Woodbury Common is a factory outlet mall in Central Valley, New York, about 45 minutes north of New York City

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets sits in Central Valley, New York, in Orange County. The mall is roughly 45 minutes from midtown Manhattan by car, depending on traffic. It operates as an open-air outlet center with over 220 stores, most of them brand factory outlets rather than full-price retail locations.

The mall is owned and operated by Simon Property Group, one of the largest outlet mall operators in the United States. Woodbury Common opened in 1994 and has expanded several times since. It draws shoppers from New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as tourists traveling through the Hudson Valley.

Key Takeaways

  • Woodbury Common is located in Central Valley, New York, about 45 minutes north of New York City, and is accessible by car or bus from the city.
  • The mall has over 220 stores, including outlets for brands like Coach, Nike, Gap, Saks OFF 5TH, and Nordstrom Rack, alongside restaurants and a food court.
  • Parking is free and available in multiple lots, though peak shopping days (weekends and holidays) can fill up quickly.
  • Hours vary by season and day of the week, so checking the mall's website or calling ahead is useful before making the trip.
  • The mall offers a rewards program through Simon Property Group that provides discounts and early sale access at participating stores.

Getting to Woodbury Common from New York City

By car, Woodbury Common is roughly 45 minutes from midtown Manhattan via the Palisades Interstate Parkway or Route 17. Traffic on weekends and holidays can extend that to an hour or more. Parking is free and spread across multiple lots surrounding the mall; the lots fill up fastest on Saturday afternoons and during holiday shopping periods.

Public transit is also an option. Several bus services run from Manhattan to Woodbury Common, including Shortline Bus and Coach USA. The trip takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on the route and traffic. Bus fare is typically $10 to $15 one way. Some travelers combine a bus trip with a taxi or rideshare from the Central Valley station to the mall itself, though the mall is walkable from the bus stop.

Store Types and Brands at Woodbury Common

The mall houses outlet locations for major department stores and brand names. Saks OFF 5TH (the outlet version of Saks Fifth Avenue), Nordstrom Rack (Nordstrom's outlet), and Macy's Backstage are anchor tenants. These stores carry overstock, previous-season items, and items made specifically for outlet sale at lower prices than full-price locations.

Brand-specific outlets include Coach, Nike, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Polo. Luxury brand outlets like Burberry and Gucci also operate at Woodbury Common. Home goods outlets such as Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma are present, as are shoe outlets like Skechers and Clarks. The exact mix of stores changes periodically as leases turn over and new tenants move in.

Beyond clothing and accessories, the mall includes a food court, sit-down restaurants, and a movie theater. A supermarket and pharmacy are also on-site, making it possible to spend several hours at the location.

Hours, Seasons, and Busy Times

Woodbury Common is open year-round. Hours typically run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, though these vary by season. During the winter holiday season (November through December), hours extend earlier and later. Summer hours may differ slightly. Individual stores within the mall keep their own hours, which may open later or close earlier than the mall's posted times.

The busiest shopping days are Saturday afternoons, Sunday afternoons, and the weeks before major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's). The mall is quieter on weekday mornings and early afternoons. If you prefer a less crowded experience, visiting on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning typically offers shorter lines and easier parking.

Discounts, Rewards, and Pricing

Outlet prices are generally 30 to 50 percent lower than full-price retail, though the discount varies by brand and item. Some items are made specifically for outlet sale and may not be identical to full-price versions. Others are overstock or previous-season merchandise from full-price stores.

Simon Property Group, which operates Woodbury Common, offers a free rewards program called SPG Rewards. Members receive text alerts about sales, early access to promotions at participating stores, and occasional discounts. Signing up is free and can be done at the mall's information desk or through the Simon Property Group website. Individual stores also run their own sales and promotions independent of the mall's program.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Comfortable walking shoes are essential; the mall is large and spread across multiple buildings connected by outdoor walkways. During winter, the outdoor sections can be cold and sometimes icy. In summer, the open-air design means sun exposure, so sunscreen and a hat are useful.

Bring a valid ID if you plan to use a credit card or if any store requires identification for returns or exchanges. Many stores have strict return policies for outlet merchandise, often requiring a receipt and limiting the return window to 30 days or less. Ask about a store's return policy before purchasing if you are unsure.

The mall accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment methods. Some smaller vendors may be cash-only, though this is uncommon. ATMs are located throughout the mall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a food court or restaurants at Woodbury Common?

Yes. The mall has a food court with chains like Subway, Chipotle, and Panda Express, as well as sit-down restaurants including a Cheesecake Factory and other casual dining options. Prices are typical for mall food courts and restaurants — higher than fast-casual chains outside the mall but lower than fine dining.

Can I return items bought at Woodbury Common outlets to full-price stores?

No. Outlet merchandise cannot be returned to full-price locations. Returns must be made at the outlet store where you purchased the item, and outlet return policies are often stricter than full-price policies. Check the specific store's return window and requirements before you buy.

Is there a hotel or lodging near Woodbury Common?

Yes. Several hotels are within a few miles of the mall, including chain hotels like Holiday Inn Express and local motels. Prices vary by season and day of the week. Some visitors from New York City stay overnight to make a full shopping day of it, though most visit as a day trip.

Do I need to pay for parking?

No. Parking is free at Woodbury Common. Multiple lots surround the mall. During peak shopping times, some lots fill up and you may need to park farther from the entrance, but you will not be charged.

What is the difference between outlet stores and regular stores at the mall?

Outlet stores sell merchandise at lower prices than full-price locations. Some items are overstock or previous seasons; others are made specifically for outlet sale and may have minor differences from full-price versions. Return policies at outlets are typically stricter, and selection is more limited than at full-price stores.