Factory outlet stores can offer great savings. These aren’t outlet malls but retail shops operated by the manufacturers.
The Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Co. began in Bryan, Texas, in 1918 making bib overalls. The factory-outlet store sells the popular Dickies work pants, as well as scrubs, shirts, boots, and accessories. 509 W. Vickery, Fort Worth, 817/877-0387.
The Igloo Products Corp., makers of the Playmate Ice Chest, began in 1947 making insulated metal water containers in Houston. They still make coolers in Texas, but it is the retail shop in a giant warehouse off I-10 in Katy that attracts bargain hunters. 777 Igloo Rd., Katy, 713/584-6570.
Tandy Brands Accessories, started by Charles Tandy, who also purchased RadioShack for $300,000 in 1963, makes leather goods for national brand names. The outlet store in downtown Yoakum, Texas, stocks a variety of accessories of questionable fashion sense and has good deals on belts, handbags, and wallets. 211 W. Grand, Yoakum, 361/293-7651.
The Nocona Athletic Goods Co. has been making sporting goods since the 1930s and is one of the last ball-glove manufacturers in the U.S. They have a retail shop at the factory that sells gloves, clothing, and leather goods. It’s worth stopping by just to see the exhibit on the evolution of baseball gloves. 901 Hwy. 82 E., Nocona, 940/825-3326.
Diamond Cut Jeans has been sharing warehouse facilities in the old Nocona Boot building since the ball-glove company’s factory burned down a few years ago. The jeans are made in Mexico but shipped out of the warehouse in North Texas. You’ll find denim jeans for $15 each. 901 Hwy. 82 E., Nocona, 940/825-4128.
Marshall Pottery began in Northeast Texas in 1895. If it hadn’t been for the demand for moonshine jugs, the company might have gone under in the 1920s. Besides the huge retail store that sells home decor and garden items, look for great deals on factory seconds. 4901 Elysian Fields, Marshall, 903/938-9201.
The Kactus Korral is one of the largest suppliers of succulents in the Southwest. The prices aren’t discounted very much, but the selection of plants from its greenhouses is incredible. They also have garden supplies and a Western-wear shop. 7715 Hwy. 90, Harwood (about seven miles east of Luling), 830/540-4521.
The Atkinson Candy Co. has been operated by the same family since it began in 1932. Besides its signature Chick-o-Stick, Atkinson makes mints, peanut-butter patties, and other candies. Merchandise is priced to sell in the retail shop. 1608 W. Frank Ave., Lufkin, 936/639-2333.
Puremco is the last U.S. manufacturer of dominoes, and it’s been doing it since 1954. Shop its outlet store for factory seconds and discontinued styles or to order a customized set. 5002 Loop 340 S., Waco, 800/725-7060.
Of course, your local artists and craftsmen also provide you a direct link to the factory.
910th in a series. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of “Day Trips” 101-200, is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.
This article appears in December 12 • 2008.
