Outlet Malls: Good Quality, Not the Greatest Prices

April 11, 2006
Shoppers who visit stores at outlet malls expecting to scrounge through bins of mediocre merchandise should give their perceptions a makeover, according to the May issue of Consumer Reports.

CR went undercover at hundreds of outlet stores and the Consumer Reports National Research Center surveyed more than 6,000 readers to find ways to get the most value out of outlet stores. Among the findings:

• Outlet goods are high-quality - 77 percent of outlet shoppers said the merchandise was of the quality of what they bought at full-price stores.

• Prices are not always rock-bottom - only one-third of survey respondents said outlet prices were substantially below sale prices at regular stores.

• Outlets stores often sell different goods than regular stores - but the differences aren't deal breakers.

• Consumers can save a bundle by buying irregulars - Most of the defects CR encountered were miniscule.

• Frequent-shopper clubs and coupons can add savings

Consumer Reports rated 33 top outlet stores based on survey results for value, quality, selection and service. The winners for value and quality: Lenox, L.L. Bean, Mikasa, and OshKosh B'gosh. Those surveyed noted that VF Outlets (apparel), Coach (handbags and accessories), Lenox and Pfaltzgraff (dinnerware), and Saks Off 5th (clothing) offered exceptional discounts over the prices charged at regular stores for those brands.

When looking at selection, readers' picks included Carter's, Corning, Harry&David, Kitchen Collection, Lenox, Mikasa, and OshKosh B'gosh. They found the sales help at Harry & David to be exceptional as did CR's nosy reporter. Readers' picks for best service include Coach, Harry & David, Jockey, L.L. Bean, Land's End, Lenox, Mikasa, and Pfaltzgraff.

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