I saved a fortune on Crocs at the new outlet store near Manchester

I'm fully aware that Crocs are like Marmite, you either love them or hate them.

I've never actually owned any, so when I heard that a new store has opened at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet at Ellesmere Port, I was keen to pay a visit.

By all accounts, it's been pretty hectic since it opened just over a week ago, creating a buzz on social media, with shoppers saying it 'looks like heaven' and declaring: "My whole pay cheque would be gone in there."

Before even stepping foot inside the shop, you can see the rows and rows of colourful Crocs creating a kaleidoscopic display.

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Like most things at the retail park, they're cheaper than you'd typically find them in standard shops.

While the Classic Clogs would usually set you back £59.99, the outlet price is £41.99. And while the Mega Crush Clogs would usually be £69.99, here they're £47.99. Not that it's particularly cheap, but you're making a big saving if it's something you are looking to buy, especially if you're getting ones for the family too.

The Jibbitz charms, which people buy to personalise their Crocs, are also cheaper - either buy one pack and get one free, or buy five individual charms and get five free. They're around £5 each, so it's worth getting the offer if you can.

There's also a deal on the footwear itself, where you get 30% off a second pair of Crocs.

I'm indecisive at the best of times, so found it tricky to pick what I wanted from the huge selection. There are patterned ones, plain ones, fur-lined ones, you name it. And so many colours to choose from.

I was tempted to play it safe with a black pair, my kids were already mortified at the prospect of mum wearing Crocs.

But 'you do you' as the saying goes and I decided that for once I would do me and buy some in one of my favourite colours, purple.

I stopped short of a glittery pair, but I did decide to bling them up with some charms. That was a challenge of its own.

There are tubs full of them - letters, numbers, characters and more. Whatever you're into, whether it's Marvel, Peppa Pig, Star Wars, gaming or football, there's a Jibbitz to suit.

I went with my initials and picked out a few things I like - Snoopy which I loved as a child; a cup of tea because, well, anyone who knows me knows how much I love a brew; a sunshine, which actually glows with movement; and a Grogu because, with half of my family being Star Wars obsessed, I thought they'd appreciate the token.

I didn't want to miss the chance to save 30% off a second pair, so with the sunny weather (hopefully) ahead of us, I used it to get some navy flip flops, which retail for £39.99 but were being sold for £27.99. With the discount they came to £19.59.

Altogether, with the cheaper outlet prices and the 30% off, it meant an overall saving of 38% on both pairs, so we're not talking small change here.

I'm already in love with my colourful new footwear and, while I did promise to 'only wear them in the house', I can see it won't be long until I'm venturing further afield in them. I'll make sure the kids are with me when I do.

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is open 10am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm on Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sunday.