NEWS    RECALLS    COMPLAINT FORM    SCAM ALERTS   RESOURCES  
Small Claims Guide   Class Actions   Lemon Laws   FAQ   Newsletters  
Share


Complain about a product or service

Automotive    Education    Employment    Electronics    Family    Finance    Health    Homeowners    Insurance    Pets    Shopping    Travel     Print This     Email This    



NEWS   Latest |  Archives |  Auto |  Cells, etc. |  Computers |  Financial |  Health |  Homeowners |  Parents |  Privacy |  Scams |  Seniors |  Travel

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.

Consumer Reports notes that great bargains, high-quality merchandise, wide selection, and a pleasant experience are available to consumers if they shop right. Following are CR's strategies:

• Time the visit - Midweek is usually the quietest time to shop outlet malls. Arrive as soon as the stores open. Also consider dinnertime to beat mobs.

• Catch the biggest sales - Outlets follow the same calendar as regular stores.

• Use coupons - The major outlet developers have Web sites full of downloadable coupons. There may also be e-mail alerts about sales.

• Join an outlet mall frequent-shopper program - These can offer access to exclusive sales, promotions, and special events. Members may also be able to pick up coupon books at the mall's customer-service office. Clubs and coupons are usually free, though some may charge.

• Explore other discounts - Some centers offer additional discounts to shoppers older than 50 on specified days. Other memberships may offer discounts - i.e. AAA members may qualify for another discount at participating stores.

• Look first at merchandise that came from regular stores - Shoppers who are unsure of the origin should ask.

• Consider irregulars - These are among the most deeply discounted goods.

• Shop for out-of-season items - These are typically found at the back of the store.

• Understand return policies - Return policies vary but generally outlet merchandise cannot be returned to a full-priced store, and vice-versa.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Share

Follow us on Twitter.

FREE CONSUMER NEWSLETTERS

The Daily Consumer
Afternoons M-F

Sign up now!


Consumer News & Alerts
Every Sunday

Sign up now!





CONSUMER NEWS

SAFETY RECALLS

LATEST RATES

Back to the top |

Advertisement


Custom Search
AUTOMOTIVE
• Dealers
• Manufacturers
• Service
• Extended Warranties
• Lemon Laws
• Recalls
• Tires
• Transporters

FAMILY
• Aging
• Children, Parenting
• Recalls
• Dating
• Education
• Entertainment
• Pets
• Weddings
FINANCE
• Annuities
• Banks
• Credit Cards
• Debt Collection
• Debt Counseling
• Insurance
• Investing
• Loans
• Mortgages
• Payday Loans
• Student Loans
• Tax Prep

HEALTH
• Doctors
• Drugs, Pharmacies
• Health Clubs
• Hearing Care
• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Nutrition, Diets
• Vision Care
• Weight Loss
HOUSE & HOME
• Appliances
• Cookware
• Furniture
• Home Improvements
• Lawn & Garden
• Movers
• Pools & Spas
• Realtors, Rental Agents
• Recalls
• Utilities

ELECTRONICS
• Cable TV/DBS
• Cameras
• Cell Phones
• Computers
• Home Electronics
• Internet Access
• Local Phone Service
• Long Distance
• VoIP
SHOPPING
• In-Home
• Online
• Retail Stores
• Sporting Goods
• Supermarkets
• Telemarketers

TRAVEL
• Airlines
• Bus Lines
• Car Rental
• Cruises
• Hotels
• Travel Agents
• Trains

RESOURCES
• Class Actions
• Complaint Form
• Small Claims Guide
• Lemon Laws
CONSUMER NEWS
• Latest News
• Automotive
• Telecom
• Financial
• Health
• Homeowners
• Scams
• Seniors
• Travel
• More ...

RECALLS
• Automotive
• Children's Products
• Drugs
• Food
• Household Products
• Sporting Goods

ABOUT US
• FAQ
• Privacy Policy
• Advertise With Us
• Newsroom
• Syndication
• Terms of Use

Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use

Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.

Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.

For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice.  ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof. 

Copyright © 2003-2009 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc.  All Rights Reserved.    The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission.