Outlet Shopping

Debbie

Yesterday I had a last minute chance to go outlet shopping with a friend. I had a great time but only bought a shirt for my husband, a puzzle for my grandson and a bracelt.
My observations were that the pricing is not really different from the regular stores. I was looking at some Sperry Topsiders to purchase as a gift. They are cheaper at Nordstrom's. Same with the Tom's The purses were at minimal 5% or no discount.
What has your outlet experience been like?

14 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Jjsloane

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I went with my Mom to an outlet mall in Las Vegas while on vacation last June, and we found the same thing - actually, we went to a Converse store because my cousins wanted Converse shoes, and there wasn't really much of a deal? Maybe $5 off or something?

In the meantime, I did do well a couple of years ago when I happened upon an Ann Taylor Factory store at an outlet mall in Colorado - it was "Black Friday" and Ann Taylor was running a 40% off everything deal, and this was *also* true at the Ann Taylor Factory store. There were definitely some really good deals at AT Factory, though I think it's possible (not sure?) that not all the clothing is the exact same stuff as sold in the regular AT stores. No matter, I got some truly lovely, good quality tops and at a fantastic price.

That said, what you're saying about Nordstrom is so true. I'm noticing more and more that I can actually get a better deal from Nordstrom in many cases. I used to try and get shoes and such from Amazon, or off-price internet retailers - and lately, I'm finding better stuff and better deals at Nordstrom. Their website is excellent too. They're giving the big internet companies a serious run for their money in that dept. as far as I'm concerned.

I'm not convinced on the outlet malls anymore.

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That's interesting, Debbie.

My feelings are mixed. I think that you can generally get the same discount in stores if you wait long enough - or catch the shop on a discount day. Sizes are usually a challenge unless you wear between a size 4 and 10. However, the advantage is that sometimes last season's stuff is better than what's in the stores right now - so from that point of you, outlet malls can be great.

14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I haven't been in a while, but I did get some good deals at the J. Crew factory store and Puma store. When we tood my dad shopping at the outlet out in Missouri, we found some great stuff, too. I'd estimate 30-50% was the norm. Even better if the outlet was having a sale. I'd be disappointed if this is no longer the case; I especially like the combined variety and discount at J. Crew when I really need something.

14 years ago

kimana517

(website)

Active Member

In my experience it completely varies from brand to brand. For example, there's a Victoria's Secret outlet in Orlando that I love to visit, because they have tons of bras, and most of them are under $20 (compared to $40+ in regular VS stores), underwear is usually $3 or less, swimwear is sometimes as little as $5/piece, etc. But then there's Ann Taylor (and similar) brands, which seem to not be discounted at all, even in the clearance section. Unless you catch those kind of stores at the right time, when they're having a 'take an additional 40% off clearance' sale, you may as well shop at the mall with a coupon.

Just another reason I do so much shopping at thrift stores. There I can get Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and better for 90% off! =o)

14 years ago

Anonymous

It seems like many outlet stores sell lower quality, made for the factory items along side their normal merchandise. I've been disappointed by the quality of some of the things I've purchased, so I'm not really excited about shopping there.

However I do have friends who regularly shop outlets and find amazing things.

14 years ago

Anonymous

I have read several style books lately that state that outlet stores are not the clothes that did not sell well, or over runs etc but are actually made for the outlet store of inferior style and quality. People think the quality is comparable to the regular store but it isn't.

It has been making me rethink my outlet shopping

14 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Ive been disappointed by the outlet malls around here, with the exception that I found a beautful aqua suede jacket for $35 a yr ago....but most of the time, the pricing is not as good as a decent sale and some of the quality is questionable...

14 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Outlets have definitely changed since the 'good old days' - I too have heard that a lot of stuff is purpose-made for the outlet stores now. But I have had good luck with certain stores. In contrast to some, I have found great stuff at the Ann Taylor Factory Store - maybe not stunningly cheap most of the time, but a good value for the money, and for some reason they go up to size 18 in the outlets and only 14 in the regular AT and Loft stores. And I've gotten some great things at the Eddie Bauer outlet we have locally - including some obvious catalog returns and 'real' outlet stuff. Eileen Fisher and Talbot's have also been worthwhile for me. Honestly, places like TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack aren't as useful - I'd rather go to the thrift store and a) save some additional $ and b) recycle some wearable clothes rather than buy new.

Speaking of outlets vs Nordstrom, the thing that's been bugging me recently about Nordstrom is that the pricing is all over the place, even excluding sales. One pair of pants, say, will be 35 bucks and one will be 90, and they're of comparable quality and brand name (I'm not talking about St. John vs Caslon or something). I know that with multiple brands this will happen a little bit, but it seems to be worse at Nordstrom than at other department stores.

14 years ago

Freckles

Veteran

I've only shopped at the local JNY outlet store locally for the last number of years. The actual Jones merchandise available has decreased and a brand that they probably own but isn't made for my body that lacks quality has replaced most of it. I used to get all my lovely Evan Picone pants there but nary any for the last few years.

I still find great itms there but you do much better waiting for a sale. I did much better for something this summer at the Jones NY dept at the Bay rather than the outlet.

14 years ago

Anonymous

The things I've bought at the Ann Taylor outlet I'm pretty sure were made for the outlet and not for their regular stores. Both a pair of jeans and a silky blouse of polyester bought there only lasted a season. They were attractive but poorly constructed.

14 years ago

Marley

Veteran

I've had the same experience as you Debbie, but then, I've only gone maybe half a dozen times. There was something about the "feel" of the mall that I didn't like - couldn't quite put my finger on it - and then when I saw the prices, I thought "what a waste that I drove all the way out here for this!" Outlet malls are not something that I ever feel a need to shop at again.

14 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

Similar sentiments here. Much like the old days of Marshall's when it was truly items from real stores discounted versus items made specifically for off price you really have to work harder to find a super deal on good quality items. I much prefer Nordstrom Rack as the items are mostly from the stores and recent items (except if they have a "W" on the tag and then they are from the warehouse and probably just an overbuy) Outlets for me are hit or miss, I tend to do best at the Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma versus many of the clothing ones. With smart online shopping I can do better with rebates and free shipping and codes than say the Clark's outlet. But it's fun to look around and see items in person.

14 years ago

Category