Tips on Outlet Shopping

I used to think of outlets as a sanctuary to find amazing deals on brands I love. But after researching this story and making a trip to an outlet mall, my opinion has changed.

I recently trekked to a outlet store hoping for big savings on quality pants. But I was surprised by what I found: jeans that looked noticeably different and of lower quality than the pairs I’d purchased from the mall back home. How could this be?

Outlets offer plenty of great deals that make the trip worthwhile, but some savings aren’t always what they seem.

Here are more tips to get the most from your outlet shopping experience.

     Give outlet goods a closer look

Outlets aren’t just for items that didn’t sell at the retail store. Some offer “seconds” or “B-grade” goods, and many stores stock items that are only made for outlets, sometimes with noticeable differences in quality from what you’d find at the mall.

Outlet-only clothing and goods vary in quality, so be sure to take a close look. Some items might say “outlet” or “factory line” right on the tag, while others can be harder to spot. Does the item feel like it’s lighter? Does it look low-quality?

It’s possible the outlet version is cheaply made and won’t last as long as what you’d buy from the regular store, so factor in quality as well as price.

     Compare prices beforehand

Retailers know you’re looking for savings at outlet stores, and many try to make these discounts seem as deep as possible.
If you want to know what you’re really saving, check the retailer’s website and compare prices. You may be surprised to find outlet discounts aren’t as big as they claim.
         Join online outlet clubs

Premium Outlets and Tanger, two of the largest outlet operators with 70 and 35 malls respectively, offer exclusive promotions when you become a member of their “clubs.”

With Premium Outlets’ free VIP Club, you’ll receive online coupons and notifications of special events.

       Get the best deals off-season

Shop for your winter clothing in the summer and for summer items in winter to bring outlet prices down even further.

            Time your shopping trip

Outlets can be very busy, so you’ll do best by avoiding both congestion and picked-over shelves by shopping at off-peak times. Experts suggest stopping in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and shopping early in the day. If you’re not a morning person, avoid the early afternoon and wait until dinnertime.

       Check retail stores before outlets

Try shopping the local mall during sales or with coupons, where you might find the prices to be comparable but the quality better. Don’t forget to look at clearance items both in the store and online too.

 Check with outlet centers for coupons and circulars

Coupons and other discounts can make outlet shopping an even better deal. Call or go online to see if any coupons or circulars offer additional savings. Senior and military discounts might also be available.

 Watch the return policy

Unless you plan to drive back to the outlet mall, check the return policy before loading up on discounted goods. Many regular stores don’t take returns from outlet locations.

            Ask outlet staff

If you have questions about the quality of outlet items, don’t be afraid to ask store staff. Some employees may tell you if it’s made for the outlet or offer other valuable information.

 Don’t fall into the day trip trap

Don’t see anything you like? Don’t be afraid to leave empty-handed.

Outlet malls are typically placed in far-away locations. Not only is this real estate cheaper, but shoppers may also look at outlet shopping as investing in a full-day trip. With the expenses of gas, time, and energy, shoppers may feel they need to justify the “sunk costs” and end up spending more than they would otherwise.

Shelling out more money for extra stuff won’t make you feel better no matter how much you spend on gas.Stephan Savoia