Outlet

In retail and business, an outlet is a store, branch, or sales location through which a company sells goods or services directly to customers.

In retail and business, an outlet is a store, branch, or sales location through which a company sells goods or services directly to customers. The term is also used more specifically for outlet stores, which often sell a company’s branded goods at discounted prices. In Canada, the term is used in the same retail sense as in other English-speaking markets, especially for outlet malls and outlet stores that sell branded merchandise directly to consumers.

Retail meaning

In retail, an outlet is a physical or online place where a business sells goods or services directly to consumers. It is often used synonymously with a retail outlet or branch location.

Outlet store

An outlet store usually refers to a shop run by a manufacturer or retailer that sells branded goods at reduced prices. These stores are commonly associated with clearance, excess stock, returns, or lower-priced product lines made for outlets.

Company-owned outlets

In some business and legal contexts, an outlet is a company-owned location operated directly by the franchisor or parent company. This distinguishes it from a franchised outlet owned by an independent operator.

Other meanings

Outside retail, outlet can also mean a passage for liquid or gas, a device for electrical plugs, or a means of expression for feelings or creativity. These meanings are separate from the business use.