Clothing outlet stores seem to have sprung up everywhere. When these stores first appeared on the shopping scene, they were a source for incredible deals for brand name and designer clothing. Although they still offer significant fashion discounts, one needs to shop wisely in order to realize the mammoth savings that were so common when these stores first arrived. Why? Many clothing outlet stores now make fashions specifically for their outlet stores. The fashions destined for their outlets may be of inferior quality and workmanship, even though their price is low. That’s why it pays to be a smart outlet shopper. Here are some of the secrets of successful clothing outlet shopping:
Clothing outlet shopping secret: Make a list.
Hitting the clothing outlet stores without a plan and a list can be financial suicide. When you get into these stores, you may have a tendency to buy on the basis of emotion. After all, you’ll reason, where else will I be able to find this lovely little orange colored, sequined sweater at such a low price? Never mind that orange makes you look like you’ve just been ill. Before you step foot into the first store, sit down and make a list of exactly what you need. Take your list along and don’t deviate from it. You should only have eyes for what’s specifically on your list if you want the outlet stores to really save you money.
Clothing outlet shopping secret: Try on all items before you buy them.
Don’t get lazy and avoid the dressing room even if there’s a line. You may have had to drive some distance to reach the outlet mall and you don’t want to have to bring the item back because it doesn’t fit. Plus, some outlet store fashions are irregulars.You need to know that the irregularity doesn’t involve the sizing. It’s not a bargain if you can’t wear it.
Clothing outlet shopping secret: Learn to recognize quality.
Yes, a designer name can sometimes mean better quality, but not in every case. Learn to recognize high quality fabric when you touch it. Browse in the high end, designer clothing stores and feel the materials on the expensive clothing. Keep doing this until you know quality material by sight and touch. This will come in handy when you hit the outlet malls to find a designer fashion bargain. You’ll be able to recognize those designer pieces of inferior quality that were designed specifically for the outlet stores.
Clothing outlet shopping secret: Focus on the back of the store.
Many of the best clothing bargains are to be found on the racks in the back of the store. Search these racks thoroughly for the best bargains. These racks are often overlooked by the average outlet shopper and tend to be less picked over. They’re also more likely to hold clothing that has had additional mark downs.
Clothing outlet shopping secret: Look for coupons.
Before you visit the outlet centers, do a search online for “outlet store coupons”. Some outlet stores publish additional coupon savings online. If you’re visiting an outlet store from out of town, check with your hotel and see if they have any outlet store coupon books available. These can sometimes save you a significant amount of money.
Enjoy shopping for clothing at the outlet malls, but be careful. A clothing bargain is only a bargain if you truly love it.
