There are hundreds, if not thousands, of outlet shops located in outlet centers stores across Pennsylvania, where you can buy anything from soup to nuts, literally. Okay, I haven’t found an outlet specializing in soup, but I’m sure you’ll let me know when you find one… 

But how about nuts…In Conshohocken (Montgomery County) you’ll find Edwards-Freeman Nut Factory Outlet. And how about chocolate covered nuts? Wilbur Chocolate, located in Lititz, Lancaster County Wilbur is noted for its fine quality Chocolate Coatings. The manufacturing plant currently produces over 150 million pounds of chocolate products, and other various food ingredients each year. Their Candy Americana^© Factory Store is an old-fashioned candy store offering a friendly atmosphere. You can even get free “Wilbur Bud” samples! 

In Altoona (Blair County) you’ll find Benzel's Pretzel Factory Outlet Store. Here you can sample a variety of pretzels baked fresh daily on the premises.  Treat yourself or take home gifts for family and friends.  They do have more than just pretzels.  A wide selection of candy and snacks is represented there as well. For friends and family you might want to investigate their selection of gift tins, baskets, and novelty items. 

Harry and David outlet stores (located at Grove City Factory Shops (Grove City, Mercer County), Tanger Outlet Center @ Millstream (Lancaster, Lancaster County), Crossings Factory Stores (Tannersville, Monroe County)) feature an extensive line of specialty foods including their handmade chocolate truffles, chocolate covered fruits and fine confections, as well as the all-time favorites from their bakery: cheesecakes, cookies, baklava and Harry and David's famous fruitcake.

In Reading (Berks County) check out Godiva at Designers Place, VF Outlet Village. If you’re a chocolate lover, these are to die for! Also in Reading you’ll find other delectable treats at Sweet Street Desserts, located at VF Outlet Village. Sweet Street is the largest manufacturer of gourmet desserts in the United States, providing over 30 million slices of cake and pie a year to the foodservice industry. 

Speaking of the VF (Vanity Fair) Outlets, at their Outlet Village in Reading (Berks County) there are Over 90 great outlets! Here you’ll find something for everyone…and I do mean everyone. Take heart men, I’m sure you’re discouraged that we’re talking shopping, but at VF you’ll also find stores for you as well…from Black & Decker to Panasonic to Remington. There are also numerous brand name clothing shops, accessories, cosmetics, shoes and more! 

There are numerous clothing outlets through out the state. One of note is The Woolrich Company Store, located in Woolrich (Clinton County). Here at "The Original Outdoor Clothing Company", you're sure to find something to wear on your next camping excursion. Also, for those of you who are from out of state, keep in mind that Pennsylvania does not charge sales tax on clothing...giving you even further savings!

While it is not really an outlet center we can’t overlook, Philadelphia's Jewelers’ Row, America's oldest Diamond District (est. 1851), and also one of the largest, located one block from Historic Independence Hall (on Sansom Street between 7^th & 8^th Streets and on 8^th Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets) Here hundreds of independent jewelry stores line the brick paved streets with virtually an unlimited selection of fine jewelry at greatly discounted prices. It just goes to show, that all that glitters isn’t gold; it’s also diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, platinum, and silver too!

Alright people, get your plastic in your hand and repeat after me...."Charge it!"