An outlet is a store that sells new goods at a lower price than regular retail locations of the same brand. Prices are greatly discounted at up to 70% in some cases. It’s a way of buying higher-end products at a more affordable price. Outlet stores also have a seasonal influx of new inventory, so you can check them out a few times a year.
Outlets in the US are popular and many manufacturers have dedicated lower-priced collections for outlet stores. Often, these items are not found in regular retail stores. That said, outlets also sell overstock and season’s-passed items, which were originally available at regular retail stores.
It’s thought that items from outlets are inferior quality or defective in some way, but nowadays that is not my experience at all. Quite the contrary. If you’re in the area and are up to browsing brick ’n mortar outlet stores in a mall, they are well worth a look. Some of it will be disappointing, but a lot of it will be great.
A couple of weeks ago I had a spontaneous and extremely successful outlet shopping experience while on vacation in New Orleans. There was a premium outlet mall in walking distance from our hotel and I loved it. I was discerning about quality and bought gorgeous items from Coach and Kate Spade. I came home with two handbags, two handbag straps, and a belt.
These are the exact items.
Handbags are my thing and I am very particular about the quality, silhouette, colour, size, comfort, and functionality. Both bags ticked all the boxes and have been worn a lot already. The quality is impeccable, and they were discounted 65% to 70%. I passed on some bags at the beginning of the year, so there is room for these wardrobe pets. The broad straps can be worn with these bags, and with my old Furlas too. The brown belt perfectly matches a pair of taupe patent boots I got last year. I’m awfully pleased with my bargain beauties. I will definitely shop the outlets again.
Over to you. What do you think of outlet shopping? Do you shop at outlets, and have you had good experiences?
