I was reading an article on Businessweek’s website that was talking about how a lot of the big “snob” companies like Sak’s Fifth avenue is opening more outlet stores, in the hopes that they will attract more customers to the outlet store’s lower prices. The article confused me a little bit because I had read many years ago that “outlet stores” were not necessarily a “discount store” and that when people shop at outlet stores looking for a “bargain” they usually are not really getting a “bargain.” What they are often getting are closeouts, over-runs, or factory seconds.
After I had learned that “outlet stores” were really not “discount” stores I pretty much avoided them. So now I’m wondering if “outlet” stores are changing their strategy and really ARE offering bargains now!