West Elm Outlet Stores: Locations, Online Shopping, When to Visit
Discover everything you need to know about West Elm Outlet stores, including a full list of U.S. locations, how to shop outlet deals online, and tips for finding discounted furniture and decor. Learn when to shop outlets vs regular stores and more.
West Elm outlets are gold mines. While West Elm is known for higher priced offerings, their outlets feature discounted items, including overstock, discontinued collections, and pieces with minor imperfections. You may not live near one, but given some outlet inventory is available online, you don't want to shop at West Elm without checking in on their outlets. This guide covers everything you need to know about West Elm Outlet stores, from their locations to how they compare with regular West Elm stores, and tips on getting the best deals.
1. West Elm Outlet Locations
West Elm operates several outlet stores across the U.S., giving shoppers access to reduced prices on high-quality furniture and home goods. Here's a list of verified West Elm Outlet locations:
- California:
- Georgia:
- Massachusetts
- New York:
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Texas:
While there are 146 West Elm stores in the United States, there are only 8 locations of West Elm Outlet stores, which offer significant savings on furniture, rugs, lighting, and home accessories. Each outlet's inventory rotates frequently, so check back often or call ahead to confirm the availability of specific items.
2. West Elm Outlet Online Shopping
West Elm does not operate a dedicated online outlet store. However, you can still find discounts and clearance items through these methods:
- Shop the Sale Section: The Sale section on West Elm’s website features discounted products, including overstock, clearance, and last-season items.
- Clearance Events: Keep an eye on West Elm’s seasonal clearance sales, which are often held at the end of each season and offer deeper discounts on a variety of items.
- Email Sign-Up: Subscribe to West Elm’s email newsletter to receive updates on exclusive online sales, flash deals, and promotions.
3. How West Elm Outlet Stores Operate
West Elm Outlet stores differ from standard West Elm locations in several ways:
- Discounts: Items are marked down anywhere from 20% to 70%, depending on the product’s condition and availability.
- Types of Merchandise: Expect to find overstock, discontinued lines, returned items, and slightly imperfect pieces. It's important to inspect each item carefully for flaws before purchasing.
- Inventory Rotation: Stock at outlet stores changes frequently, so if you don’t find what you’re looking for on one visit, it’s worth coming back to check again later.
4. When to Shop at West Elm Outlet vs. Regular Stores
Knowing when to visit an outlet versus a regular West Elm store can help you make smarter shopping decisions.
Best Items to Buy at the Outlet:
- Large Furniture: Sofas, tables, and bedroom sets are frequently available at steep discounts in outlets, especially if they are from discontinued lines or have minor cosmetic imperfections.
- Home Decor: Outlet stores often have a wide selection of discounted rugs, lighting, and wall art, making it a good place to buy decor on a budget.
- Seasonal Decor: After holidays or at the end of a season, you’ll find great deals on seasonal items like outdoor furniture, holiday decor, and accessories.
When to Shop Regular West Elm Stores:
- Custom or Made-to-Order Items: If you need a custom piece or a specific fabric, color, or size, you’ll need to visit a regular West Elm store or shop online, as these options are not typically available at outlets.
- Newest Collections: West Elm outlets carry discontinued or older collections, so if you're looking for the latest designs or trends, a regular store is the better option.
Outlet shopping is best suited for flexible shoppers who are focused on finding the best deals, while the regular store is ideal for those seeking the latest styles or custom items.
5. What to Expect at West Elm Outlet Sales Events
West Elm Outlet stores also host sales events, especially around major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. These events offer additional savings beyond the usual outlet prices, sometimes up to 80% off.
Sales Tips:
- Arrive Early: These sales events can attract large crowds, and the best deals often go quickly.
- Know What You’re Looking For: If you’re hunting for something specific, research ahead or call the store to confirm availability.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Signing up for West Elm's email list can give you a heads-up about upcoming sales and promotions.
6. Special Considerations for Outlet Shopping
Before making your purchase, there are a few things to keep in mind about shopping at West Elm Outlets:
- No Returns: Most items are sold “as-is,” meaning all sales are final, and you cannot return them. Carefully inspect items for damage or imperfections before purchasing.
- Limited Warranties: Warranty options are typically more limited for outlet items, so be sure to inquire about warranty coverage for large purchases like sofas and dining tables.
- Bring a Vehicle: If you’re buying large furniture pieces, make sure to bring a suitable vehicle or arrange delivery, as many outlet locations do not offer delivery services.
7. Use Tools like Spoken to Compare Prices
Shopping at West Elm Outlet stores offers a great way to save money while still furnishing your home with stylish, high-quality pieces. However, to make sure you're getting the best deal, use Spoken to compare prices across multiple retailers. Spoken helps you track deals and ensure you're paying the lowest price for the items you love, whether you're shopping at West Elm outlets or elsewhere.
Quick facts
How does West Elm Outlet work?
West Elm Outlets offer discounted furniture and home goods, typically from clearance, overstocks, or returns. These items might have minor imperfections or be slightly out of season, but they are sold at significant discounts compared to regular West Elm stores.
Is West Elm owned by Wayfair?
No, West Elm is not owned by Wayfair. West Elm is a part of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. family of brands, which also includes Pottery Barn and Rejuvenation.
Did Pottery Barn buy West Elm?
Pottery Barn and West Elm are both owned by Williams-Sonoma, Inc. So, while Pottery Barn didn’t 'buy' West Elm, they are sister companies under the same parent organization.
Can you return at West Elm Outlet?
West Elm Outlet purchases are usually final sale, meaning they cannot be returned or exchanged. Always check the outlet's specific return policy before purchasing.
What is the difference between an outlet and the original store?
An outlet store sells items at a discounted price compared to the original store. These are often overstocked items, returns, or pieces with minor cosmetic imperfections. The original store typically sells current season and first-quality merchandise.
Why are outlets not cheaper?
While outlets often provide discounts, certain factors like demand, condition of the product, or additional services may influence pricing. Some outlets also carry specially made lower-cost items that aren't discounted as deeply as people might expect.
Where is West Elm furniture made?
West Elm sources its furniture from various locations globally, including countries like the U.S., India, and Vietnam. The brand focuses on ethically made and sustainably sourced products, working with artisans and manufacturers worldwide.
Geoff Abraham
Co-founder & President of Spoken
Geoff is the co-founder and President of Spoken. He is a Dad. He holds a BA from UT Austin (Plan II) and an MBA from Stanford. Geoff has built several successful businesses, including a bicycle taxi business in San Francisco which he ran for 10 years with his wife, Mimosa. He is an executive coach, and he actively invests in seed-stage startups via The Explorer Fund.
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