Clark Howard takes a swing at factory outlets:
The percent of merchandise in today’s outlet stores that are irregulars or factory seconds is around 1% to 5%.
What’s there is stuff being specifically made for outlet stores. The goods are designed for outlets only using inferior stitching and subpar material. You’ll almost never find what’s being sold in the outlet store in the traditional retail store. It may look the same, but it’s not.
So it is an experience going to these places, but they’re not a place to save money.
I’ve read some stuff by Clark Howard that I disagree with. But I don’t know enough about this subject, even though I don’t live so far from the Woodburn Company Stores.
What’s your opinion of the quality of stuff you’ve purchased at outlet malls?