Factory "outlet" stores in Vietnam?
 

As I looked at some items I received for Christmas, I was wondering if there are factory outlet stores in Vietnam. The backpack from LL Bean and 2 shirts from Columbia Sportswear were all made in Vietnam. I would be more interested in these types of items than silk suits.

I think you'll find that everyday stores you'll see are the equivalent of outlet stores. No need for special outlets when prices in general are far below those in the west. I was in Northern VN for a month and saw no outlets, although I suppose it's possible, but not sure I'd bother spending the time looking for them.

I recall seeing North Face in China, but very likely pirate items, I suspect also the case for apparently brand name goods in VN. I much prefer looking for bargain local products, such as kitchen items, rather than things I can find at home of better quality.

I've not seen outlet stores in VN. As MmePerdu says, you will find these items in markets. Whether they are made at the factories that make the name brands of they are fakes is not known. Examine garments for quality of construction before buying.

I also prefer to buy local products rather than western brands in Asia.

I live in Panama, and Columbia Sportswear shirts are $150, so if they are made and sold in Vietnam and are less than $150, it is a bargain. We also have knockoffs of brand names here that are of very poor quality. I will look around. And I am sure I will find many native items of interest also.

The factories that make the brand-name merchandise provide items for a number of brands, and probably the knock-offs too. There's no way to know whether garments you see with Columbia Sportswear labels are authentic or cheap copies. If what you want is the label, you may find it, but your best bet is to simply look for good quality, as Kathie has also said, rather than a label.

Have you tried outlet websites such as Sierratradingpost.com? They carry heavily discounted Columbia Sportswear clothing and if they ship to Panama, it may well be worth the additional cost, especially if you're familiar with their sizing and won't need to return things. Get on their mailing list for coupon codes for even bigger discounts. Their merchandise can be as much as 80% discounted.