Bargain prices are their trade.

Shoppers who stick to town centres miss out on some great shopping havens.

Originating from the US, factory shopping offers you a huge selection of goods at a fraction of their high street prices.

Trading estates offer a wealth of shops open to the public, often with discount prices because of their location.

The Team Valley Trading Estate, in Gateshead, contains more than 600 firms with more than 17,000 employees.

As well as being one of the North East's most well-known industrial estates, The Team Valley Trading Estate is also home to many factory shops and retail outlets that are open to the general public and offer excellent value for money.

Being located in an out-of-town position, overheads are lower and these savings can be passed on to the customer.

The most high-profile shopping area is Retail World, where you can buy practically everything you need for the home.

Royal Quays, in North Shields, was one of the first outlet centres in the county originally opening in 1996.

More recently, in 2001, the centre enjoyed a radical makeover, creating an attractive and relaxing centre with colourful blooms and landscape.

At this point it also became home to some of the best outlet shops around.

Now it has more than 50 outlet shops to choose from, offering up to 60% off the rrp on a host of famous brands. There is also regular entertainment and live events all set within a unique environment.

At Dalton Park, in County Durham, customers are given the chance to buy previous seasons' ranges direct from the fashion brands, at affordable prices.

All fashion brands produce large amounts of stock to meet requirements of the demanding consumer each season. When production of stock is above requirements, it is sold at factory outlet centres.

Some of the smaller industrial estates, like Hertburn Industrial Estate, in Washington, and Drum Industrial Estate, near Chester-le-Street, offer just as many bargains.