To many shoppers, outlet malls means a place to get a good deal. But there are a few items it’s best to buy elsewhere, and check the labels of what you decide to buy closely.
Some companies make lower quality merchandise specifically to promote at their outlets. “Outlets would like you to believe that they’re selling off-season wear from traditional stores,” says Michelle Madhok, shopping expert and founder of deal site SheFinds.com. However, most items available in outlets were never available in traditional stores. Search for the ‘direct from the store’ signs and also look at the price tags to see if the price has been adjusted numerous times.
That’s saying nothing of the deals you can string together at department stores like Kohl’s KSS, +2.42% , combining sales, coupons and Kohl’s Cash, said Edgar Dworsky, founder of Consumer World.org, an internet consumer resource guide. Also, “don’t assume that the so-called regular or list price on the price tag is trustworthy. Half off a crazy price is still a crazy price,” Dworsky said; and that is true for any retail store, whether it’s an outlet or not. That’s why it’s also important to price-check items, to get an idea of what a comparable product costs.
But there are some items that consumers really should be especially careful about buying at outlet stores
Items to never purchase at an outlet mall
Leather items
Leather apparel in outlet stores may not be the real deal, according to FatWallet, a coupon and deals website. Synthetic leather, vegan leather or composite leather blends (often called “genuine” or “top-grain” leather) may be used to imitate the look. “Always look for full-grain leather products to assure you’re buying actual 100% cowhide leather that will last for many years, not months,” says Brent Shelton, shopping expert for FatWallet.
Beauty products
The application and performance of cosmetics could suffer when they have been been discontinued and have languished on the shelf. Lip gloss, some moisturizers and foundations can develop separation and settling in the container over time, he adds. The expiration date is especially important if the product is inside of a plastic container, that may release and absorb compounds like solvents and oils; glass containers may give products a longer shelf life, because the material is impermeable and nonporous, he says. Better yet, darker glass can block UV light – something that can attribute to product instability.
Socks and underwear
In a sportswear outlet, where shoes are usually the main draw, peripheral items like socks and water bottles tend to be only a deal if they’re on clearance, Dworsky says. “At New Balance, their main business is shoes, so you would expect to get good deals on shoes,” he says. “Water bottles, shoelaces…they may not be as deeply discounted.”
Branded accessories
Small accessories such as key chains also probably aren’t heavily discounted, says Charles Aaron Lawry, assistant professor of marketing at Pace University in New York. For some consumers, “if they can walk away with a keychain with a logo on it, they’re happy,” he says. These are generally known in the business as “open your wallet” items: Consumers get to buy into a brand and open their purse psychologically therefore they keep spending.
Outdated wireless electronics
Tablets as well as other wireless products sold at outlet stores will more than likely have older firmware that won’t perform as well with current apps and operating system requirements, reported by FatWallet. “You’ll save money, but may find you’re also somewhat disconnected,” Shelton said.
Refurbished electronics
A refurbished computer from a reputable brand (that also comes with a limited warranty through the manufacturer) at an outlet store can be a deal, as outlined by FatWallet. “But third party reseller outlet merchants can be a big purchase risk, especially shipping from China or outside of the United States and not offering returns,” he said.
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