Outlets

Is it really worth going to outlet stores versus the regular stores? I find great prices at stores in the mall or mini malls at some of my fav stores. With coupons and sales nowadays I feel like I've gotten great deals.
The other day we went to Great Adventure (we live close to GA) and passed the Jackson outlets. Saw some stores I'd love to check out, but wondering if I'd really get a better deal. Do outlets take regular store coupons? Are there different items in the outlet vs the one in the mall?

I haven't been to an outlet in soo long. My boys only have patience for the mall where I bribe them or wait till weekends when DH is home.

Re: Outlets

Normally, no. It I got some great deals at gap and banana outlets last mONTH.

Outlets

I usually have pretty good luck at Banana and Ann Taylor and occasionally Cole Haan and Kate Spade. They have stuff from previous seasons, which doesn't bother me. I also like the Van Heusen outlet at Deer Park. In general, they don't take regular store coupons.

If you're nearby I'd say definitely worth checking out!

Re: Outlets

I can't speak for all stores but I know they take their "best sellers" from previous seasons and remake them with cheaper fabric. That brings cost down as well. Could also be overstock.

I drooled over a pair of stilettos kelly ripa wore in a pic posted on this board. I found them at Barneys outlet for 20$ I think? I haven't worn them yet cuz I don't know how to walk in heels but they were not more than $20 lol


I've been to the outlets u speak of. They don't have stores I like except Swarovski. It's hit or miss anywhere u go

Re: Outlets

It's not worth it. I feel it is all last seasons clothes and not really cheaper.

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I think they're a scam. Cheaper made items at not that great prices. I remember reading an article a while back that said they're really not a bargain. People do seem to love them though.

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I feel like they mark the clothes up to mark them down so you think you are getting a deal

For example- went to Osh Kosh in the Fall for DD
They had a pair of leggings- tiny little childrens leggings- marked $30!
Come on! I don't spend $30 on myself for leggings.
So then of course the sign said 50% off- like it was some big deal.
So $15 for a pair of leggings that I could get in Target for $5. No joke.

Re: Outlets

i always find childrens clothing at woodbury commons for dirt cheap. $2 a shirt $4 jeans, etc. but they are mediocre childrens clothing from osh kosh, gymboree, etc. if i had children, id buy their everyday clothing from there in a heartbeat.

like i said, hit or miss. usually a week after a holiday is the best time to go.

Message edited 4/7/2015 9:28:14 AM.

Re: Outlets

I've never been a fan of outlets at all b/c of all of the reasons you all stated, but I got 2 pairs of really nice jeans at Gap outlet for $15 each AND I got 2 nice cardigans at Banana for like $20 each. It was worth the trip. But perhaps that trip was an anomaly. I don't usually do well in outlets and much prefer Marshalls.

Re: Outlets

Clothing for the outlets is made especially for the outlets, with cheaper fabric, trimmings. Or it is leftover stuff from a previous season or two.

The shoes I buy at the Rockport and Clarks outlet are not found in their regular stores. They are made especially for the outlets.

It's a long trip for us, so we go as a day out. If I really need a clothing item, I will go to a regular store.
Last time we went, we hit Sketchers and the prices were the same as in the regular store.

Outlets

I think for the most part you can do better at places like Macy's or Lord & Taylor with sales and coupons. (A few years ago I got a great deal on a suit at L&T - original price tag was close to $750 and after markdowns and coupons, I paid around $100. A week or 2 later I was at the outlets and saw the same exact suit for somewhere between $300-$400)

Outlets

It's definitely cheaper for some things but quality not as good. Depends what store also. Some are really pricey even for an outlet

Outlets

For certain things . I love the Burberry outlet at Woodbury Commons! Usually they are last seasons stock that didn't sell. I've gotten Rainboots, flip flop like sandals, etc. I also get my wallets and cell phone cases from Coach outlet.

Nike outlet is good too.

Re: Outlets

Outlets

I do 90% of my shopping at tanger Riverhead. The nearest mall is too far and I hate schlepping through the mall.
Although Ann Taylor is one of the stores that creates a separate line for the outlet, their suits for example are nice and usually half the price of a suit in their retail store. Plus I always have tanger coupons that most outlets accept.
I buy most of my shoes and a lot of clothes at saks off 5th, it's usually last season or whatever but I don't care.
I just got a gorgeous pair of manolo blahnik for $68 with friends and family and a coupon! That's bananas. I also get other designer shoes for 70% or more off on the regular. I've never seen a sale like that in a regular department store.
Also the sneaker outlets are generally a good deal.
DH gets great stuff in the brooks brothers outlet that is usually the same stuff in their catalog for much less.
I agree about kids stuff being $$$ I buy gifts in osh kosh or carters and I always feel like it's overpriced.

Re: Outlets

The outlets in CT are about 45 minutes from me. We take a few trips each year. We stock up on shoes for the kids and find some other good deals. I usually do very well at Ann Taylor and Loft. J. Crew is ok. Banana Republic and Gap have been very hit or miss especially recently. I can usually find at least something for a good price at White House Black Market. Last time, I found a really nice suit jacket for $10. It was a steal. The kids stores are decent too. I've gotten some good deals at places like Hanna Andersson. I definitely like going especially to the stores that have different clothing lines in their outlets.