hi, a friend of mine will be in DC next week for business. She's staying at the four seasons and attending meetings at the George Washington University. During this time she has access to a car and driver. She would like to do some shopping on this trip. Is there a shopping mall or outlet mall that is within easy access from where she is. No need for public transportation as she has the car. Looking mostly for REALLY cheap household items. Similar to stuff that I managed to buy in Century 21 in New York and Jersey Garden Outlet Malls.

Also is it a bit of a trek to Potomac Mills - is it worth it going all the way out there?

Thanks so much for your help.

MikeT

Beyond the usual suspects--Filene's Basement, Mashall's, TJMaxx--there aren't easily accessible places for these kinds of bargains. Potomac Mills is a long way to go to save a couple of dollars, as are the outlet stores in Lessburg.

What exactly is your friend looking for?

jcepk1

I have to agree with Mike. There really aren't places around DC to get REALLY cheap anything... Potomac Mills is great for clothing items or if your friend is interested in Ikea. For household items, Leesburg is better in my opinion because of the Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn outlets. However, they aren't REALLY cheap either. It depends on the day you hit them.
There is a lot of wonderful shopping around the city, but unfortunately, not for what it appears your friend is looking for this time.

emd

There is a good MArchall's (and a Costco if she is a member) in the shopping Center across from Pentagon Row, in Penatgon City just across the Potomac River in VA. And a World Market and other similar stores (maybe BEd Bath Beyond?) in the shops there at Pentagon Row, on the other side of Pentagon City Mall. But why anyone would want to shop in them on a trip to D.C. is a little puzzling. I'd prefer Pentagon City shopping, where there is a nice Macy's and Nordstroms. She might be able to get some bargains at Macy's with end of summer sales.

MikeT

I agree with EMD, especially if you are in a situation where you can stay at the Four Seasons and have a driver and car available. Treking to an outlet mall to pick up junky stuff and two-seasons ago discounts seems to be an odd thing to do while visiting DC.

I recognize that Europeans see going to outlet malls as a great use of time since the Euro and the Pound are so good against the US$, but I've never quite understood making his a big part of my trip.