Factory outlet stores in Mason City are the building-based or online stores where customers can buy branded products directly from the manufacturers. Traditionally, such stores were located adjacent to the factory or production unit to allow customers to watch the manufacturing process. While, the modern factory outlets in Mason City are typically stores that are branded by manufacturers and provide a significant amount of discount to its customers. Such stores in Mason City often deal in that firm's closeouts, discontinued merchandise, irregulars, canceled orders, and sometimes, in-season, first-quality merchandise.