Mulberry Handbags Now More Accessible: Bicester Village Outlet Offers Bags at Only 60% Too Expensive
British Luxury Brand Celebrates Making Heritage Leather “Almost Affordable” for Middle Classes
BICESTER, OXFORDSHIRE – In what industry insiders are calling “a gesture toward accessibility,” Mulberry has announced that its Bicester Village outlet will continue offering British heritage leather bags at up to 40% off recommended retail prices, meaning shoppers will only pay roughly the cost of a weekend in the Cotswolds for something to carry their sandwiches.
The iconic British brand, which has been handcrafting leather goods in Somerset since 1971, maintains that its bags are “made to last a lifetime” – a claim that’s conveniently tested every year when customers realize they can’t afford to replace them anyway.
The Bayswater Bag: More Expensive Than Bayswater Itself
“I’ve always wanted a Mulberry,” said local accountant Jennifer Morrison, clutching her new Bayswater bag outside the outlet. “It only cost slightly more than my monthly mortgage payment, which seems reasonable for something that will hold my Tesco receipts with such understated elegance.”
The Bayswater, one of Mulberry’s most popular designs, costs more than an actual weekend in the London neighborhood it’s named after, which seems fitting since you’ll need somewhere to store all the receipts proving you can afford one.
“Mulberry bags are like the Royal Family,” said British comedian Sarah Millican. “Expensive, traditional, and if you question their value, someone will get very defensive about heritage.”
Somerset Craftspeople Perfect the Art of Unaffordability
At Mulberry’s carbon-neutral Somerset factory, traditional craftspeople have been perfecting the art of making things ordinary people can’t afford since the brand’s inception. The company still manufactures over 50% of its leather bags on Somerset soil, proving that British manufacturing isn’t dead – it’s just prohibitively expensive.
“We take tremendous pride in our British craftsmanship,” explained factory spokesperson Arabella Fotheringham-Smythe. “Each bag is lovingly handcrafted by artisans who attach price tags that make your eyes water more than peeling onions.”
“I bought a Mulberry bag,” comedian Russell Howard said. “It’s the only thing Somerset is famous for besides cider and Glastonbury mud. At least this won’t give you a hangover or require wellies.”
The Alexa Bag: Named After Someone Posh and Thin
The Alexa bag, named after style icon Alexa Chung, proves that if you’re sufficiently posh and thin, British luxury brands will name expensive leather goods after you. The bag retails for approximately what most people earn in a week, which seems entirely reasonable for something that will primarily transport gym kit you never actually use.
“The waiting list for some Mulberry bags is longer than the NHS waiting list,” noted comedian David Mitchell. “Although significantly less likely to save your life.”
Heritage Leather Ages Beautifully, Unlike British Plumbing
British heritage leather is renowned for aging beautifully, developing a rich patina over time – unlike British heritage plumbing, which just ages. The leather comes from carefully selected cows who presumably had very fulfilling lives before being transformed into accessories worth more than used cars.
“British leather bags smell like success,” observed comedian Katherine Ryan. “Which is apparently a mixture of cowhide, saddle soap, and upper-middle-class aspiration.”
Each Mulberry bag comes with its own dust bag – a fancy cloth pouch that costs more than most people’s actual bags. The dust bags are essential for protecting your investment, much like keeping your £1,200 handbag away from anything that might actually be useful, like groceries or children.
The Outlet Experience: Pre-Loved and Overpriced
The Bicester Village outlet has introduced “The Mulberry Exchange,” offering pre-loved bags that have been expertly refurbished at the Somerset workshops. In estate agent terminology, these would be described as having “vintage character in need of minor restoration.”
“I saved £400 by buying from the outlet,” said shopper Emma Thornbury. “Which means I only spent £800 on a bag to carry my phone and some mints. That’s practically thrift shopping.”
“A Mulberry bag is basically a mortgage you can carry on your shoulder,” comedian Jimmy Carr said. “Complete with years of financial commitment and occasional buyer’s remorse.”
Understated Elegance for Showing Off
British leather bags come with an invisible “I’m not showing off” label, even though they cost more than a used Fiat. The Mulberry logo is famously understated and elegant – unlike the owners, who will definitely tell you it’s a Mulberry within the first five minutes of meeting them.
