7 smart purchases at outlet malls

The products at outlet malls and company stores don’t always deliver the same quality at a lower price. Here are items and name brands offering top values.

By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

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63Comments
ron man
Mar 1, 2013 9:59AM
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My outlet mall is Goodwill, Value Village and St. Vinny....
Seurat61
Feb 28, 2013 11:32PM
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 Outlet malls suck.  Sure you can get that 1000 dollar purse for 400 dollars, but who really needs it anyhow?

 

Savi1962
Mar 1, 2013 12:03AM
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I'm keeping my money in my wallet.  With the economy sinking it's no time to spend foolishly.  My motto, is save save save for that rainy day.
aservant0
Feb 28, 2013 10:03PM
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I usually don't find lower prices at outlet malls unless there is a big sale.
Sarduci1
Mar 4, 2013 5:36PM
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Outlet malls are a farce.  Don't be fooled!   Way back when outlets were first introduced, yes, they did have good bargains.  Now they are just like any other retailer.
dc1175
Feb 28, 2013 11:38PM
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i agree, you don't save much at an outlet because your spending all your GAS MONEY to get out to one.
gerriemaybe
Mar 4, 2013 5:59PM
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yes I have known about Ross, TJmaxx and Marshalls for many years and of course Goodwill...just bought a great leather purse from the Goodwill from Wlisons House of Suede and Leather..i got a good deal since lots of the young folks never heard of Wisons....the only way to shop.....forget the Outlet malls....Just Gimme a good sale..oh and dont forget the garage sales....and consignment shops....

.

davddfaddd
Mar 1, 2013 10:24AM
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You don't get the same quality merchandise at Columbia outlet stores. I was a regional manager for 12 years.  Columbia outlet clothing is made for outlet stores.  No bargains here.   better off paying slightly higher at real columbia stores.
Patty Poo
Mar 4, 2013 6:56PM
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Ross Dress for Less and Marshalls have the best prices, even better than the outlet malls. I would visit either one of them before the outlet.
Mickey100
Mar 4, 2013 7:34PM
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The most important thing to shopping success is to learn about quality on everything  we might purchase.  I had little money most of my life so shopped in garage sales, resale shops and discount stores.  Even found some fantastic buys at Walmart, tho not lately,  People have always been surprised that I go to those places since I look so good.  Most of my friends thought I was rich until I set them straight.  If you know the best you will find it at your price.  I spent many days in the most expensive stores in Chicago examining the workmanship on things and learning the differences between them and cheaply manufactured items.  It paid off. 
allen e weast (ford pu)
Mar 4, 2013 6:34PM
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i get the best sales at estate sales and garage sales it dont hurt me to  wear other peoples clothes   no one knows but me
nobocan
Mar 4, 2013 6:19PM
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Having been to three "Outlet Malls" in the past two months, I have to say I did not find any real Bargains or savings. Most items were discontinued, end of run, "returns" , Seconds, and an average of 20% higher than in the stores...
bja0513
Mar 4, 2013 7:31PM
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The author of this unrealistic article is nuts.  She referenced several times where the outlet mall clerk pointed out defects and a way to identify lesser made-for-outlet goods.  Seriously, clerks are not going to do that to an average customer.  Waste of time .
ONESAWB
Mar 4, 2013 6:06PM
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 The items at outlet malls are so manipulated that there's almost no way to get a deal at all.. The Lodge outlets for cookware is pretty often a great buy and the Coleman camping stores are good to buy last seasons camping gear. My take is as a rule the outlet stores are a pure ripoff. My advice is to dodge outlet malls all together and just shop sales very carefully at retail stores. In the last couple of years I've found that the retail stores will negotiate to some degree to keep you from walking,,, but you can bet that if you don't ask for a discount you wont get one.
rocky bhai
Mar 4, 2013 7:26PM
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I think the best place to shop is Kohl's because of their biggest selection of Clearance Section. 
AMIR smith (ohioman2)
Mar 1, 2013 11:44AM
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If you have time to look trough and go often you can save
cher338
Mar 1, 2013 7:24PM
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I work at an Bath and Body Works outlet,  we have great deals on discontinued items.

Cynthia G (cynjy)
Mar 4, 2013 6:09PM
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I love Loehman's  with coupons and discounts the quality is great and the prices are very very low.  - I will admit it takes some time.  

 I only buy my Nike's at the outlet store and then when I'm there for shoes I'll look for sales in other  outlet stores - I got a shirt for a buck at Ed hardy's - okay a little funky but it's great for workout.

I also shop much less than I used to due to the economy.
r1again
Mar 4, 2013 6:54PM
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I got some great panties from one outlet mall. Buy one get one free.
mjg4532
Mar 5, 2013 8:14PM
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why go to a mall to buy an outlet when you can just go to Home Depot?
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