Kate Spade Outlet vs Retail Quality: What’s the Difference?

20 Feb Kate Spade Outlet vs Retail Quality: What’s the Difference?

Kate Spade is a famous designer brand known for its fun, feminine styles and iconic Spade logo. The company operates over 300 retail stores across the globe, as well as a growing number of outlet locations. The outlets allow smart shoppers to score discounts on Kate Spade bags, clothing, shoes, and accessories. But how does the quality compare? Let’s take an in-depth look at Kate Spade outlets versus retail stores.

Overview of Kate Spade Outlets

Kate Spade outlets are typically located in outdoor shopping centers or outlet malls. They carry Kate Spade merchandise at discounted prices, usually 30-50% less than full retail. The selection includes:

• Handbags
• Wallets and small accessories
• Apparel like dresses, tops, pants and sweaters
• Shoes, including heels, flats and sandals
• Jewelry and watches
• Home decor like mugs, vases, and picture frames

Many core Kate Spade styles are available, from classic nylon totes to sparkly minaudières. The outlets frequently run additional promotions like “Buy More, Save More” sales to offer even deeper discounts. They also carry Kate Spade Surprise items at further reduced prices.

Kate Spade Retail Stores

Kate Spade’s 300+ retail boutiques have prime locations in malls, lifestyle centers, and urban shopping districts. They carry the brand’s full assortment of products, including:

• Complete collection of handbags, including new arrivals
• Extensive ready-to-wear line with dresses, blouses, denim, sweaters and more
• Complete shoe collection with seasonal styles
• Premium jewelry pieces and watches
• Home decor, tech accessories, stationery, and gift items
• Makeup, fragrance, cold weather accessories
• Bridal collection

The focus is on the latest seasonal offerings, classic silhouettes, and signature details like the spade logo. Given the premium real estate, prices are total retail value without discounts. Occasional sales do occur on seasonal items or gift-with-purchase offers.

Main Differences Between Outlets and Retail Stores

There are a few critical differences between Kate Spade’s outlets and retail stores:

Pricing

The most obvious difference is the pricing. Outlet locations offer 30-50% off retail prices across all categories. Special clearance racks go up to 75% off. Retail stores do not provide across-the-board discounts except for seasonal sales.

Selection

Outlet stores have a decent selection but not the complete breadth of inventory. Some seasonal items sell out quickly and are not restocked. The handbag selection focuses on core neutral colors rather than seasonal hues. Retail boutiques have a full assortment across all categories. Limited edition and runway pieces are only found at retail.

Exclusives

Outlet stores get exclusive products made just for the outlets. Examples include nylon bags in prints not found in retail stores or apparel collections like Kate Spade Cabana. These are lower price point items made to hit certain price thresholds. Retail stores carry items exclusively made for the full-price channel.

Stock

Outlet merchandise comes from excess inventory, so the store generally won’t restock the same item once it sells out. Retail boutiques reorder popular merchandise to keep the bestsellers in stock. If a color sells out, they’ll replace it with a new color.

Quality

Contrary to popular belief, the quality of Kate Spade outlet merchandise meets the same standards as retail. Materials and construction are comparable. The main difference lies in the designs. Outlet items have fewer embellishments, simpler hardware, and less decoration to streamline production. But overall durability and structure are on par. Retail collection items may have more ornate details that raise production costs.

Kate Spade Surprise

A unique offering only found at Kate Spade outlets is the Surprise collection. These are items created specifically for the sale channel, often using materials left over from past seasons. The styles are classic Kate Spade designs with shallow retail price tags, like $69 for a leather handbag. For the best deals, shop this section.

Is the Quality of Kate Spade Outlet Bags Lower?

When it comes to handbags, there is a myth that the outlet bags are inferior. But this is not the case – the quality is very comparable. Here are some facts:

• Materials used are identical to retail, including saffiano, pebbled, and thick canvas. Leather bags feature the same soft, high-quality Italian leather.
• Hardware is heavy-duty and durable, including custom-engraved logos, zippers, and feet. Cheaper metals that can scratch are not used.
• The lining is made from durable fabric that holds up well over time. Seams and stitching are tightly sewn and reinforced.
• The structured shapes of most Kate Spade bags retain their form over time. Bags are rigorously tested to hold up to normal wear and tear.
• Outlet bags focus on classic, core silhouettes favored by loyal customers vs. trendy runway shapes. This improves long-term functionality.
• Simple finishes with fewer embellishments streamline production costs. But they do not detract from the fundamental structure.
• Warranty and repair policies are the same. Kate Spade will repair any manufacturing defects on outlet purchases.

