You know that feeling when you walk into an outlet mall and it’s just... chaos? Racks tipped over, sizes missing, and the "deals" aren't actually deals? Yeah, we've all been there. But the Old Navy Camarillo location at the Premium Outlets tends to be a bit of a different beast. It’s sitting right in that sweet spot of the Central Coast where the weather is almost always 70 degrees, and the shopping vibe is surprisingly relaxed despite the crowds. Honestly, if you’re heading up the 101, it’s basically a mandatory pit stop for basics.
It’s huge.
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Most people don't realize that the Camarillo Premium Outlets is actually split into three main sections: the Main Court, the Promenade, and the Edwards Cinema center. You’ll find this Old Navy tucked into the Main Court area, specifically at 740 Ventura Blvd. It’s surrounded by heavy hitters like Nike and Gap, so it gets a ton of foot traffic. But because the floor plan is so sprawling, you don't usually feel like you're trapped in a sardine can.
What to Actually Expect at Old Navy Camarillo
Let's get real about what "Outlet" means here. In the modern retail world, companies like Old Navy often manufacture specific lines just for their outlet stores. This isn't just leftover stock from the mall in Thousand Oaks or Ventura. It’s a mix. You’ll see the "everyday" staples—the Rockstar jeans, the PowerSoft activewear—but you’ll also find those clearance gems that actually did come from a full-line store.
The inventory turnover is pretty aggressive. Because Camarillo is a major destination for both locals and tourists coming up from LA, the "New Arrivals" section at this Old Navy Camarillo spot changes almost weekly. If you see a specific pattern or a limited-edition collaboration, grab it. It won't be there by next Saturday.
Timing Your Visit (Or How to Avoid the Meltdown)
If you show up at 2:00 PM on a Saturday during a holiday weekend, you’re going to have a bad time. The line for the fitting rooms will be twenty people deep. The parking lot will look like a scene from an action movie.
Pro tip: Go on a Tuesday morning. Or, if you’re a night owl, hit it about ninety minutes before closing. The staff has usually started the "recovery" process by then, meaning the tables are actually folded and you can see the sizes without digging through a mountain of fleece. Plus, the sunset over the Conejo Grade while you're walking back to your car is actually kind of stunning.
The Price Myth vs. Reality
Everyone goes to the outlets thinking everything is 80% off. It’s not. Old Navy is already a value brand, so the price gap between the Camarillo outlet and the regular store in, say, Oxnard, isn't always massive. However, the Old Navy Camarillo store shines when it comes to the "Clearance of the Clearance."
Look for the red tags. They usually congregate in the back corners.
- Seasonality is your friend. In Ventura County, "winter" is a loose concept. Around February, the Camarillo outlet starts dumping heavy coats and flannels for pennies because they need room for the spring break swim gear.
- The Rewards Program. If you're an Navyist Rewards member, your points work here exactly the same as they do online. Don't let the "Outlet" sign fool you; it's the same ecosystem.
- Bulk Buying. This specific location is famous among parents for the "Back to School" rush. They stock an ungodly amount of uniform polos and khakis.
Navigation and the Layout Maze
The store is roughly divided into the standard sections: Women’s (which takes up about half the real estate), Men’s, Kids, and Baby. The activewear section, "Old Navy Active," has grown significantly over the last few years. Given how many people in Camarillo and neighboring Santa Rosa Valley live in leggings, this makes sense.
The fitting rooms are located toward the back left. Be warned: they are functional, not fancy. The lighting is that standard retail fluorescent glow that makes everyone look slightly dehydrated.
One thing that genuinely sets this Old Navy Camarillo location apart is the staff's ability to handle volume. Honestly, I've seen them process a line of thirty people in under ten minutes. They use mobile checkout devices during peak hours, which is a lifesaver when you just want to buy a pack of socks and get out.
Is It Worth the Drive?
If you live in Ventura, it’s a ten-minute jump. If you’re coming from the San Fernando Valley, it’s about thirty to forty minutes depending on the 101's mood.
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Is it worth it?
If you are only going for Old Navy, probably not—just shop online. But that's not why people go to Camarillo. You go because you can hit Old Navy for the kids' clothes, Lululemon for yourself, and then grab a bite at the food court or the nearby Cracker Barrel (yes, one of the few in California). It’s an "event" shopping experience.
Misconceptions About the "Outlet" Quality
There is a persistent rumor that outlet clothes are "lower quality" or have "defects." At Old Navy Camarillo, that’s mostly a myth. While some items are made specifically for the outlet channel (often using slightly different fabric blends to hit a lower price point), they aren't "damaged" goods. If an item has a hole or a broken zipper, it's usually marked as "irregular," but those are rare. Most of what you're buying is just high-volume retail.
The real difference is often in the details—maybe a shirt doesn't have a chest pocket that the retail version has, or the stitching is a bit simpler. But for a $12 t-shirt? Most people aren't going to notice.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
Don't just wing it. If you want to maximize your time at the Old Navy Camarillo store, you need a bit of a game plan.
- Check the App First. Open the Old Navy app before you walk in. Sometimes there are "Online Only" prices that the store will honor, or better yet, you can see if they have a specific size in stock so you don't waste time hunting.
- Park Near the Center. Parking at the Camarillo Outlets is a nightmare. Try the lots behind the Main Court rather than the ones right off Ventura Blvd. You'll walk an extra fifty feet, but you'll save ten minutes of circling like a shark.
- The "Handshake" Deal. If you find something you love but it has a small makeup stain (super common in outlets), ask a manager for a "damage discount." They’ll often knock another 10% off.
- Join the Newsletter. Seriously. They send out "Save $10 on $30" coupons that are almost always stackable with outlet prices.
- Look for the "Old Navy Active" endcaps. Often, last season’s compression leggings get moved to the very ends of the aisles. These are usually the best performance-per-dollar items in the entire store.
Camarillo is a windy place. Even if it’s sunny, the wind whips through those outdoor corridors of the mall. Bring a light jacket, even if you’re planning on buying a new one at the store.
The bottom line is that the Old Navy Camarillo location isn't just a clothing store; it's a pillar of the local economy and a reliable spot for anyone who needs to refresh their wardrobe without draining their bank account. It’s predictable in the best way possible. You know what you’re getting: decent quality, great prices, and a massive selection.
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When you finish your haul, head over to the Promenade section for some air or grab a coffee. Shopping the outlets is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, keep your receipts (Old Navy has a pretty fair return policy, usually 30 days), and maybe don't try on jeans right after a big lunch at the food court. You've been warned.