Those Outlet Stores You Love are Ripping You Off & Killing Your Favorite Brands
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ต.ค. 2017
- Outlet stores started out as good deals for customers but now they are a growth engine that are devaluing brands legacy and value.
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I used to work at an outlet store. Everything in our store was made just for our store and was typically made in different countries/factories than the “full price” items. We also had a coupon out (typically 20%) all the time on top of our “pre discounted price”. The price on the ticket was an illusion to make you think you’re getting a better deal than you really are.
It's true. Some(if not all the brands) have been doing it for sometime now and I think it's pure dishonesty.
I believe you, sad
Everyone is so focused on cheap, to the point that Americans as a whole dress
Ike slobs. Standards have dropped so low, no one even recognizes quality or design anymore.
I totally agree. People look a mess in this country.
@DojochoI had a friend of mine who was never particularly stylish or dapper.Honestly, he was actually pretty sloppy. Around 24 years of age he moved to Oklahoma and the people made fun of him because he was dressed too nice. Apparently, in the part of Oklahoma he moved to dressing nice was seen as something bad. Something real men don't concern themselves with.
Real "outlet" stores were attached to the manufacturers production facility and offered seconds, overstock, etc. Outlet stores today seem to be deceptive marketing to me. Every store is an "outlet". Thanks K.
stopped shopping the outlet stores a while back once i realized that they make stuff specifically for those establishments.
The True Cost is a really good documentary on the fast fashion industry as whole! Really opened my mind! I'd rather thrift shop than hit up the outlet stores personally.
I have two Aiden Chinos by banana republic. One from the outlet and one “real.” I noticed the difference. One has buttons and the other has a medal slider. The material feels a little thinner in the outlet version. Also, the logo is slightly difference. The outlet version, as do most outlet versions, have dots and symbols on their normal logo. Interesting to pick up on it.
This is 100% accurate. I worked in a mid to high end denim chain for 6 years, and the outlet versions of their jeans were total garbage. I'd even say less than the quality of a similarly priced pair of Levi's.
The sad thing is the outlet stores outsold full price stores every quarter, but people were very happy to have 2 pairs of "name brand" junk, instead of one pair of quality denim.
Also the Amazon Death Star is a perfect metaphor!!
Don K absolutely. I would buy a $60 pair of Levi's long before a 50% off $120 pair of "outlet only" denim (of the brand I worked for). The Levi's would absolutely last longer, and probably be better quality.
Learned in my retailing class from my professor who was in the industry when they started this. The different dyes have different costs and may be changed. The stitching patterns change, the quality of zippers, if the original had say 5 colors they may reduce it to the 3 colors.
Exactly.
MBisFrenchy makes sense
Is it me or the whole video is out of focus?
Hose B was it hard for you to follow along?? Or the video zoom........? Lol
Hose B yes it was. My camera usually looks in focus until I go to edit. It is very frustrating
Nah I meant it looks blurry to me lol
Jon Yeah I can't imagine seeing the whole video done and realizing it isn't in focus haha
he could have sharpened it in post.
Ralph Lauren is the worst for this. RL's outlet range looks the same as that sold in premium stores, but the quality is significantly lower.
Great content! Love Wednesdays when you educate us with regard to the industry. Thanks for sharing. I love how passionate you are about the subject.
You nailed it dead on. Value engineered for lower price point usually only means cheaper. It is death snap for brands and brand loyalty.
The Amazon Death Star! Great video. I remember back around 1988 Coach was an exclusive brand. You had to have money and style to rock Coach. I was 18 at the time and my girlfriend wanted a Coach drawstring bag for Xmas. I worked and and saved all my dough for weeks. Maybe six or seven pay checks. The bag was around $300. I remember the leather was super soft and thick. It was a great Xmas that year. She bought my a Ralph denim jacket with a wool lining. Both items broke our wallets. We broke up years ago but we both still have our presents from'88. You don't cherish and keep items for 30 years from the Coach or Ralph outlet stores. The items wouldn't last 30 years and because you pay nothing for them you probably won't take care them.
I love these videos! I'm not in the retail per se, but I re-sell clothing and your insight is fascinating. Would love to see more.
Great overview of the retail space. I'm not even into fashion that much, but learning about the industry is interesting.
I 100% agree...this makes so much sense...👍
Great info ! Thks
I remember when the only outlet was Loehmann's. You could find really nice stuff at good price. Then Nordstrom Rack, then Sak's off Fifth, etc. then Outlet Malls. Most of the stuff in outlets is made for the outlet.
The bigger problem that I see is that we don't equate quality and value. $100 dollars for a dress shirt, that fits and all the better qualities that it brings gets compared to a wal mart dress shirt that fits like a rented tarp, and basically disintegrates in 5 washes. But it was 17.99!! 17.99 / 5 = 3.25 / wear. Now on to the more expensive fitting shirt, you can wear it unlimited times because of the quality, actual MOP buttons, and stitching, and high-quality materials lets just say that you wear it 20 times your cost per wear is $5. And if you actually take care of the bloody thing it can last a lifetime. People equate price with value instead of quality. I think that it is misunderstanding what value should be. Just my 2 cents...
