Fashion has always been a relentless activity and closely associated with constant consumption. Clothes from the previous collection go out of fashion and consumers who follow trends are called upon to renew their wardrobe. In doing so, the most famous fashion brands find themselves with surplus from their collections that they can no longer sell through their main channels: clothes from last season, loose sizes, items with small defects. These are the items that end up with exit at very reduced prices… in theory.
In practice, in addition to selling their surplus, some brands manufacture products specifically intended for points of sale. These items are usually cheaper versions, with small differences in materials or design compared to the products in the main stores. They maintain the brand image, but the quality is not the same, since it is not a product that was originally intended to be sold at its seasonal price.
Fashion brands aren’t always transparent about this practice. In 2015, Kors was forced to pay nearly $5 million in compensation to a customer who sued for mislabeling, according to Quarz magazine. Kors was selling pants for $99.99 that had a “manufacturer’s suggested retail price” of $120. In reality, the pants were made directly for the exit and they were never offered at $120 in any store. Other brands like Ralph Lauren or Gap have faced similar lawsuits.
High prices are one of the characteristics of the big luxury brands and a guarantee of their exclusivity. However, even if these brands offer superior manufacturing qualities, they also have much higher margins. The points of sale They offer discounts ranging from 30% to 70%, which appeals to consumers looking for luxury products or high-end brands at lower prices. Despite the discounts, the brands’ profit margin remains attractive, since the production cost is lower because they are unsold products or products designed for this specific channel.
THE points of sale They are usually located outside of urban centers, where rental and operating costs are lower. This reduces overheads and helps keep prices low. In addition, the points of sale They are usually grouped in large shopping centers dedicated exclusively to this type of store, which generates a constant flow of consumers and attracts visitors with the sole purpose of shopping there.
How to save on a exit
It is important to understand that the best way to save money on clothes is to avoid buying them. Various studies indicate that people have far more clothes than they need and that many of them are not worn. A look at your own wardrobe will probably lead you to the same conclusion. That said, buying good quality clothes that last longer, even if they are a little more expensive, is also a way to save money, and points of sale They offer the opportunity to buy these clothes at better prices.
To ensure that purchases in a exit This is indeed a good opportunity and not just an illusion of savings, and to avoid falling into the trap of false offers, it is important to follow some recommendations:
Check your closet to get an idea of what you already have, that item of clothing you are thinking about buying may come up. Make a list of what you need and a budget with a limit on how much you can spend on each item of clothing. Think about how you will combine these new items with the ones you already own. If possible, do all of this the day before going to the hospital. exitThe 24-hour break will give you time to reconsider your needs and avoid some impulse purchases.
Before visiting the exit, Search and compare prices online. This way you can know the price in different stores and when you arrive at the exit You will check if the price offered is actually a discount, or if, on the contrary, they have inflated the initial price to make the item appear more reduced (common practice). Many consumers think that the prices in points of sale They are always lower, but this is not always the case. Sometimes products in conventional stores are also on sale and may end up having similar or even lower prices.
- Check the quality of the product
Visit the stores of the brands you like and, even if you don’t buy, you will have the opportunity to have the original items in hand and even try them on. Take pictures of the labels. In the points of sale, Many brands make items specifically to be sold at lower prices, and while they may look similar, there are often differences in the quality of materials and finishes. If it is a product from a previous season, it may have the same quality as in the original store, but if not, the quality and sometimes the label can give it away.
- Don’t buy just because it’s on sale
Sometimes the points of sale They offer very large discounts, which can create a sense of urgency to buy an item that we may not really need. A common case is that of clothes from well-known brands that have significant discounts but in very striking or difficult to combine colors. Stop and ask yourself if you really need a bubblegum pink down jacket, if you would actually wear it and if you would buy it if the price were higher.
During periods of big sales or special events such as Black Friday or end-of-season sales, points of sale They often offer additional discounts. If you plan your purchases and wait for these days, you can get what you are looking for at a very good price. However, on these occasions the demand is also higher, so be prepared to get up early and avoid the crowds.
Finally, it is useful to know the return policies of exit. Often, the return policies are stricter than in other stores. For example, they may not accept returns or only offer exchanges instead of refunds. Check beforehand, especially if you are not completely sure about the purchase or if it is a gift.
