Monday, September 28, 2009

Outlet Shopping: Is it Really a Good Deal?


On Saturday, my mother, daughter and I drove an hour north to hit the outlet mall in hopes of scoring some great deals on fall clothes. The kids desparately need new clothes for the fall and winter and I was in the market for a few good finds myself. And, while I did come home with shopping bags galore, I probably could have purchased so much more for the kids locally at Kohl's or Old Navy. Remember when outlet shopping really offered great deals? Anymore it must be just the convenience of having all of these stores in one giant location, because, I saw many of the same prices I encounter at the regular retail stores close to home.

I did find some deals at J. Crew and I did find the riding boots (above) that for which I had been longing. Again, though, I didn't walk away feeling like I had come upon the deal of the century.
If I want a great deal, maybe I need to head up to northern Kentucky where there's a Gap outlet - now, that's a great deal. Granted, some items may be ripped, marked or feature other flaws, but often times you can come across a gem of a find. Maybe that will be my next venture. Or, I could just sit on my bottom and order online, which I much prefer. :)
Photo courtesy of Anne Klein

27 comments:

QueenBeeSwain said...

go you on the diggin' at the outlets- nothing like stocking up on staples for a lower than normal price!

kHm

Gabi said...

I totally agree! The Crate and Barrel outlet has great prices, and sometime Hanna Andersson does too, but other than that, I'd rather shop sales, etc.
The boots you came home with are great though!

Haven and Home said...

I agree, the deals aren't as good anymore as they used to be. Love the boots!!!!

Jessica Ryan said...

It really does depend on the outlet. JCrew for instance, has certain outlet items (the label is a bit different) that are a good bit less expensive than their regularly priced items and the quality is still there!

For boots, for me, there is no place like Marshall's! ;)

Jo said...

It is so hit or miss for me. I'm not sure how much I'm really saving since I have to drive 40 minutes in order to shop at the Outlets.

Love those boots!

Jo

Amanda Profumo said...

I LOVE those riding boots!

Pauline Wiles said...

I'm a bit ambivalent about outlet malls, too. My hubby does quite well because he's a tall and skinny size, but for me, it can be hard work looking through mountains of less than desirable stuff!

However, I would be interested in a sniff round a JCrew outlet, and your boots are lovely.

Unknown said...

Hi,
I agree with you! but can you tell me? What I do is I sign up for the outlet mall's email newsletter telling me when their stores have promotions and announced discounts. That's when I hit the outlet mall.

Thanks.

Chopard Watch

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I'm impressed. You're truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. I'm saving this for future use.Underwood Watch Winder

Anonymous said...

1 BHK Flats in Delhi , Search 1 BHK Apartments for Sale in Delhi , Buy 1 BHK Apartments/Flats in Delhi . Also see 1 BHK Flat in Delhi & 1 BHK Flat in Delhi NCR

Anonymous said...

3 BHK Flats in Noida , Search 3 BHK Apartments for Sale in Noida , Buy 3 BHK Apartments/Flats in Noida . Also see 3 BHK Apartments in Noida

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Hello..That's a great post, Thanks for sharing..!!
Baani Commercial Gurgaon

Gaurav Mishra said...

I am glad to see your post..............

Real Estate said...

Shubhkamna is one of the most emerging localities in the conurbation

Shubhkamna Plots Yamuna Expressway

Kamini Bhandari said...

It was very well authored and easy to understand.
Avalon Rosewood Bhiwadi

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.