So, for shoppers focused on quality and durability, Kate Spade outlet bags deliver comparable construction and materials suitable for everyday use. The savings over retail prices are significant – up to 50% off or more. Stick to neutral colors for the best year-round use.

Kate Spade Outlet Apparel and Shoe Quality

Beyond handbags, Kate Spade is known for its iconic dresses, footwear, and jewelry. Are the outlet versions lower quality?

For clothing, materials, and manufacturing are generally consistent across both channels. You’ll find the exact fabrics like Italian wool, cotton poplin, and silky satin used across apparel at retail outlets—construction details like button placement, seam allowance, and interior finishing match retail pieces. Simple silhouette dresses without embellishment are more prevalent at the outlets to control costs. But they maintain the exact fit, feel, and structure as full-price dresses.

Regarding footwear, the outlets’ leathers, textures, and colors remain luxe. Made in Italian factories, the shapes use the same molds as retail shoes to ensure consistent fit and comfort. More embellished styles with hand-stitched details are exclusive to retail. But outlet pumps, flats, and sandals wear well over multiple seasons.

So clothing and shoes from Kate Spade outlets uphold the brand’s reputation for quality materials, construction, and comfort. Simple silhouettes keep costs down but do not sacrifice fundamentals. Shoppers find comparable quality at 30-50% savings off retail prices.

Quality of Jewelry, Accessories, and Home Goods

The outlet merchandise focuses on core neutrals vs seasonal brights for small leather goods like wallets, wristlets, and cosmetic cases. The pebbled and saffiano leathers have excellent durability at significant discounts. Hardware pieces like bag clips, purse mirrors, and key chains feature enamel finishes and gold plating comparable to retail.

The outlet jewelry selection includes Kate Spade’s signature whimsical designs with pave crystals and semiprecious stones. Pieces are made from brass with 14k gold plating so they resist tarnishing. The made-for-outlet line uses more basic metals to control price points, but durability is vital. Outlet watches feature reliable quartz movements and scratch-resistant mineral crystals.

Home decor and gifts like mugs, frames, tech accessories, and stationery are produced in the same factories as retail merchandise using Kate Spade’s exclusive custom prints and polished finishes. The assortment focuses on core neutrals rather than limited colors, so these classic pieces have lasting appeal for gifting or self-use.

Overall, the outlet merchandise upholds Kate Spade’s standards across jewelry, accessories, and home categories. Shoppers find the signature whimsy recreated in durable metals, leather, and decorative finishes. The savings vs retail make these excellent options for gifting and personal use.

When Is Kate Spade Outlet the Better Shopping Option?

While the quality is on par, there are certain situations where shopping at the Kate Spade outlet makes more sense:

For significant savings – With deep discounts of 30-75% off retail, the outlet provides more value and chances to save. Retail rarely offers sitewide sales, so outlet deals deliver more significant savings.

Core classics – The outlet selection focuses on the signature, classic silhouettes in neutral tones that stand the test of time. These get repeated use vs trendy seasonal pieces.

Replacements – If you’ve worn out an everyday handbag or wallet, replacing it with an outlet version saves significantly. You get the same look for less.

Gifts – Outlet prices allow you to gift better quality pieces without overspending. The packaging is the same, so recipients feel like they’re unwrapping designer items.

Kate Spade Surprise – This outlet’s exclusive collection delivers huge bargains on classic styles. It’s worth a trip for the deep discounts.

Basics – For core basic categories like t-shirts, jeans, shoes, jewelry, and home goods, the outlet quality is spot on for far less.

Less selection needed – If you need one versatile LBD or nude pump, the outlet has enough basic options without digging through overwhelming variety.

Prefer outlets – Some shoppers enjoy trekking outlets for the hunt versus overwhelming retail stores. Less choice can be better.

