Where to go luxury shopping for less in Philadelphia

For many, shopping is one of the pleasures of travel. In the Philadelphia area, a host of deals at designer boutiques, along with tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes, let visitors can save while they see the city and surrounding countryside. Here are a few suggestions:

* Northeast Philadelphia’s vast outlet mall, Franklin Mills, has been called a bargain-hunter’s destination. Its higher-end retail stores include Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Kenneth Cole, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Polo Ralph Lauren, BCBG, Brooks Brothers and Banana Republic. 1455 Franklin Mills Circle, 215-632-1500, www.simon.com/mall.

* Matthew Izzo is a favorite boutique for chic housewares (Alessi, Jonathan Adler), furniture (Blu Dot) and men’s and women’s clothing (Ben Sherman, Nicole Farhi). The $10 rack showcases a rotating selection of cheaper finds. 151 N. 3rd Street, 215-829-0606, www.matthewizzo.com.

* King of Prussia Mall is the largest shopping mall on the East Coast,  Visitors can get a Travel Rewards program coupon by clicking here  and exchanging the printed-out coupon at the customer service desk for a Travel Rewards Guide, which will net  discounts at stores like DKNY, L’Occitane and Smith and Hawken. The Shop ‘Til You Drop King of Prussia Mall Package offers from nearby hotels such as the Radisson Valley Forge and Crowne Plaza Valley Forge include a $50 gift card with a one- to two-night stay. Route 202 & Mall Boulevard, King of Prussia, 610-265-5727, www.kingofprussiamall.com.

* Old City boutique Sugarcube offers a stimulus package with its Sugarbucks, earned on every purchase and good toward future purchases. 124 N. 3rd Street, 215-238-0825, www.sugarcube.us. 

* For those seeking a sleek but affordable gown, South Philly dress shop Mia’s of Philadelphia has a bargain room with top brands like Nanette Lepore. 1748 E. Passyunk Avenue, 215- 465-2913.

* Reward has men’s and women’s clothes by international designers like Illionaire, Surface to Air Paris and F-Troupe, plus vintage threads. But the greater reward in this Old City store is said to be for shoppers who browse the store’s back section for discounts. 55 N. 2nd Street, 267-773-8675, www.rewardproject.com.

*Local designers like Christina Rizzo and Aelishiva hang alongside 1980s vintage and last season’s designer jeans at Vamp, Manayunk’s consignment fashion store. Those who shop on their birthday receive 20% off on any three items. 4231 Main Street, 215-487-2340, www.vampboutique.net.

* The best bet for finding Prada, Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Tam designs at a discount is Fashion Forward, a high-end designer resale clothier in Chestnut Hill. 7906 Germantown Avenue, 215- 247-3868, www.fashion4resale.com.

*An award-winning consignment shop, Revivals Boutique makes  Escada, Chanel and Missoni available  at a fraction of the retail cost. 258 Haverford Avenue, Narberth, 610-660-8119, www.revivalsboutique.com.

* The mint condition,  quality furniture and home accessories at Bryn Mawr’s Great Estate Consignment Shop make it an excellent source for home decorators with limited means who stilll want top style. 701 County Line Road, Bryn Mawr, 484-380-2174, www.greatestateconsignmentshop.com.