I've noticed with the outlets that I've been to that although they offer discounted prices, the items are mostly old stocks and most of the time the designs are so out of style you wouldn't even dream of wearing it. We usually buy jeans from outlets because we get to save some money. And jeans have classic style anyway, so it doesn't really matter to us.
Although I notice items are less expensive at outlet malls, the product does not seem the same. For example, Levi's. I buy Levi's 501 at a department store and they are like $80 but they last forever. I buy 501's at the outlet store and the material feels much thinner and they are lucky to last a year before I rip a knee or they are completely faded. The same is with Rockport shoes. The Rockports I paid full price on were super comfortable and lasted for years. The Rockports at the outlet store, were horrible and dig into teh ball of my foot. They also don't wear well at all. Anyone notice the same?
I agree. Like other posters have stated, some people automatically associate "outlet" with "savings" and it's not necessarily true. I have not visited an outlet mall in about a year and I have no intentions to shop there again. Maybe it can save money for those who have to get all of their shopping done in one central area in a short amount of time.
To me they seem to be the same as any department store. There may be something here and there that is less, but most of it isn't very well priced. You can get discounts on them at their sale times but you can get as good of discounts at the regular department stores during their sales. Also I find sometimes I will go into an outlet store and their products are different than that of their regular store. They are made cheaper and don't look as nice sometimes. I love JCrew and shop there all the time. When I go into their outlet I see products there that have never been at their store, they were made just for the outlet. They don't look near as nice either.
Where I live, the malls and outlets are all much more expensive than retail stores. In fact, I've never even heard of the idea that you save money shopping at outlets. It's certainly not true here!
I have definitely noticed the high prices. And as mentioned, I know some stores are actually cheaper quality versions of the regular retail store. Just to give an example, I really love Gymboree pajamas for my children. They hold up extremely well and have a great fit. I recently bought a pair at the Gymboree Outlet and after just a few washings they seam was coming out! Now there are threads hanging all over it. Which begs to ask the question- is it worth shopping the outlets to save a possible dollar?
I don't think outlets are all that much cheaper unless you go on days when additional discounts or coupons are offered. I've found that Wal-Mart prices are just about the same if not better. Even Target clearance items are sometimes better priced than outlets. I know stores like Ross used to have a lot of good sales and great markdowns, but lately I'm able to find better buys online and even at name brand stores. I don't know if it's because of the economy or what. There was a time when outlets were the best priced and always fun to shop in, but with everyone competing with sales, the outlets just don't stand out that much anymore.
Our big outlet mall is now abandoned and vacant. There is only two stores left that are still open out there. At one time there was close to 100 stores in the outlet mall. I think that their prices were just not any better than the stores that were in town. It is kind of creepy to go out there now.
We have an area near us with a long strip of outlet stores. Twenty years ago you could find some good deals in those stores. But I went back a couple years back and the prices were comparable to what I'd find at their actual stores. Never going back there again.
I have given up on outlet stores. I can usually find products for cheaper on the website's clearance section. My kids Love Aeropostale. We stopped in to an outlet store on the way home form a vacation on time and clothes I had just bought from the website--the exact same t-shirts and hoodies--were twice as much at the outlet store. I'd rather pay shipping than gas money and just buy online now.
I think outlet stores are cheaper, but the stuff they sell at the outlet stores aren't as good anymore. I would rather shop at regular stores such as Walmart to buy things. I don't like outlets.
