When CR shopped for look-alikes at outlets and full-price stores, its textile expert confirmed that the outlet versions were tweaked. Outlet store goods are designed to sell for less than retail goods, so shoppers can't assume they're exact copies. Specifically, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Gap, J.Crew, and Pottery Barn were cited more than other stores for selling goods inferior to their regular store counterparts. Eleven percent judged outlet goods as 'slightly poorer' but said the differences were so insignificant that they were barely noticeable, while 2 percent thought outlet lines were 'substantially poorer' than goods sold elsewhere. Among the top choices: Jockey and Carter's (clothes, underwear), Harry & David (food), Corningware (kitchenware), Izod and Van Heusen (clothes) and Coach (leather goods and other accessories).Īlmost three-quarters of shoppers described the merchandise quality as 'excellent' or 'very good.' About the same percentage rated outlet merchandise equal in quality to the same brands sold at regular stores. Respondents gave high marks to a range of stores.

Overall, 60 percent of outlet shoppers said they were completely or very satisfied with their experience. CR also interviewed experts and sent a reporter undercover to buy $2,000 worth of shirts, slacks, socks, sweats and other items to examine in its textile labs. The results reveal the winners and losers among 58 major outlet brands included in the survey, which took into account key factors such as value, quality, selection and service.

Jockey outlet stores locations