Retails stores where manufacturers sell their products directly to consumers are called outlet stores (or factory outlets). As the company avoids the "middle man" of another retail store, outlet stores usually offer better prices than most retail stores. They are very popular among foreign tourists and you can often hear many different languages being spoken in stores. Outlet stores are major distribution channels for clothing (especially designer clothes), shoes, handbags and clothing accessories, toys, housewares, and specialty items.