The gift-hunting season has already kicked off. A month before Christmas, organized shoppers are on the lookout for great clothing deals to delight their loved ones without breaking the bank. At this time of year, outlets and brand villages become hot spots for finding those special items that will bring joy to loved ones. However, the advertised bargains often conceal genuine marketing ploys.<\/p>\n
Fashion enthusiasts often believe they are purchasing the same quality found in regular stores but at a lower price, yet this is not always true. Although the clothes sold in outlets look similar to those available in traditional stores, they are not made the same way and are part of collections specifically designed for outlet villages.<\/p>\n
But how do these brands manage to cut costs? The secret lies in the composition and materials used. To produce and then sell clothes at a lower cost, fashion brands reduce the use of expensive materials and increase the use of cheaper ones. For instance, an outlet polo might look the same, but instead of having 70% cotton and 30% polyester, the ratios might be reversed.<\/p>\n
A salesperson from a well-known jeans brand told reporters from Le Parisien, “They are the same [as in the boutique], the cut doesn’t change. The only difference might be the material, the jeans here are ‘premium.’ That means the quality, the materials used, are a bit more high-grade than those at outlets.”<\/p>\n
When comparing polos from both retail channels, a workshop manager highlighted all the differences between the two versions: the color is less vibrant in the version sold at brand villages, the embroidery is cheaper, and the material is less thick (255g for the polo in regular stores versus 238g for the outlet polo). Yet, it is virtually impossible for a layperson to spot these differences with the naked eye. The tell-tale sign without needing a lab? The inventory.<\/p>\n
If a desired item is available in all sizes, it’s likely from the special outlet collection, not unsold items from past official collections. This isn’t true for all brands\u2014just some. But now, as shoppers, we know what to watch out for when hitting the stores…<\/p>\n\n\n