When Kate Spade Retail Stores Are the Better Option

However, there are specific scenarios where the retail stores deliver a clear advantage:

New arrivals – Retail is the first place to find new collections and seasonal items. Trendy styles sell out quickly at outlets.

Runway/limited edition – Must-have capsule collections and collaborations will first launch at full-price stores with limited distribution.

Color selection – Boutiques offer a rainbow of color choices across bags and apparel vs basic neutrals at outlets.

Full range – Retail has a complete head-to-toe selection, including makeup, gifts, exclusives, and home items. Great for one-stop shopping.

Specific styles – If you’ve got your heart set on a particular item, like a novelty bag or embellished shoes, retail gives you the best chance of finding it in stock.

Launching a collection – Building a core designer wardrobe or handbag collection starts best by investing in signature retail pieces.

Special occasion – A sparkly holiday dress, bridal accessories, or milestone gift often calls for a splurge retail purchase. The packaging presentation is luxe.

Experience – The retail shopping experience offers elevated service and luxurious settings. Browsing beautiful boutiques provides inspiration and fun.

Immediacy – Retail provides instant gratification if you urgently need a gift or a new outfit. Outlets require more pre-planning.

Preference – Some shoppers prefer full-service retail stores and are willing to pay extra for the convenience.

Quality Comparison Summary

While Kate Spade outlets and retail stores differ in pricing, selection, exclusives, and inventory availability, the merchandise’s core quality and durability are comparable across both channels. Shoppers find the same dedication to premium materials, thoughtful design, and meticulous craftsmanship.

The outlet collection focuses on core classics in neutral tones that meet the quality standards Kate Spade is known for while taking a more straightforward design approach to control manufacturing costs. But fabrics, leathers, finishes, and construction exhibit the same excellence found at retail.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to shopping priorities. For significant savings on wardrobe essentials and signature styles, Kate Spade outlets deliver quality and value. Retail boutiques provide the full breadth of collections with new arrivals, gift packaging, and shopping experience. Evaluating your needs against the key differences helps determine your best option.

FAQs

Is Kate Spade outlet the same quality as retail?

Yes, Kate Spade outlet stores offer the same level of quality and construction as retail boutiques. Materials, manufacturing standards, and durability are consistent. The main differences are more superficial design elements and neutral colors that allow the outlet to control costs. But fundamental construction matches retail.

Are Kate Spade outlet bags authentic?

Yes, bags purchased at Kate Spade outlets are authentic. They are made in the same factories using the same leathers and hardware. Style designs are created specifically for the outlet channel to simplify embellishments and limit colors, but bags are real Kate Spade quality.

Does Kate Spade make lower-quality bags for outlets?

No, Kate Spade does not make inferior quality bags for their outlets. The materials, artistry, and durability match the retail collection. Style choices lean towards core classics vs seasonal trends, but overall construction meets the same standards. Shoppers can confidently buy authentic Kate Spade bags at outlets.

Is Kate Spade outlet online authentic?

Yes, the official Kate Spade outlet online store at katespade.com is entirely authentic and offers the same merchandise found at their offline outlets. Shoppers receive 100% genuine Kate Spade products when ordering online outlet inventory. This includes items made exclusively for the outlet stores. Kate Spade stands behind all outlet online orders.

Should I buy Kate Spade at retail or outlet?

If budget is a primary factor, Kate Spade outlets provide significant savings on classic styles with the same quality. Retail is better for new arrivals, hard-to-find items, and the whole brand experience. Evaluate your priorities – value vs selection – and consider when outlets or retail stores best fit your needs. Both offer authentic Kate Spade style.

Conclusion

Kate Spade built a brand beloved for its optimistic femininity and thoughtful designs. Shoppers find the same DNA – colors, materials, shapes, details – flowing through both outlet and retail stores. While the retail channel focuses on the breadth of inventory, newest collections, and immersive shopping environments, the outlets excel at delivering core classics and signature styles at 30-50% off.

Learn The Ultimate Guide to Bags Evaluating your specific needs and shopping priorities will determine the best channel. Seek outlets for staple items like classic handbags, jewelry, and gifting. Visit retail for the complete head-to-toe collection and limited editions. But rest assured, the quality remains consistent through both shopping experiences. With iconic spades adorning expertly crafted products, Kate Spade devotees find accessible luxury in retail boutiques and outlet bargains.