If you grew up in the South during the 1980s, you probably remember the "Bus Loads." That’s what the locals called them. Massive, silver-sided tour buses—sometimes 130 of them on a single Black Friday—clogging up Highway 431. They weren’t there for the scenery. They were there for the outlets in Boaz Alabama, a place that once sat comfortably on the throne as the "Outlet Capital of the World."
It was wild. Honestly, it's hard to explain to someone today how a small town on a plateau in Sand Mountain became a retail mecca. People drove from Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida just to spend six hours digging through bins of discounted VF Corporation jeans or WestPoint Stevens towels.
But if you drive through town today, in early 2026, you'll see a very different landscape. The sprawling parking lots aren't filled with buses. They’re filled with construction crews. The era of the "outlet mall" as we knew it in Boaz is officially over, but something weirdly interesting is happening in its place.
The Rise and Fall of a Retail Giant
The whole thing started almost by accident. In 1982, the VF Corporation (the folks behind Lee and Wrangler) decided to open a small clearance center in an old, abandoned factory. They just wanted to move overstock.
They didn't expect a stampede.
🔗 Read more: The Eloise Room at The Plaza: What Most People Get Wrong
Success breeds imitation, and within a few years, Boaz had over 130 outlet stores. It wasn't just one mall; it was a series of centers like the Boaz Outlet Center and the Tanger Factory Outlet Center. At its peak, five million people a year visited this town of barely 10,000 residents.
Then, the world changed.
The decline wasn't overnight, but it was steady. Big-name retailers started opening outlets in major cities like Birmingham and Huntsville. Why drive to Sand Mountain when you could get the same Nike or Gap deals at a shiny new mall 30 minutes from your house? By the late 2000s, the Great Recession basically put the final nail in the coffin. The stores sat empty. The pavement cracked. The "Outlets in Boaz Alabama" became a ghost of their former selves.
What’s Happening Right Now (2026 Update)
If you visit right now, you’re going to see a lot of orange cones. The city is currently in the middle of a massive $6.1 million renovation of the old Boaz Outlet Center property. It’s a mess, frankly.
💡 You might also like: TSA PreCheck Look Up Number: What Most People Get Wrong
Mayor Tim Walker has been pretty vocal about the struggles. They’ve been digging up the parking lots to fix drainage issues that have plagued the site for decades. It turns out, when they built those massive lots in the 80s, they didn't exactly plan for long-term infrastructure. They’ve found "bad materials" under the asphalt, leading to nearly $1.7 million in change orders just this month.
But here is the kicker: the city is officially rebranding the area.
They aren't trying to be an "outlet center" anymore. That dream is dead. Instead, the focus has shifted to a mix of retail shopping and recreation. The south end of the old complex now houses a brand-new city recreation center. You'll still find some stores, but they are mostly locally owned businesses or service-oriented shops rather than the massive national brands of the 90s.
Where to Actually Shop in Boaz Today
Don’t get me wrong—you can still find a deal. You just have to know where to look. The "shopping experience" has moved away from the old outlet strips and onto Highway 431 or into specialized local nooks.
📖 Related: Historic Sears Building LA: What Really Happened to This Boyle Heights Icon
- Bealls (Shoppes at Boaz): This is one of the main anchors now at 2079 US Highway 431. It’s got that classic discount department store feel—good for clothes and home goods without the "outlet" pretension.
- Little Lots: If you want the old Boaz vibe of hunting for treasures, this is it. Located at 510 Grove Ave, they specialize in liquidations, closeouts, and even Amazon returns. It’s chaotic in the best way possible.
- Rack Room Shoes: Amazingly, some of the veterans survived. Rack Room is still kicking at 301 Elizabeth Street, alongside a few other survivors like Rue 21.
- Boots Plus: Since this is still Sand Mountain, you’ve got to have a solid boot store. This place on Hwy 431 is a staple for work and western wear.
The Reality Check: Is it Worth the Trip?
Let’s be real. If you’re looking for a "premium outlet" experience with Gucci or Prada, you’re in the wrong place. Those days are gone.
However, if you enjoy supporting local small businesses and want to see a town mid-reinvention, it’s a fascinating stop. The city is betting big that a mix of sports facilities, local eateries (like the Morgan House Delicatessen), and community spaces will bring people back.
It’s a pivot from "tourism" to "community."
The parking lot construction is slated to continue through at least May 2026. If you do go, be patient. The entrances are a bit of a maze right now, and the local shop owners are feeling the squeeze from the construction. They’re open, but they look closed behind all those fences.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Facebook Pages: Since many of the current shops are local (like Little Lots or the boutique shops), they don't always have updated websites. Check their Facebook pages for "Daily Deals" or "New Pallet" announcements.
- Park Near the Rec Center: If the main outlet lot is a disaster zone, the new recreation center usually has better access points.
- Eat Local: Skip the fast food on the highway. Hit the local delis or the restaurants tucked into the old outlet buildings. They are the ones keeping the lights on.
- Don't Expect the 80s: If you go there expecting the 130-store sprawl of 1988, you’ll be disappointed. Go for the "thrift and find" vibe instead.
The story of the outlets in Boaz Alabama is basically the story of the American middle class over the last forty years. It’s a bit rough around the edges, a little tired, but currently working very hard to build something new on top of the old foundations. Literally.