I'm sorry to disagree with Tom (discussion) but in my experience 'outlet centre' is a common and well understood term in the UK. There are many of these complexes/villages around the UK, grouping a number of individual outlets with restaurants, cinemas (sometimes) and other facilities. The shops sell goods, which are usually ends of lines or seconds, at reduced prices, as described by Cedric. See the web references below. The term can also be used to describe an individual shop (e.g. 'the Timberland outlet') which may not be part of a 'village'. 'Shopping centre' or 'retail centre' describes a similar grouping of shops which sell at 'regular' prices.

SHOPPING MALL(S): large indoor complexes which include shops, stores, some small kiosks, fast food and non alcoholic drinks vendors; they provide close, covered and non covered large parking areas calculated on the basis of the area that the mall is, optimally, serving. Generally easy to access from main arteries, freeways and highways.
Malls are the favorite hangouts of teen-agers. They are the places to see and be seen.
Shoplifting rate is high.
Security services are provided throughout the mall during and after business hours.
OUTLETS: Medium to large complexes of shops (brand name products) selling discountinued or sample merchandise at, supposedly, lower prices. In fact, generally speaking, they have very few, if any, bargains. The discount they apply is on the Suggested Manufacturer Retail Price which any respectable shop will usually beat during a store sale.
The complexes have fast food and non-alcoholic drink related vendors. They are usually easy to reach from main arteries, freeways, or highways but tend to be on the outskirt of towns as to not compete with malls.
Teen-agers are not frequent visitors, but their parents and turists are.
Shoplifting rate is quite lower than malls.
Security is not provided but they are served, on call, by the local Police Department or County Sheriff department.

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Note added at 1 hr (2010-02-28 20:10:15 GMT)
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Hello everyone.
All your comments are appreciated.
Unfortunately there was no mention (except for the word 'italiano') that the request was continent-specific. I provided general info according to what I perceived as a general request to common usage of the terms in the US.