YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Quality of outlet stores?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Quality of outlet stores? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:39:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Lisa on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1341096 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 18:12:05 +0000 Lisa 1341096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've had mixed luck at the outlet stores.  I find the quality of Gap, Ann Taylor Loft, and Adidas are not nearly as good as the stores.  I know that these stores and also Coach, Rockport, Cole Haan, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers and JCrew manufacture separate lines specifically for these stores.   I've had good luck with Theory, Lucky Brand, BCBG, White House Black Market, Rockport, Brooks Brothers, Kate Spade, and Ann Taylor (not the Loft one) outlet stores. anela07 on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1341076 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 17:28:46 +0000 anela07 1341076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was just at a GAP Factory store this week and was pretty disappointed with what they carry. I recently bought a denim jacket at the full-price store. It's 100% cotton, looks high quality, and the version they had at the Factory store was really sub-par. It was a different material and the tag was different, and it was basiclaly the same price as I paid for the full-price store version (I had used a 40% off coupon). Needless to say, I was very unimpressed by everything they carried and I think the only thing I'd purchase there are logo hoodies/tshirts. I do like the Coach outlet store though, you just have to know what to look for. I've noticed at least at the ones close to me (Canada and the U.S.) they do carry some current items in addition to their outlet-only items. I'm not picky either way, usually I'm just looking for a specific colour or style and with the outlet prices, I'd rather go leather at Coach then something sub-par quality-wise at another store. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340684 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 03:18:06 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1340684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These days, brand name only goes so far. What really matters is how the fabric is made and where the items are constructed, and unless it's someplace like Dobbin or Everlane that talk about the factories they use because it's part of their mission, there's no easy way to know. There are tons of reports that items for designer brands and items for cheaper brands are made in the exact same factory with the exact same workers and equipment. Gaylene on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340674 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 03:09:32 +0000 Gaylene 1340674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A couple of years ago I bought a pair of BR outlet trouser jeans for $20 because they fit so well. A few months later I wore them to Toronto. While waiting for a light on Bloor in front of the Chanel store, an expensively dressed woman complemented me on my jeans, adding that "she knew good denim when she saw it". I didn't have the heart to tell her the origins of my "designer" jeans, so I just smiled and thanked her. I guess the moral of the story is that, if it fits and looks good, it doesn't matter where you buy it. Not everything in a regular shop is quality, and not everything in an outlet or discount store looks cheap. Gigi on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340664 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 02:53:11 +0000 Gigi 1340664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ JayS, I just read about Off 5th having some made-for-outlet merchandise, as you suspected. But some of it is indeed stuff that didn't get sold in the main store. So I'll just have to look for the designer stuff, like you recommend. Gigi on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340661 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 02:51:20 +0000 Gigi 1340661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Thistle. Very interesting articles! I didn't realize that Off 5th also stocked merchandise made expressly for the outlet. Thistle on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340644 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 02:23:26 +0000 Thistle 1340644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't shop at them because I am more of an online shopper. But here are a few articles: <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/sapna/customers-finally-aware-that-most-outlet-merchandise-is-now#bu5pmq" rel="nofollow">http://www.buzzfeed.com/sapna/.....now#bu5pmq</a> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/16/outlet-shopping-stores-knock-offs-_n_5336790.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....36790.html</a> Gigi on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340643 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 02:18:58 +0000 Gigi 1340643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deb, yes, I'm going to be very careful and give everything a good look before buying. It might be a cheap way to try out a new silhouette or something, before committing to a spendier purchase.  LBD, I'm glad I don't have such a helpful BF...ha ha. The sweater that died sounds like it was beautiful! Maybe the reason the stuff is cheaper at the factory store is that they don't test it for problems like that! Buyer beware! JayS on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340641 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 02:17:17 +0000 JayS 1340641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I tend to avoid most outlet stores. However, I do like Saks Off 5th. I think some of their stuff may be made for the Off 5th store, but the designer stuff is from their stores, I think. I've found some very nice things there at really good prices. An Alice and Olivia dress comes to mind. Definitely get their More card. It's free and gives you a better price. Off 5th is a great place for shoes, too.  I shop at the Bath and Body shop outlet. I think the packaging on some things is different, but I haven't seen a difference in the quality.  Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340639 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 02:14:25 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1340639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I bought four tops at the WHBM outlet store in Blowing Rock. They are all in regular rotation and have worn beautifully - even when the BF was being helpful and ran one through a permanent press cycle with his jeans... And then the dryer... With his jeans. BR on the other hand was "hit" for a pair of rockabilly denim capris three years ago, and "miss" for this summer's beautiful ethereal cream and silver mesh sweater that started unravelling within 20 minutes of putting it on on a positive note, I was able to crochet it back in a way that doesn't seem conspicuous... Given that I don't actually know how to crochet... But I won't buy anything from the BR Outlet unless I am able to pore over it carefully in natural light. deb on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340635 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 02:08:53 +0000 deb 1340635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I stopped shopping the outlet stores years ago because the merchandise is of lower quality. It is specifically ordered for these stores and do not compare to the regular store merchandise. Gigi on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340630 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 02:04:43 +0000 Gigi 1340630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aida, thanks for letting me know your experience. The AT and Loft outlets carry petite sizes in-store (I called them this morning), so they would be high on my list of places to try (I get such a better fit with petite sizes). Good to know that a careful eye can find some good pieces! Carter, Cole Haan is definitely on my list of places to check out! And I checked the list of stores, and there is a Nine West—but no Tahari. And I'm really looking forward to Off 5th. Laura, I do sometimes find AT to be too formal—almost stodgy—while Loft is sometimes a little too young-girl-casual. I always have to wade through a lot of stuff to find something in between. So it will be interesting to see what kinds of items the outlet stores have to offer. And I rarely buy anything that is dry clean only unless it is special event wear, so it's good to know that the stuff at AT and Loft is more machine washable. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340613 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 01:17:08 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1340613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I buy from our local Ann Taylor Factory Store and Banana Republic outlet all the time, and have never had a problem with quality. In fact, I've had many items that are sturdier than the ones I've gotten from the 'regular' store (maybe that's an indictment of the overall quality of mall brand goods...). You obviously have to use your eyes and hands, but no more than anywhere else. I have found really thin knits at the Gap outlet, enough so that I don't bother to shop there anymore, because I can find better stuff at similar prices at somewhere like Target. The Ann Taylor Factory Store is an interesting case, actually. As Aida says they make lines specifically for that store, and I find that I like them a lot more than the stuff in the AT store. They are less formal than AT and a tad more formal than Loft, and tend to be simpler in lines and using more machine washable fabrics, all of which I prefer. carter on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340612 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 01:16:10 +0000 carter 1340612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do love a good outlet mall. Cole Haan has been very good in my experience. Off 5th can be great. Tahari is very good, if you'll have one of those. My DH and DS like the Polo and BB stuff I get them. Totally agree that BR and WHBM are hit or miss. Gap can be good. Nine West is usually pretty good. I'm missing something...if I think of it, I'll be back. Aida on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340563 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 00:08:16 +0000 Aida 1340563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know that both Ann Taylor and LOFT produce separate clothing lines for their outlet stores, and have seem some outlet only stuff at JCrew as well. Some of the stores don't discount the prices very much (e.g. Coach and Burberry). I think for the most part quality just has to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and definitely try everything on (sometimes multiples in the same size, if you see quality issues). You can find gems at outlet malls if you're looking, but it does take a bit more work. I have some pieces from outlets that I really love and have held up quite well! EDIT: I just realized that, coincidentally, both the top and shorts in <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-0826-navy-emerald-and-cognac" rel="nofollow">my WIW post from today</a> were from the outlets: top from Ann Taylor, shorts from DKNY :) Gigi on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340510 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 23:04:02 +0000 Gigi 1340510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisap, yes, I've heard not-so-good things about the Coach outlet on the forum. Luckily, I'm not a big handbag gal, so that will probably be one of the last places I get around to checking out. I'll pop into the BR outlet, but I'll be prepared to be underwhelmed! Anonymous on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340473 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 22:03:16 +0000 Anonymous 1340473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Coach outlets are ok, but don't carry the same merchandise as the regular stores. Quality is fine, but none of the newer looks are there- tends to be very logo-heavy .  They usually have coupons they hand out when you go in that give you 30% off etc.  I got carried away thinking I needed to buy bags the first couple of times i went in, but have regretted most of them - colours I never wore etc. I agree that BR outlet is pretty lousy - nothing like the stores.   Gigi on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340427 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 21:03:33 +0000 Gigi 1340427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, I like your advice to keep a critical eye. BR and WHBM do seem to "get" me (meaning their sizes often fit me), and I suspect JCrew will as well, so I will check those out but keep a close eye on fabric. Robin, thanks for clearing up what the Saks was; it is indeed on Off 5th. I was wondering if it was like the Rack, and now I know! There is also a Talbot's, which I'm suspecting might be the same thing. I was wondering about the Loft quality in the outlet, because the regular Loft stuff can already be really cheap! This is all very helpful information. Robin on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340396 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 19:27:30 +0000 Robin 1340396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The BR, Gap and Loft outlet stores definitely are not offering the same merchandise as the non-outlet stores. The fabric quality and construction for most Loft outlet items is horrible - but you can tell that by sight/feel. The tops, knits and trousers/skirts at the BR and Gap factory stores tend to be similar quality fabric and construction as the regular stores but are much simpler designs with fewer embellishments (and often in slightly dated colors - which seems so weird to me b/c they're made new for the store). The BR outlet suiting never has seemed as nice to me as the regular store. The Saks will likely be an Off 5th - so like a Nordstrom's Rack. All in all, I don't think these sorts of outlet malls are worth it, but they can be good if you're trying to stock up on simple items because you can switch quickly from store to store without the distractions of a retail mall. Janet on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340386 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 19:17:03 +0000 Janet 1340386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel like they're a little hit or miss. I occasionally stop in an outlet mall that's about a half hour away from me because it's near where I get my hair cut. They have a decent selection of stores, but I'm not as inspired by most of them as I was some years ago. I'm not sure whether that means I'm harder to impress now or the quality has declined.  