MEMPHIS, Tenn. — We shop at outlet stores to save money on our favorite brands but come to find out you may not be getting what you thought you were paying for.
Blinded by low prices?
Consumer Reports said these high-end brands make two different versions of the same product.
One for the flagship stores and another for the outlet.
“Many times products are tweaked. Let’s face it; you can’t get the same item for the same price. It’s impossible to produce. When we looked at a Coach bag, for example, the handle wasn’t as comfortable. The finish of the leather wasn’t as good,” Tod Marks explained.
This news was especially shocking to Chandra Taylor, who just bought a Coach bag from an outlet store.
“I just thought it was what they couldn’t sell at their regular store that they sent to an outlet store,” Taylor said. “In my mind I was still getting quality things.”
She’s confused as to why brands would try to mislead their customers, but couldn’t deny she loves a great deal.
“I still feel like I have the same quality clothes and I still get the name brand with the lesser price,” Taylor added.
While it was surprising news, shoppers like Lisa McClanahan said it wouldn’t stop her from shopping at the Tanger Outlet stores, which are expected to open in Southaven at the end of the year.
“No, I did not know that,” McClanahan explained. “I don’t think the average shopper does.”
At the end, shoppers said it’s all about the deals and saving money.
