(WXYZ) - Outlet malls are often packed with bargain-hunting consumers captivated by the idea of big savings. But are shoppers really getting the deals they think they are?
Sally Williams/Outlet Shopper: "We just saved $80. $80 on our purchases!"
Outlet malls claim huge savings compared with retail stores.
Michele Rothstein/Outlet Manager: "On average, our shoppers can expect savings of 25 to 60 percent."
But are the deals really that great?
We took a hidden camera to some popular outlet stores, including Ralph Lauren, Levis and Columbia. Then we compared prices with off-price retailer TJ Maxx and some department stores.
The Ralph Lauren outlet featured button-down Polo shirts for $39 dollars, about $20 less than retail. But at TJ Maxx, we found racks of what appeared to be the identical Lauren dress shirt for just $29; that's $10 less!
The Levis outlet featured Levis 505 jeans marked down from $44 to $34. But we found Levis 505 on sale at Macy’s for just $29!
The Columbia outlet had adult parkas with zip-out linings for $99; TJ Maxx had similar Columbia's for $79!
Meanwhile, department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom are fighting back with their own store brands that look just like the big names for less than half.
John Bailey/Nordstrom: "This flat retails for $395 for a Jimmy Choo and we also have a BP flat also in print, that retails for $59.95."
However, some outlet deals can't be beat. The Nike outlet featured Jordan shoes for $79 dollars; at Dicks Sporting Goods, they start at $89 and go well over $100. The outlets win this one.
Our partners at Consumer Reports say outlets can save you, on average, 25 to 35 percent below retail. But these days, with the sluggish economy, retailers everywhere are slashing prices, so you may find a better deal somewhere else.
Allison Gudeman will shop the outlet malls, but says she knows she'll always find great deals at TJ Maxx, brand name clothes for a lot less. She says you just have to look through the racks to find them.
Besides TJ Maxx, Stephanie Dolche also likes to snag the deals at thrift stores like the Salvation Army or Goodwill. You can find clothes there, with the tags still on them, for next to nothing.
Lots of ways for budget-minded shoppers to save a buck these days!
So bottom line, don’t just assume you’re getting the best deal at an outlet store. Look at circulars and online ads and compare prices, so you Don’t Waste Your Money.