“The hardware is often gold-plated,” explained luxury goods analyst Timothy Pemberton-Harcourt. “Because regular metal wasn’t pretentious enough for something that will primarily hold your Nectar card and emergency paracetamol.”
“Buying a Mulberry bag pairs perfectly with British stoicism,” said comedian Frankie Boyle. “You’ll need both when explaining to your partner why you spent £1,200 on something to carry sandwiches.”
Weatherproof Luxury for a Nation That’s Perpetually Damp
British heritage leather bags are weatherproof, which is essential for a nation where it rains 300 days a year and drizzles the other 65. The bags come in classic British colors: black, brown, and “I spent my bonus on this navy.”
Despite economic headwinds affecting the luxury sector, Mulberry maintains that its bags represent excellent value because they maintain their resale value – which is good news when you need to sell it to pay your heating bill during the energy crisis.
“I love that Mulberry is committed to sustainability,” said environmental consultant Fiona Roberts, examining a £950 clutch bag. “Nothing says ‘caring for the planet’ quite like buying something so expensive you’ll never throw it away.”
“The outlet stores offer ‘up to 40% off,'” comedian Rob Beckett said. “Which means you’re only paying 60% too much instead of 100% too much.”
Virtual Shopping: Overspending From Your Sofa
For those unable to visit Bicester Village in person, Mulberry offers a virtual shopping service, allowing customers to overspend from the comfort of their own homes. Consultants are available Monday through Friday to help you make financially questionable decisions via WhatsApp, email, or phone.
“It’s tremendously convenient,” said remote shopper Claire Henderson. “I can now buy things I can’t afford without even putting on proper trousers.”
“Mulberry bags are the perfect British product,” comedian Josh Widdicombe said. “Beautifully made, hideously expensive, and designed to make you feel slightly guilty for wanting one.”
The Real Story Behind British Luxury Leather
Mulberry, founded in 1971 by British entrepreneur Roger Saul in rural Somerset, has become one of Britain’s most recognizable luxury brands. The company operates two carbon-neutral factories in Somerset and continues to manufacture over 50% of its products in the UK – a rarity in today’s global luxury market. The Bicester Village outlet, located less than an hour from London, is part of a luxury shopping village that attracts millions of visitors annually seeking designer goods at discounted prices. While Mulberry bags do command premium prices – with flagship styles ranging from £795 to over £1,500 – the brand’s commitment to British craftsmanship and sustainable manufacturing has earned it a devoted following among luxury consumers.
Auf Wiedersehen, amigo!
Bicester Village – Main Outlet Location
The primary Mulberry outlet near London is located at Bicester Village, Unit 39, 50 Pingle Drive, Bicester, OX26 6WD Mulberry. This is less than an hour from London The Bicester Collection.
Key Details:
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Bicester VillageWheree
- Phone: +44 1869 322 882 Mulberry
- Discounts: Up to 40% off Bicester Village recommended retail prices
- Payment: This store does not accept cash Mulberry
What They Offer:
- Discounted British heritage leather bags, accessories, womenswear and travel collections Bicester Village
- The Mulberry Exchange – pre-loved bags expertly refurbished at Mulberry’s Somerset workshops Bicester Village
- Virtual shopping service available Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00 Bicester Village
Shopping Tips:
- Boutiques tend to be busiest between 11am and 3pm Bicester Hotel
- Arrive early for first pick of stock and a more leisurely experience
- Some reviewers note that discounts vary and some items are made specifically for outlets
Online Options: Mulberry also has an online outlet at mulberryfactoryshop.com, though physical outlet stores remain open for in-person shopping.
SOURCE: mulberryhandbagsoutlet.org.uk
Alan Nafzger was born in Lubbock, Texas, the son Swiss immigrants. He grew up on a dairy in Windthorst, north central Texas. He earned degrees from Midwestern State University (B.A. 1985) and Texas State University (M.A. 1987). University College Dublin (Ph.D. 1991). Dr. Nafzger has entertained and educated young people in Texas colleges for 37 years. Nafzger is best known for his dark novels and experimental screenwriting. His best know scripts to date are Lenin’s Body, produced in Russia by A-Media and Sea and Sky produced in The Philippines in the Tagalog language. In 1986, Nafzger wrote the iconic feminist western novel, Gina of Quitaque. Contact: editor@prat.uk
