Mastering Outlet Shopping, In Stores and Online

Last weekend on our way back from a wedding, my husband and I spotted the outlet mall off the side of the highway!  Although plenty ready to be home, we both insisted (actually, I insisted and he obliged) we do some "field research" for Classy Not Pricey by evaluating what the outlets had to offer first hand.  We wanted to know... were they really a great deal?  An excellent way to shop for classy brands at non-pricey discounts?

Each outlet mall, of course, has different kinds of stores.  We were thrilled to find ourselves walking through a (truly) premium outlet with fantastic brands that aren't always outlet options.  At the end of our research, we were excited to report not only great lessons to pass along to you all, but also a major success story for ourselves on some incredible Calphalon Unison pots and pans. 

These things are the king of all cookware - they slide or sear, depending on your needs, are oven safe, AND you can put them in the dishwasher.  Plus, with the lifetime warranty, you simply can't go wrong  - they will truly last you a lifetime.

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However, these babies are EXPENSIVE when purchased at full retail.  So while I've been crossing my fingers and watching every sale for the last five months to try and find them at a great price, I was beside myself to finally find them at a price I believed was more than fair for the quality and value.  
For ease of price comparison, below is a table that shows the actual prices of the pots and pans at full retail, sale retail and outlet prices (as quoted by www.macys.com with their sale that ends 2/20, and considering their free gift with purchase as an additional $50 value).  Take a look for yourself at the incredible savings I found by buying the same pans found in the 10-piece set individually at the Calphalon outlet:

In the end, we already had two omelet pans at home (same price as the outlet), so we walked away with  the full set for 51% off of what we would have bought individually from Macy's during their current sale.  That's $425 saved!  

This example could go for any item you are interested in buying at the outlets, be it a houseware, a full outfit, or even a splurge on just one item you've always wanted.   However, there are still some tricks of the trade to make sure your purchases are truly the deals you are seeking:

1. Know how to find true original products versus made-for-outlets items.  Ask someone in the store where they receive their items from and, if applicable, which items are simply overstock from the main stores.  Many employees of these retailers will help you through the merchandise to find the best steals.  Otherwise, much of the merchandise available is actually made FOR the outlets with lesser quality materials and unique designs.  Be sure to have a discerning eye.
2. Keep your smart phone handy.  Don't be shy to look up the real items (and prices!) of items that are for sale from the retailer directly or at department stores (versus the outlet).  You might find the best deal is actually at your local store or online... and with a better return policy.
3. Double check all items for defects. It is sometimes the case that merchandise at an outlet is there because of a production flaw (or refurbished items, etc.).  Be sure to try clothes on, check the balance of home goods on a flat surface, and so on.
4. Enjoy wisely!  It's fun to get great deals on your favorite items!  However, don't go too wild just because it is "outlet" shopping.  To avoid going overboard, make yourself carry all your purchases until you head back to the car.  The weight of your shopping bags will help keep you in check. ;)

Even BETTER news is that outlet shopping isn't limited to those who can make the trip anymore!  More and more brands are offering their own outlet selections online, so you can enjoy the deals without hiking yourself to the outlet malls.  Here are just a few links to online outlet shopping, and I will continue to share more as time goes on:

• Michel Kors Outlet
• J.Crew Factory
• REI Outlet
• Crate & Barrel Outlet 
• Columbia Sportswear Outlet
• Crabtree & Evelyn
• Italian Pottery Outlet (not a "brand" but a stunning collection of beautiful Italian imports at hard-to-beat prices)
• Don't forget, Overstock.com is the ultimate online outlet!

If in-person shopping is your preference, here's how to track down the outlets with the brands you like:

• Premium outlets: http://www.premiumoutlets.com/  and http://www.tangeroutlet.com/ 
• http://www.factoryoutletstores.info/outlet-malls/

Do you have any favorite outlet success stories?  What other online outlet sites have you found?  In the end, our research came through - a "rest stop" at the outlets can almost always bring a Classy Not Pricey deal home.
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