Anyone else not bowled over with outlet malls.

[JamesMom]

The last time I went to an 'outlet' store was to buy dishes.
At the Patzgraf (sp) store I had a % off coupon and the pattern I wanted was on sale. So I drove 4 hours to the outlet and saved around 60% my new set of everyday dishes.
Prior to that I would visit the Lenox outlet a couple of times a year and got great deals (up to 70% off) on my service for 8 (7 piece place settings with serving pieces) and crystal. I got rim soup bowls reg $56 for like $15 each. Lady Anne was selling at Foley's for $40 a stem on sale I picked up for $13 and you have hunt to find the difference. That store has since closed or I would have service for 12 by now
I don't carry a purse nor do I care for brand name clothing. Kohls has what I need so I don't bother with outlet stores anymore.

 

[stormtracker]

Here's a must read for outlet mall shoppers:

Are Outlet Malls for Suckers?

I have never found that they are worth the drive.

 

[Evi]

Coach finally issued a statement a few years ago (I think it was 3) admitting that most of the stuff in their outlets are made exclusively for the outlet and not the same stuff in their stores. Definitely not the same quality. They claim the outlet stores have become so popular they could not stock them with last seasons merchandise.

Why are the outlet stores so popular? Coach does not permit its retail stores and online products to be discounted. Moreover, Coach products sold in fine department stores are also prohibited regarding discounts. This leaves bargain hunters with the option of driving to the nearest factory outlet.

The items sold in Coach outlets are not usually of the same caliber as those provided in the upscale retail stores. Coach intentionally manufactures products specifically for its outlets, leaving the latest trends and shiny styles for the retail locations

http://handbags.lovetoknow.com/Coach_Outlet[/QUote

I don't know about that because I've seen items that I've seen at Macy's in the outlet very shortly afterwords. I know the umbrella I purchased at coach outlet 1 year ago is still available in their regular retail shops its exactly the same I've had it with me to compare. I'm not a huge fan of coach i usually buy a deep wrist-let when I go to disney to carry in the parks and then pass it along to my niece. This year I may buy a disney dooney for the parks if there big enough for me. But bff is a huge follower and she waits till things that are sold in retail make it to the outlet to shop. I do know some items are made to be sold only at the outlets but trust me you can spot them a mile away and if you ask the staff they will show you the tables with stuff that just came in from the stores. If your a regular to outlet stored you get to know the staff and call them to find out when shipments come in.

 

[blana]

Eh. I do pretty good at our local outlets, but I also know what I'm buying, and what it would cost me elsewhere. And I always pick up a coupon book as well as check for other coupons for the places. (I buy a lot of Carters & Osh Kosh for my children and nieces/nephews, but never leave without a 20% off coupon in hand.)

 

[JoiseyMom]

OP- I have been to Tinton falls several times, I live about 25 minutes from there and about 15 minutes from Jackson. I agree wtih you. I went to Tinton for Easy Spirit, and they don't usually have my size. I have done ok at Aero for DD, but the prices are usually the same as the retail stores. Jackson I would go for The Disney Store...

The outlets aren't what they used to be.

 

[TarheelPrincess]

I agree that outlet has a new meaning today. We go two or three times a year to the nearby outlets...I really like the Pottery Barn and J.Crew stores...don't always find deals, but that's life.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

I have had one good buy ever at an outlet. That was a large steel cooking pot at Revere that had a tiny, tiny dent in the side. It was only $25. Never since have I found anything since outlets went fancy.

 

[heatherleigh]

I discovered they were a rip-off years ago when I lived in AZ. I remember being shocked at how much more expensive the merchandise was than I could get it for at the mall. I agree that this depends on the outlet mall too. The one that we live relatively close to has much better deals than the one in Casa Grande. However, I am still wary of the quality, and I still think I can get cheaper items on sale at the mall.

Thanks to whoever posted the article from MSN. That waS very interesting and just validated my concerns.