My favorites in that mall are BCBG, Calvin Klein, JCrew, and Banana Republic. The BR outlet is pretty inconsistent on quality, IMHO. I've gotten a couple of good things there, but some of the fabrics don't seem nice enough to warrant the BR label.  I would check it out, but keep a critical eye. I think there are some good items to be had, but I don't feel like the outlets are the huge bargain mecca they used to be. Rather, I think they're great if you know a particular brand or designer works well for you.  Gigi on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340382 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 19:10:40 +0000 Gigi 1340382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lara, thanks for your history info. I remember as a kid going to an outlet mall (we lived in a small town, so that was a really special treat), and the stuff in the store was just stuff that hadn't "made the cut" for the regular store. Maybe a hem was a little crooked, or maybe the fabric had a bit of discoloration, etc. But the faults were not bad enough that the item couldn't be sold and worn. So I was a little confused about why outlet stores have stuff made expressly for them. It seems a little odd. I did call the WHBM outlet store, and they told me that their stuff is less dressy and less embellished than the regular store's stuff but still of the same quality. I suppose that could be true, as adding lots of rhinestones and decoration would be labor intensive and therefore would up the price. But I was a little suspicious when I called the BR Factory Store and they told me that their items use different stitching and ways of constructing the garment. I asked if that meant that the BR Factory garment wouldn't have as much longevity, and the SA said no, that's not necessarily the case. But I am skeptical. It sounds to me like they are taking shortcuts in sewing seams, which is going to lead to the garment wearing out quicker. Interesting that your take on things is that consignment is better than outlet. I shall keep that in mind! Food for thought. Anonymous on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340376 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 19:06:28 +0000 Anonymous 1340376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Forgot to add that BASS was bought out by Wilson leather so do not  know if the quality has changed since I have not been there in a while. Bass shoes/boots do not fit me well so I don't buy my footwear there, but I do like their socks. Anonymous on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340375 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 19:04:01 +0000 Anonymous 1340375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One warning about Bass cotton t shirts. I purchased a few last year and found that after a couple of wears they pill. I have tshirts from Kohls that are in better condition for less money. Gigi on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340369 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:59:01 +0000 Gigi 1340369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Always Trying, thanks! There is a Bass store at the new mall. I am always on the lookout for a decent cotton t-shirt so will have to pop in. The new mall that opened is kind of overwhelming. Supposedly there are 100 premium outlet stores. That's a lot of shopping! Anonymous on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340365 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:55:24 +0000 Anonymous 1340365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I shopped outlet stores when they were true factory outlets back in the 1980s in Secaucus NJ and Vanity Fair in Reading PA, plus some of the handbag and shoe manufacturers that had factory sales a few times a year where I lived (that is where I used to get my Stone Mountain bags and Etienne Aigner shoes). I bought all my designer suits, blouses,, and shoes there. Once the craze got out, these factory stores started manufacturing for their outlet stores and I have found that the quality is not what it used to be and the prices are inflated. Since that time I stopped shopping outlet stores except for GAP and some others that sell previous season clothing, otherwise I shop TJ Maxx and most recently have discovered consignment stores that carry high end stuff at 20%  of the original prices. The prices at the Coach outlet near me are high and the sales are not the greatest. I just bought 2 Coach bags at a consignment shop which are in impeccable condition, one for $32 that retailed once for over $300 and the other for $50 which retailed just over $400. My DD worked at a local consignment shop over the summer and picked up a couple of designer jeans (7FAM and another brand) with original tags for $10 or less, plus some other great buys. I do not knock outlet stores if you find what you like at a good price, but they are not what they used to be. always trying on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340362 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:52:53 +0000 always trying 1340362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ They are opening a new outlet mall very close to me, but I don't know what stores will be there.  Only one I have any experience with is the very small one in Mammoth.  We all shop there when we go, and I have a lot of things from the Bass store. not a fan of their shoes, but have boots from there and they are very good, and well worth the price.  I love their jeans and cords, and t-shirts. lots of 100% cotton at reasonable prices.  This past spring I bought 2 pairs of 100% cotton pants that I love.  Their t-shirts wear very well, don't shrink, or stretch out of shape. Gigi on "Quality of outlet stores?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/quality-of-outlet-stores#post-1340344 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:30:41 +0000 Gigi 1340344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A new outlet mall opened not too far from me. They have outlet and factory stores for BR, EB, 7FAM, Coach, Saks, Cole Haan, AT, Loft, and others (that's a lot of acronyms!). Anyway, I have never shopped at outlet stores for these brands and am wondering about quality. I know that quality at AT and Loft can be hit-or-miss even at the regular stores. For those of you who have shopped these types of stores, can you tell me what to expect in terms of quality? What kinds of differences in general have you noticed when compared to the stores' regular counterparts?