Totally agree, a big shift for me personally was understanding the cost per wear calculation several years ago and a spark for starting this channel to educate others. Hope you like this series Brian!
Love it bud, I just saw your best dress shirts video in my queue watching it now
I didn’t know anything about the retail industry so this was very informative ❤️ Thank you
Thank you!
Great info thanks
Very interesting point - Not that I have a ton of experience with outlets but I haven’t been able to find anything at a outlet store for the last 4-5 years and earlier one could find good deals but now It’s just mostly very bad stuff and bad quality - so perhaps you are right - it makes sense but I definitely don’t see the idea for the better quality brands to get in to this.
I can relate to your view. Once I bought a CK jeans at an outlet store and the quality turned out to be sub-par. After that experience, I am giving them a wide berth.
Love this!
The VP Finance of a major luxury brand told me he wished ALL their stores were factory stores. They are just so profitable. But they weren't that practical at the beginning because they had a hit and miss selection.
Great video!
Lol Amazon death star....so true, so funny, great video!!!!
"Amazon deathstar" - that's clever. Good video. Thanks!
Banana Republic has become the one retailer with HUGE differences between the regular store and the outlet store. The quality at the main store is still excellent. The quality at the outlet store is closer to the GAP outlet store! We don't shop at the Banana outlet anymore.
I know the Polo stores have a mix of products. Word has it you can tell what's what by deciphering the code on the tags.
I agree, I stopped shopping at outlets 20 years ago.
I also stopped paying premium prices for quality clothes. Unless the design is exceptional. Meaning I am completely in love with the design regardless of the brand.
Years ago purchased a wallet from the Rack, lasted me about five years before the stitching started to fail, then moved to an iPhone case with wallet (friend turned me onto them as despise having things in my pockets). So are they now not selling Nordstrom items?
Brilliantly said. The only defence against Amazon is defending the top line, not the bottom line.
Facts
Good stuff, thanks!
Rob Saunderson n
yes?
Good stuff
Agreed prices are lower except Old Navy factory store. ON factory is no way cheaper. It even seemed even more expensive because they rely on the extra percent off. I've bought work twill for $13 and factory had all their pants full price.
I have not been to a Nordstrom Rack or have bought an Allen Edmonds Second. Heck, I wait until I am comfortable spending the money and getting what I pay for. Even if that means paying full price and supporting Made in USA goods.
Same with car parts. There are so many cheap car parts so top brands (Example Moog) will sell all parts with an R suffix. Those are the cheap parts with a brand name box. They cost between the cheap and expensive price. Often you don't save anything because they may have have half or 1/4 the life, plus the time and effort to install.
This really got me thinking.. Are the products at non-outlet stores that are being marked down 50% a different product than you would get if you were to pay full retail, quality wise? For example, when I buy an eton shirt for $80 vs the $250 it says it is being marked down from. Is this the current illusion of marketing? Would love to hear anyones thoughts.
I don't think that outlet stores have very good prices. Nor does Nordstrom Rack.
Precisely. Better bet is to buy the true heritage products but on the used / 2nd hand market, w classic menswear,.used quality and vintage will get you hugher quality since They are from before the practices became widespread or even a thing, ie brooks brothers1818 or makers is Not the same as brooks brothers 346 ....it puts the onus on the consumer to educate themselves on the hallmarks of quality, touch weight and feel of fabric, construction, etc, also on the used market , many of these high quality garments and accessories can be had at up to at times 90 percent or even more occasionally off actual retail price savings
You'd be better off scouring the clearance racks at Macy's or Nordstrom or even Dillard's for good quality clothing at bargain prices rather than outlet shopping. Oftentimes so called outlet bargains are not.
Nordstrom rack is a bridge between a designer kockoff outlet and the actual store's clearance section. We have stuff that did come from full line norrdstrom but it is usually mixed into our clearance now from our Rack selections/brands, so now you have to know what you're looking for.
Best example = Banana Republic VS Banana Republic Factory Store
This kills me. I really wish there would be more consistency and openness. Such a disappointment. I always say that brands shouldnt be the focus, but I do love me some Brooks Brothers shirts, but I noticed the quality difference and it was shameful. I like the cheaper price but its not worth it.
What kinda retail do you work in?
Does the actually Nordstrom store sell proper Allen Edmonds or factory seconds?
I just bought 3 like-new Brooks Brothers shirts at a thrift store for $26.00. Then a couple dollars each to launder them.
Duh. Corporate capitalism isn't designed to make good products affordable
SentsuizanXS you mean corporate fascism
Luxotica, better than socialism
My company used to be a supplier to one of Lux's U.S. brands with a factory in Southern California. Lux purchased this iconic brand for I forget how much, 1 or 2 billion USD. This company used to be the leader in its industry in design and innovation and quality manufacturing, a place where designers and engineers were driven by innovation and quality. Enter Lux. This Iconic American brand can't keep employees, not a single designer, engineer, technician is still there, they've all moved on; many to boutique brands. Lux has cost engineered that brand right into lowest quality tier in their category. Soon I imagine we will see this iconic brand on carousel displays at the local AM/PM and 7-11. Sad to great brands pilfered into the salvage bin of excess junk. BTW when shopping for sunglasses, check out Zeal Optics, PerSol, Madson of America and Smith Optics, all quality brands with good corporate values, at least for now.
