Singaporeans love a good bargain - just look at how crowded the malls are now that many retailers have started their sales ahead of the Great Singapore Sale (GSS), which officially starts tomorrow.

But bargains can be found even outside the GSS period.

In the last three years, at least 30 factory outlet stores have opened here. Brands offering discounts of between 30 and 70 per cent include American brands Calvin Klein Jeans, Cole Haan and Juicy Couture, Hong Kong leather bag brand Rabeanco and Belgian bag brand Kipling. Designer multi-label store Club 21 opened an outlet store at IMM last September.

While IMM in Jurong, the largest outlet mall here, remains the most popular for bargain-hunters, outlet stores have also opened in Orchard Road, such as Ecco at The Centrepoint and Royal Sporting House (RSH) at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard.

Mr David Westhead, chief executive of RSH AsiaPacific, says the company opened the outlet store in February to "cater to the mall's younger shoppers, who are very savvy at spotting a good deal". RSH also has outlet stores at IMM, Changi City Point and Star Vista.

On what has led to the proliferation of outlet stores here, Dr Seshan Ramaswami, associate professor of marketing education at Singapore Management University, says: "Many marketing scholars and economists have predicted that the Internet would lead to lower prices, or at least fewer price differences between stores in the long run. This spread of discount stores is one outcome coming to fruition."

The stock carried at these stores can date back a few seasons, but some carry merchandise as recent as one season ago, or even from the current season.

Ms Nazeeha Bornuevo, a housewife in her 40s who lives in Tampines, goes to IMM once a month because "it has a lot of branded outlet stores as well as food outlets". Her favourite stores there are shoe brands Timberland and Geox and American fashion brand Coach.

She says: "I would come here more often if I lived nearby."

Here is a guide to the best outlet stores worth visiting for their wide variety of merchandise and discounts offered. They have been grouped according to the malls they are located at.

CATHAY CINELEISURE ORCHARD

8 Grange Road

ROYAL SPORTING HOUSE

What to expect: Footwear and apparel for men and women from brands such as Reebok Classic, Saucony Originals, Caterpillar and Merrell. Stock is at least one season old and is replenished weekly. New designs are brought in on a monthly basis.

Discount offered: 30 to 70 per cent

Best buys: Reebok slim-fit running shirt, $39.50 (below, usual price $79); and Zaxy blue sandals, $39.10 (usual price $55.90)

Where: 03-07; open: noon to 10pm daily; tel: 6737-6381

LEFTFOOT

What to expect: Shoes and sneakers from labels such as G.H. Bass & Co, Adidas, Vans, Ransom and Dr Martens. Most are surplus stock from the multi-label shoe brand's retail stores and are at least three seasons old. Stock is replenished every three to four weeks.

Discount offered: 30 to 60 per cent

Best buys: G.H. Bass & Co patent shoes with rhinestones, $50 (below, usual price $199); and Vans Era multi-coloured shoes, $40 (usual price $79)

Where: 02-06; open: noon to 10pm (Sunday to Friday), noon to 11pm (Saturday)

313@SOMERSET

313 Orchard Road

SPORTS FASHION OUTLET STORE

What to expect: Sneakers and performance shoes from brands such as Nike, Reebok, New Balance, Converse and Vans that are from at least two seasons ago. These come from streetwear retailer Limited Edt's stores around Singapore. Stock is replenished every month. The store will close after mid-August.

Discount offered: 40 to 70 per cent

Best buys: Nike Jordans 1 Retro, $119; white Reebok pump, $60; leopard print Jeremy Scott sneakers, $129 (below, prices after discount)

Where: 03-39; open: 10.30am to 9pm (Monday to Thursday), 10.30am to 10pm (Friday to Sunday); tel: 6509-3422