About Outlet Shops
With about 25 percent of all Americans patronizing outlet shops they have continued to grow, providing consumers with a pleasurable way to find name brand products at discount prices.
At outlet shops consumers can find everything from clothing, cosmetics, toys, books and furniture to flooring and other products at cut-rate prices. What's more, you can even shop online on any day of the week, at any hour.
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History
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Outlet Stores Offer Name Brand Products at Discount Prices
Outlet shops have their roots as far back as 19th century America when East coast shoe and clothing retailers began selling defective and over-stocked merchandise to their employees at reduced prices.
In 1936, the mens clothing industry, Anderson-Little, opened the first outlet store. From that time until the mid1970s outlet stores sold surplus and damaged goods at remote, single-stored sites. Then in 1974 Vanity Fair opened the first multi-storied outlet in Reading, Pennsylvania. Outlets continued to flourish throughout the next three decades to the present day.
Function
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Outlet stores are in outdoor malls where major and name brand companies are able to sell their goods to consumers at reduced prices.
As a result both shoppers, as well as manufacturers benefit because they have a place to store their over-stocked name brand merchandise, which would, otherwise, be crammed into their stores if it were not for outlet malls.
Customers can find discounted goods ranging in everything from clothing, sports equipment, books and home decor to toys and furniture at outlet malls that are usually located away from large cities.
Features
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Outlet stores provide items from major manufacturers at lower prices. Besides offering name brand goods, many outlet malls offer eateries for hungry shoppers. Because they're spread out over many acres, shoppers need to wear comfortable walking shoes, as well as dress appropriately, depending on the weather.
Misconceptions
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One common misconception about outlet shops is that they carry second-rate merchandise. In reality, they may have some stock that's been shipped from manufacturers because of the age of the items and not because of inferior quality.
Actually, outlet shops carry both first-run pieces and discontinued items. Shoppers don't need to worry about any defective items at outlet shops because damaged goods are destroyed and not offered for sale.
Warning
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While outlet shops are considered a welcome place to shop for bargains for many people, critics contend they can also be a mixed blessing. Although they provide jobs and discounted merchandise, they can also result in traffic jams and an area that becomes restricted to having only one industry within its economy.
In addition, the recent economic crisis could hurt outlet shops because consumers spending less money. High energy costs also cripple sales. Finally, the housing market slump threatens higher profits, as fewer people are buying or building new homes, resulting in less sales for furniture and household goods.
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