 

[abmitch01]

I get amazing deals at our Talbot's outlet, it's close by and huge. I also like the LL Bean outlets but don't get there much. My all time fav is the Le Sportsac outlet, the deals are incredible.

But most of the time, I end up disappointed.

I'm hoping the Maidenform outlet in Orlando has Le Mystere bras again. They are $74 and they had them for $20 or less, way in the back. How's that croc outlet in Orlando, anybody know?

 

[Redpepperflakes14]

I've found better deals at the Prime Outlets I've visited as opposed to Premium Outlet stores. I noticed at the Premium Outlets, the prices seemed to be just as high as if you purchased off the rack at the mall.

I wasn't terribly impressed with Tanger's in Georgia either. I've never been wowed by the 'Mills' either (i.e. Potomac Mills, Concord Mills,etc.)

Hmm, re-reading this, I think I've pinpointed why I never have any money...

 

[Poohbug]

You really have to know your prices before you go. I think many people are expecting great deals and they can be hard to find at the outlet mall.

In WI Dells, WI there is a Disney outlet store. No deals there. Most of the stuff is full price or slight percentage off. I just view it as a regular Disney Store.

In Pigeon Forge, TN there is a Disney outlet store. Pretty much everything is dirt cheap. I have come out of that store with huge bags and have only spent $20. I love that store. It's good that it is so far away or I would be there every week.

 

[bookgirl]

Most places carry a mixture of current stuff but they usually also carry last season at reduced prices. I live in the middle of the US so last years stuff is usually current for me. Plus some stores carry stuff expecially for the outlets so that can be interesting as well. Since most outlet places have stores that are not in my hometown, I am often just looking for items that are not carried by me. (I mostly hit the Prime or Premium outlet chains, Grapevine mills for the JC Penney outlet)

We like to hit the outlets when we are traveling or we will make a day or weekend out of the three hour trip to the nearest outlets that are worth going to. We don't really care if we find anything, we just like the process of a girls day out.

I've always found it to be hit or miss. Sometimes they just don't have great sales or closeouts, but still we will look around and see if there's anything interesting. I don't have to have rock bottom prices, it's nice but not required.

 

[R and C's momma]

First, it's completely true about Coach -- there is a stamp on the serial part of the bag that tells Employees whether or not it was manufacturered for an outlet.

Second, I have to respectfully disagree -- we love outlet shopping. We live within minutes of one and can find wonderful deals at Coach (especially with the 20% off coupons they've been offering!) Columbia and Gap. While there are some "regular" stores like Bath & Body Works and Old Navy it's still nice to have them so close to run to for a quick gift or sale item.

 

[secretpantssam]

I'm not a name brand person so I've never really been that impressed.

 

[4Seasons]

My best clothing bargains 99% of the time are found at Ross.
I love Ross

Every time I travel somewhere, you can be guaranteed if there's a Ross I'll stop there.

 

[livie1205]

First, it's completely true about Coach -- there is a stamp on the serial part of the bag that tells Employees whether or not it was manufacturered for an outlet.

Second, I have to respectfully disagree -- we love outlet shopping. We live within minutes of one and can find wonderful deals at Coach (especially with the 20% off coupons they've been offering!) Columbia and Gap. While there are some "regular" stores like Bath & Body Works and Old Navy it's still nice to have them so close to run to for a quick gift or sale item.

they have factory bags AND they sell retail bags that are left over from the season before, I have got many bags from there that were from the full price store (without factory stamp)...may of the legacy (stripe lining) bags were sent to the outlets and if you are fast you can find full priced bags.

 

[Redpepperflakes14]

I'm not a name brand person so I've never really been that impressed.

I agree. I've never been a designer brand chaser, but I do love Ralph Lauren sheets (theirs are the only ones that properly fit my bed) and their t-shirts hold a special place in my heart. I probably have one in every color ever made and they've lasted forever.