It also smartly chose to expand into factory outlets to increase market share two years ago.

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In Metzingen, Germany, the Hugo Boss factory outlets are extremely popular, while in Paris, Louis Vuitton draws tourists in droves.

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Coach operates 342 retail stores and 121 factory outlets in North America where direct-to-consumer same-store sales rose 6.3% on a comparable 14-week basis.

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Li Ning shut a net 1, 821 stores and factory outlets last year, leaving 6, 434 still in business, the company said in a statement.

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So, given that shopping consistently ranks just after eating as the most popular activity on vacation, here is how to save a lot of dollars, or euros, or pounds, even on luxury items: try factory outlets.

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Li Ning last week said it wants to move to a more consumer-oriented model, opening more of its own shops and factory outlets rather than franchising them out to third parties or relying on wholesalers to distribute their products.

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Some favored blue-chip REIT selections include Kimco Realty ( KIM), Realty Income ( O), National Retail Properties ( NNN), Public Storage ( PSA), Tanger Factory Outlets ( SKT), Simon Property Group ( SPG), Taubman Centers ( TCO), Federal Realty ( FRT), Prologis Inc. ( PLD) and Ventas Inc. ( VTR).

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