The original meaning of Outlet in English is “Exit and the way of going out”, It means selling the top level brand-name and special-offer commodities in large-scale leisure experiencing shopping centers in modern retailing commercial industries, In other words, it means the name of “Worldwide Famous Outlet Shopping Centers” and “Direct Sales Stores from Factory”. The history of outlet malls is closely connected with the development of factory outlets - stores attached to warehouses or factories, where goods were available at discounted prices. At outlet malls several such outlets are placed under the same roof in convenient locations, like out-of-town sites to minimize overhead costs. Since their establishment in the United States, outlet malls have spread to the European Union, as well as other parts of the world.

Outlet is mainly based on selling international reputable brand-named apparels, combining with the factors of leisure and entertainment, satisfying shopping needs of the consumers and achieving the goals of “One Stop Shopping”and“One Stop Enjoying”. The typical brand-named direct outlet in sales integrates brand-named apparel,large-scale discount department store with entertainment,leisure and food etc. Different from other retailing and commercial activities, it has three major characteristics:well-known brand-names which covers the scopes of worldwide famous and well-known daily consuming goods in good quality at low prices with 70%-90% off; comfortable shopping environment with convenient traffic and comfortable surroundings.

Originated from USA,Outlet has a history of over 100 years. "Direct Sales Stores from Factories "is dedicated to sell factory stocks as being the initial commercial mode and then many “Direct Sales Stores from Factories “concentrate together gradually, forming large-scale shopping centers and similar as well as shopping malls gradually becoming other sales models in retail formats independently.

Up to 70’s in last century ,brand-named outlets have been developed as full-feature brand-named outlets, integrating with fashion manufacturers, well-known brand-names, restaurants and large-scale discount department stores together with leisure entertainment facilities.

In Europe and USA markets, about 10 millions of visitors and consumers are attracted by Outlet activities annually which are propagated by scenic areas, trade partners and local authories.Outlet activities are the hub to connect downtown cities and interesting places that have good propagation on local and domestic market Outlet has been the means for promotion of city image.