The Rack definitely keeps Nordstroms head above water but the same can't be said for Last Call & Neiman Marcus.
@Don KWhy??
I would estimate that less than 10% of Nordstrom Rack's inventory has ever seen the inside of a Nordstrom store. As for Last Call Neiman Marcus I'd say more like 1-2%.
There is seasonal stuff that do get moved fro a main store to an outlet stores though. For instance, Nike has cold weather gear in Fall/Winter that get transferred to their outlet branches in February/March. Those shouldn't be knock offs.
No H&M is a different story. That whole company seems like a discount factory store. For me at least, I don't enjoy the quality of their clothing when I try them on and the sizing just seems off.
as long as you know what you are getting, its fine. I know its not the same as the real deal full store, but the prices are cheap. and most people out on the street can't tell the difference.
Why don’t these companies use the Suit Supply model? Gather high quality fabric from reputable mills, and assemble in China with their designers. That would produce well sourced clothing, at a low price point. It seems they want it their way or the highway. The roads are merging, and it looks like the highway is coming up.
The companies that cannot pivot will be eaten by the companies that can/or the new startups. Nothing is forever!
Because skill on MAKING the clothes is still the overriding factor in quality and as a whole, China still produces junk. Suit Supply is a perfect example.
Direct to consumer will provide great quality and price.
Why isn't the buttoned up podcast on TH-cam?
Good video but the camera always seems out of focus.
5:06 :O_3:34 makes sense_3:14 :O_2:14 yep_0:55 hmm
if you work in the wholesale apparel business you know that you get what you pay for, garments are made with cheaper fabric, trims, etc so you get what you pay for...their price tickets make you think your getting a deal youre not...they are fucking over the publc....youre not getting first quality for a discount ...buyer beware
Thrift shops are a much better experience imo
I was just about to say that! You can get far better prices and quality of clothing at thrift stores than you can with the garbage they sell at outlet stores.
What are these brands that are up and coming with good quality while being affordable?
I feel like that outlet stores are actually good if you’re buying children’s wear. I bought a pair of trousers at an Armani outlet in Italy, but it lasted me for years from the age of twelve until I was fifteen. Then I outgrew it, and it was also too worn out to wear. So outlets are good for good-looking stuff which you’d wear for a while until they either don’t fit, or they become less trendy. So in a way, save up your money for your kid’s uni fees, go buy clothes from the outlet for them, they look good, and are cheaper, you also don’t become so attached when they tear a hole in the knee.
How can you throw Nordstrom/nordstrom rack in with outlet stores like Nike and J Crew? They're, primarily, a third party retailer. They're now lessening the quality of their product for the sake of lower prices because most of their products aren't produced by them
nordstrom rack definitely carries stuff that brands specifically manufacture for outlet locations, especially clothing items. most of these brands also have their own outlet stores hence the made-for-outlet merchandise.
"Brooks Brothers" is the WORST!
"Cardboard" ties! :(
I've purchased j crew clothes in both outlet stores and at the regular stores and I don't see a difference.
Me too. But it’s like both store lines are now selling us low quality products with barely no design at all.
NICKI V It’s because you don’t have the eye for quality. Hilarious.
There’s still time to learn. You’re young.
In many ways you are wrong. These brands have not been around forever and will not be around forever. My vibe is to have a great idea, make lots of money, then retire early and enjoy the good life. Then the cycle repeats. You mean well but your favorite brands can care less about it's customers in reality and you and others would of never made them into something if you weren't getting something out of it. I think what your saying is your comfortable with the status quo and don't want it to ever change. Life don't work like that. I know I used to long for JJ Newbury, a five and dime store, the memories were special. Like counter service and eating a big banana split with mom. Been gone now for like many decades and mom is 87 now..
My glasses didn’t help the focus :(
Final Cut couldn't help me either :-(
Your retailer business commentary is a standout compared with your fashion vlogging which gets lost in a sea of male fashion vlogs. In 2013 Nordstrom Racks were full of items that once were sold at Nordstrom official retailers. Now, there's very little of actual Nordstrom products sold at the Rack.
Americans think with their wallets, not their heads.
They are not fakes but they are a lesser quality
Nordstrom Rack gets the same stuff that comes from regular boutique stores
That sweater color is great for you! (I am an artist so have to let you know. ;p)
He said some things ,but he talks fast
+Sean John I don't have time to waste! (Mine or yours)
truly one the best TH-cam Menswear channel . I love your take on clothes over all and your reviews are not vías at all , most of the Menswear comunity are puré off prostitutes .
Maybe true but who's gonna wear a same shirt for 10 years anyway, it's a waste of quality.
collar under sweater looks terrible
I think he looks cute & well fitted!
Yawn boring nothing new here