So, I read an article on yahoo that said that the coach and dooney bags that are sold at the outlets are of lesser quality than full retail bags and are made specifically for the outlets. I was under the impression that the outlets carried last seasons stuff or stuff that had been returned and refurbished.

I used to work in the mall and through different events became close to both the manager of the the full retail dooney and coach stores. So, I asked them. They both told me that yes, there is a big difference in quality between the full retail line and the outlet line! Even though you may see the "same" bag at the outlet, its not. Its made with lesser quality materials! They said in reality, you aren't even saving any money because you think you are paying 150 for a 250 bag but in reality you are paying 150 for a 100 bag!

I think my jaw is still on the floor!

I have heard that as well, interestingly. I have 1 piece from the outlets that fell apart soon after I got it. Everything else has held up for YEARS.

ON the one from the outlet the leather started peeling away from the zipper (like it wasn't sewn in properly) and the pull came off the zipper as well.

Yes this has been going on for years, I've mentioned it in a few threads on the handbag forum! It's sad really...they used to be actual retail items at lower prices but not anymore =/

Coach has* a lifetime warranty so you pay your 20.00 send it in and Bam fixed!

ORLY?

Huh. Well a nice gent from my coach store supplied me with a strap that works beautifully. Happy about that. The leather pulling away might be something to fix though. Thanks!

Yep, you're right elf. I'm a manager at the mall and the Coach store there isn't last years styles. It use to be, as did a lot of other stores. The majority of outlet stores aren't last years/last seasons items anymore. Instead, the companies purchase items specifically for outlet stores. Unfortunately, the quality isn't as good, but you do get it for a great price. There are a few exceptions though. The Ralph Lauren store in our mall isn't made for outlets. And, you can tell when you go in and it's the same price as you would pay at Belk, etc. No, or little, discount and it's the same items that you see in the dept. stores. The best way to tell is to go to the stores website and see if they have the same items as the outlet store. Some will, some won't.

actually Ms.A, a friend of mine had a coach purse that was cloth with leather trimmings, the fabric was wearing thin and starting to fray. We walked into the store, she showed it to the lady there, and the lady looked for some tag in the bag (authenticity? number? i don't know), and she typed it in the computer. Then told my friend that she could pick a bag that was $170 in the store, or it could be used as credit for a more expensive bag. She didn't have to pay $20 and they didn't offer to fix it. They just took the old bag and gave her a new one. My friend paid an extra $10 and got a all leather one! I wonder if they have this policy for shoes.. lol

We sent in my mom's favorite coach purse for $20 to have the zipper fixed, they sent it back saying they couldn't fix it and gave her a voucher for 40% off a full retail purchase purse. The gesture was okay, but if they can't fix a zipper, I don't know what else you send purses in for to get fixed. *shrugs* I did spend $100 on a purple crossbody bag for my little sister as a present from the outlet store, because that's the style and color I knew she'd like, but she's 15 and I'd want her to be older before buying her a nicer, higher quality purse since at the age she's at right now I know the purse will get pretty beat up.

I can tell the difference between the coach outlet and coach bags just by the look and feel of the bags. The outlet stores do have someq bags sometimes that are from the retail stores but they are hit and miss. I am happy with the two retail bags I got at the coach outlet though.

Oh and the diaper bag I got for traveling....