Many companies manufacture products specifically for their outlet locations to keep prices low. These are not always the same quality as the non-outlet locations with cheaper fabrics and stitch techniques.
If you buy something as a gift at an outlet store and it’s already falling apart by the time you get home, you may not be able to return it in the same way as you can at the retail shop. Always check the store’s return policy before purchasing.
Outlet Malls tend to be either in rural areas or just off Interstates at exits you probably wouldn’t normally get off. There’s a reason for this.
Just because the bag is made by Coach and looks like the Coach purse you see in the retail shop, it may not be the same quality. When goods are manufactured specifically for the outlet store, cost-cutting measures usually apply. Maybe the bag isn’t stitched as well, or the quality of leather or zipper is different.
Outlet stores may also sell clothing and handbags with imperfections that render them unfit for full retail value. Look closely at the tags when purchasing in an outlet store and see if the brand-name logo looks different. Most stores will tag these clothing items differently so they don’t get sold at full price. When they don’t sell in the retail store, these tagged items may be shipped to the outlet store but the tag is often not changed.
Just because the store says the shoes are discounted by 50percent, how do you know you are getting a deal? The store sets the price so it is to their advantage to mark up the value of outlet-store products so they can then discount them deeply. To avoid falling into this pit, don’t get too excited by the discount. Instead save your energy to make sure the product fits properly and is of good quality for the price.
It’s a pretty common assumption that outlets only sell one offs and overstocks from their retail stores, but in reality many actually manufacture clothing specifically for their outlet division. This clothing may be made from cheaper goods and, when compared to the retail product, may end up being more expensive in lifetime wear value. This isn’t a big deal with kids’ clothes, but it is more so with a designer handbag. Not all brands do this, but many do including Nordstrom Rack, Brooks Brothers and Gap.
Since many brands shop for their outlet stores exclusively, many products you’ll find won’t even resemble the ones in the retail store. Don’t expect to find the season’s hottest designs.
Retail psychology is one of the main reasons outlet shops are located in the middle of nowhere. Our brains are wired to love rewards, and if we drive an hour to shop somewhere, we will probably buy something just to make the trip worth it.
It isn’t all bad news, however, if you know the truth before you go outlet shopping, you will likely come back happy. Do some Google research to see what outlets sell primarily overstock and which ones rely on outlet specific merchandize and then just be aware when you hit the stores. And if you love an item, and it is cheap, it’s probably worth purchasing — just maybe grab two in case it falls apart.
