What) An outlet
store or factory outlet is a brick and mortar or online retail
store in which manufacturers sell their stock directly to the
public. Traditionally, a factory outlet was a store attached
to a factory or warehouse, sometimes allowing customers to
watch the production process like in the original L.L. Bean
store. In modern usage, outlet stores are typically
manufacturer-branded stores like Gap grouped together in
outlet malls. The invention of the factory outlet store is
often credited to Harold Alfond, founder of the Dexter Shoe
Company. (1)
Where) The
more I look for them the more I find find them.
Why)
OK. I'll admit that I might have a bit of an obsession
with the fashion ad handouts for outlet stores that I keep
finding in hotel lobbies. This is not the first time they have become a
Buckys and I don't imagine it will be the last either.
On this trip, I removed my previous restriction that the ads
had to be beautiful before I could pick them up. 
