Shopping in North Conway

North Conway's outlet district isn't one thing—it's a two-mile stretch along Route 16 where you'll find everything from Cole Haan to Carter's, plus a handful of locally-owned shops mixed in. The real decision most visitors face is whether to hit the big-box outlets first or start with the smaller retailers, because your energy level and time matter more here than the order.

Expect a mix of major brand outlets (J.Crew Factory, L.L.Bean, Gap) alongside specialty stores and local businesses. Prices vary wildly depending on what you're after—some outlets genuinely discount year-round, while others mark things down strategically during shoulder seasons. Tourist traffic peaks on weekends and during fall foliage season, which means parking can be tight and crowds make browsing slower. If you're the type who actually enjoys outlet shopping, Tuesday or Wednesday morning in late spring or early fall tends to be sweet spot. Avoid holiday weekends entirely unless you like hunting for spots in lot overflow areas.

This isn't a destination like the massive outlet malls down in Boston or up in Maine—North Conway's outlets are more practical than theatrical. You're not going to walk into some climate-controlled mega-mall and lose three hours. It's functional shopping, which means you can actually accomplish what you came for without getting lost or overwhelmed. That's the honest take locals give visitors who ask.

We've listed 31 places in and around the outlet district below, from the anchors everyone knows to spots you might miss if you're just driving through. Browse by type or location, or use the map to plot your route.