Cloths Quality

Personally, I think the only advantage to outlet malls is all of the stores in close proximity, but they're not "giving" anything away! I think you can do just as well (if not better) at the department stores, etc and shop sales & coupons, etc.

Outlet malls have the same chain stores you'll find anywhere, so the quality will be the same. But be aware that not ALL stores at outlet malls are actually outlet stores. They also have stores they call "anchor stores", I think. Those stores are not outlet stores, and will have regular prices. Look for stores that say "factory store" or outlet in the title. Those are true outlets. We have an outlet mall within an hour of us, and I do shop there, but mostly to get the end of season sales. Seems like they generally have a lot more stock of the end of season sale stuff, like maybe other stores ship it in or somthing. I bought my son's entire 2010 fall/winter wardrobe, including shoes last year at the end of the season sales, and paid peanuts for everything. Literally, I got many things for under $2. If you can predict your kids sizes, that's the way to maximize on outlet shopping. Stay ahead of yourself and buy next years clothes at this year's end of season sales... and the sales get really good at the way end of the season. Other than that, the prices at outlets aren't spectacular. At the actual outlet stores, they may have some discounts on things, but pricier stores are still going to have pricey clothes, just not quite as pricey as if you bought them at the regular mall store. Also, some of the discounted clothes might be last season's styles, which for kids, who cares, right?

I have found that it's the same quality. But with our outlet mall unless you KNOW for sure there are sales, you will not save as much as you think. I have gotten better deals in the regular stores on sales.

In my experience, outlet stores sell "imperfect" items that are the same as the ones that you would find at the regular stores except that maybe the tag is sewn in backward or the hem is a little off. For the most part though, they are pretty good quality, I just look them over really good. Honestly, even in the regular store the quality of clothing is pretty questionable sometimes. As far as price, you might save a little on some things, a lot on others. If you use coupons and wait for sales in the regular stores nearer to you, you might be better off doing that than wasting your time (and your gas!) on a possibly less than fruitful trip to the outlet.

Outlet malls serve as a means for stores to get rid of flawed clothes or clothes that are no longer in season and are not selling in stores or to deplete inventory. Example: They were supposed to make 200 orange shirts with collars and they made 150 blue shirts with no collars instead. No store wants to buy them = they are selling them for cheap at the Outlet store. Example: 10 of the 300 pairs of kids pants were made with crooked zippers and misaligned buttons = sell them cheap at the Outlet store.

The quality could be the same in the first scenario but definitely is not in the second. Look at things carefully to make sure durastic flaws do not exist. I ask myself, "Why is this here?" and if I can not find a flaw in the color, make, fabric, seams, hems, or overall quality that I can not live with then I will buy it (especially kids clothes because no one looks at them that cafefully and they wear them for such a short span of time before destroying them).

outlet mall sells clothes made for outlets. if you go, let's say, to banana republic or gymboree or jcrew outlets and look at their tag you'll see 3 like diamond shaped dots. that means outlet clothes. i but shoes at off saks because those are leftover shoes form saks stores. not outlet shoes. but for children it doesn't really matter as they grow out of them so fast. so i get them like pj sets, the extra hats and gloves and scarves etc. but outlet clothes are usually made for outlets. there are exceptions. for example under armour clothes are real under armour even at outlets.

Stores at Outlet Malls vary a great deal. Some of them are the same as stores in other locations and not truly outlet stores. For example, Children's Place or Old Navy in an Outlet Mall is the same as in a mall or strip center; same clothes, same prices. If the store does not have outlet or factory... in the name it is the same as the regular store. There are also many stores that make less expensive versions of their regular line to sell at their outlet locations. Many outlet stores also sell leftovers from the previous season and overstocked items. In general, imperfect and overstock clothes and shoes go to stores such as Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx which may be in Outlet Malls, but also can be found in other strip centers. During back to school time there are generally good sales at Outlet Malls, but it is hit and miss. I am fortunate enough to live a short distance from a medium sized Outlet Mall and an hour away from a large Outlet Mall. I am able to stop by and check out the nearby Outlet Mall without being disappointed if I don't like the prices. I only go to the large Outlet Mall if I am in the area, but would not make a special trip an hour away. I have pretty good luck with sale prices at local stores and online without shopping at Outlet Malls.

Happy shopping!

They are not the all the same. ie, Gymboree, are last years fashions with less quality material. Nike seems to be the same, at least I can't tell.

I live within an hour of two outlet malls and have never found driving to them worthwhile. I get better prices at local stores during sales. I used to buy most of my clothing and clothing for my grandchildren at thrift stores and still do find bargains from time to time but mostly I now buy their clothes at Fred Meyer, Sears, Kohls and Target during sales and off their clearance racks.

I just bought brand new onesies at Kohl's, 3/$5 or close to that. I did find a couple at a thrift store for 99cents each but most of them had stains and looked worn. For less than a dollar more I have new ones.

Whether or not you get good prices at an outlet mall depends on when you go. You also need to factor in the cost of gas and wear on your car.

Sometimes, even at the local stores, I don't find what I want but they are close and I can go often while doing my regular shopping. What I pay is all of what I pay. I'm in the area or at the store anyway.

Most of the time, yes. Many manufacturers make clothing lines specifically for their outlet stores. BUT, they will also stock the seconds and rejects as well. You will need to know your prices (to make sure you are getting a good deal) and inspect every piece before you buy it. Trying on is a MUST as sometimes the reject is mis-sized. Crazy as it sounds, take your kids with you (and Grandma if you need extra hands).

I outlet shop often, especially for shoes. They are just down the road from my parents house, so it is more convenient than making the trip to San Marcos (which I try to do every couple of years).

its been a LONG time since i went to one. what i remember the prices were better but the clothes had a few flaws. like a red thread in jeans on a pocket and the rest would have the regular gold or blue. if there werent visible flaws the tag in the shirt was cut lengthwise in half. but most shirts now dont have a tag anymore. I am a detail person. While these clothes had little flaws I sure wasnt above wearing them.