The Tanger Outlets on Route 1 north of Rehoboth are one of the primary draws for shoppers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC, who make the trip specifically because Delaware has no sales tax. The saving of 5 to 10 percent on purchases from the usual mix of outlet stores — clothing brands, sportswear, housewares — is enough to make the drive worthwhile for those who shop in quantity.
The outlets are large and comprehensive, with over 100 stores in an open-air mall setting. They are busiest on summer weekends when beach visitors combine shopping with their beach trip. The crowds in July and August can be considerable; weekday mornings are substantially calmer.
The outlets are not within walking distance of the beach or boardwalk — you will need a car or taxi to get there. They are best treated as a dedicated excursion rather than a casual detour.