Citadel Outlets — Local services in Commerce

I’ll start by saying this is where I’ve shopped for my running shoes and workout clothes! My favorite brands have outlet stores here. Prices are discounted with satisfying deals to walk away with, lest I not run up the bill! While there are a few premium outlet stores here, a sampling of some are better than none! It’s a convenience for Los Angeles area residents who don’t have quick access to other, more premium outlet malls that are considerably further away. Here, the premium availability is extended more for it’s sportswear outlets, making the trip worthwhile for athletes and sports fashion aficionado’s! There’s also kiosks with wireless phone accessories, games, toys and t-shirts. The foodcourt area is expanding and good for fast food and with covered tables to eat at. The two restrooms at the foodcourt are small, with one use at a time availability. Large multiple-user restrooms are about half way thru the mall, by the customer service desk, where there’s also vending machines and visitor info brochures. The security staff are good with the safety of merchants and shoppers, keeping a low key presence and surveillance as needed. Here’s one of the more uniquely styled malls around LA. I’m impressed with the Exotic Revival architectural features, more recently renovated and meticulously maintained! The brick lined footpaths are attractive and clean, with beautiful palms, planters and wall clinging ivy along the way! As a guide, I’ve explained to visitors that in Southern California, the outdoor mall is popular with the good weather. An outlet mall also needs to reduce overhead, literally and figuratively to help keep prices lower. In the common open air areas, there’s a lack of air conditioning and heating to go with the seasons. Closer to the coast, the outdoor mall’s can cool with ocean breezes when warmed. Here, the hot weather can be much more uncomfortable, so there’s the tradeoff for the convenience and savings! So it goes without saying, when going for a casual visit to browse, dress accordingly for the climate forecasted. The store’s are usually accommodating with climate control, thus the outside areas tend to be less crowded with the weather extremes. Otherwise, search the map for the store of interest and park in the nearest available space. There’s garages and open space parking around the mall. I’ve included some photos of this magnificent place, including seasonal displays at the time of my last visit. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so the pink ribbons celebrate the memory and efforts of all involved! The big pumpkin is here for all, in the fall...

BE AWARE OF THE THEFT. This place is unsafe. I've got robbed in the Puma store. Someone stole my wallet from my backpack which was attached on my back. I felt something wrong happened to my backpack, I turned around and saw that it was opened and my wallet was gone. I immediately grabbed the manager right at the door and reported my situation, she said it was not the store's responsibility and she wouldnt care. I tried to look around the area that I left off, I finally found my wallet on the floor but all the cash were missing. Lucky me I've got my wallet back even without the cash. But anyway, I didn't want to just let it go because this is a second time I got robbed in a store (last time was in Walmart where I lost $600), I decided to talk to the manager again since I knew exactly where I got robbed and many cameras are right there. I thought maybe we can catch the robber by reviewing the camera recording. She said she cant do that, she asked me to go find the security officer from the outlet customer service counter. I went to the counter, talked to the security officer, he said the same thing, none of their responsibility about missing stuffs. Then, he gave me an option to call the Sheriff and I did. About 10mins later, two Sheriffs came, they talked to the Puma store manager, unfortunately they said they don't have permission to access the camera, they would need to submit a request for approval which I need to wait. One of the Sheriffs said if they can go further on this, they will give me a call, otherwise I won't receive any call from them. I had a feeling that it was finished there. No hope. So, everyone please keep an eyes on your belongings or you will become the next victim...

Citadel Outlets is a large, open-air shopping center in Commerce, just outside Los Angeles. It’s not a luxury destination like the premier outlets near Santa Barbara (Camarillo), but it does have a wide range of mid-tier and mainstream stores.

You’ll find familiar names like Nike, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Sunglass Hut, Michael Kors, Coach, and Perfumania. It’s a good place for casual shopping, especially if you’re looking for deals on everyday brands.

The food court offers standard quick eats like Panda Express, Chipotle, and Starbucks—convenient if you’re planning a long shopping day.

Getting There: From South Bay LA, it took me about 35 minutes on a Sunday around noon, but on weekdays or Saturdays, traffic can stretch it to nearly an hour. Be mindful of timing and commuter traffic.

Good to Know: • It’s outdoors, so bring a hat and water—especially in summer. • There are restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking. • The mall is popular with international tourists, especially from Asia, and can be crowded. • Most stores accept cash and credit cards.

Watch Out: Some stores, like Hollister, may require your email and phone number to process returns, which feels excessive even with a receipt. It’s something to be aware of from a consumer rights perspective.

Bottom Line: Citadel is great for mainstream outlet shopping, not for high-end luxury. Go early to avoid crowds, and expect a bustling, value-oriented shopping experience—not a...