Designer retail outlets – are they worth the schlep?

DD265

There are a couple of stores I'll frequent, but many of what I'd consider to be the actual designer stores at the designer outlets only seem to carry full price goods.

Callie22

I live within walking distance of a Designer Outlet centre. Tbh, it's not somewhere I visit that frequently as I find that most of the stores don't sell full-priced 'regular' stock at lower prices. Lots of the stores (M&S, Clarks and Gap spring to mind) seem to mostly sell stuff that's especially made for the 'outlet' stores, and whilst it's generally cheaper it's definitely of a lesser quality. It also feels a bit disingenuous as it's hard to discern whether you're actually getting a bargain or not - whilst a GAP t-shirt might be (say) £20 in a regular store, if the one in the outlet store isn't the same quality then it saying 'rrp £20, outlet price £10' on the label feels a bit off. I also find that a lot of stuff might have company x's label on it, but it's not stuff that you'll ever find in a regular branch of the store. It might be 'cheaper' but I think a lot of people have the impression that the outlet stores sell mainly overstocks or reduced 'normal' products and that's not really the case, most of the stock seems to be especially made for the outlet stores.

Having said that some things, like luggage, homewares and electricals can be cheaper, and you do get the odd bargain in the sales when they do seem to bring in the old stock from the high-street stores. I think though that you're likely to be disappointed if you go looking for a bargain on a specific clothing item from a specific shop (or if you're petite or a plus size), and in my experience generally the 'designer' stuff is more higher-end high street than true 'designer'. I personally find the whole experience a bit depressing as it's really not that much cheaper, but if you go there kind of knowing what you want - i.e. a pair of shoes, a pair of trousers - and you're not that bothered about the brand or getting a real bargain, then you'll probably be able to find something.

DomRavioli

I used to visit cheshire oaks at least three times a year. Unfortunately they removed most of the non-clothing shops, I have zero interest in designer clothing so I won't make the trip.

Great for label wh0r3s, but then again how many of those are on a money saving website.

baby_lemonade

How do you pronounce Weleid?

silvercar

Bicester has more upmarket brands than the chain of Designer Outlet Malls. No M&S or Gap. Quality seems fine, though in some shops you are clearly getting last year's styles.

onlyroz

No idea what schlep means and I'm not looking it up.

Does Gunwharf Quay in Portsmouth count as an outlet? I quite like it down there mainly for the restaurants. The only shops I've spent money in is Dr Martens and Weirdfish.

sooty&sweep

Hi
I live near the Fleetwood Freeport.
I do shop there for certain things & it's great because I can park easily & I have a good idea what I'll be able to buy there.
Next isn't as good as it was because they've brought in ranges that are specific to their outlets & not as good as the main Next range.
I'm not sure I'd travel 20 miles to visit Free port though.
Jen

LilElvis

I g to Bicester Village a couple of times a year at most these days as it is all very "high end " now. I've had some amazing bargains in the past - most notably the couple of times I went to the Nicole Farhi store to find that they had reduced everything by 90% at change of season. What's not to love at that level of reduction? The whole place is now aimed at the Japanese and Chinese tourists who arrive by the coach load, which is great for me as it means the clothing stores stock a lot of small sizes, particularly in shoes.

Ames

I can't believe how many people don't know the word schlep, is it a regional thing then?

DCFC79

I have no idea what schlep is either had to look it up.