Outlet - what is it? What is an outlet?

"Fashion with a democratic face" - does such exist in reality? We are used to believe as follows: it is possible to look fashionable and stylish by injecting solid capital into your appearance. It is important to keep track of all the latest trends in the fashion world, attend shows, be aware of all trends, and have a knowledge of the compatibility of toilet parts. Designer things are, as a rule, expensive. Toilets from the latest collections of eminent couturiers can afford only the powerful of this world: actors, show business stars, multimillionaires of all stripes, famous athletes. But how to be an ordinary person, whose incomes are average, but the desire to be fashionable is simply huge?

Especially for such a contingent of people, who constitute the bulk of the population of big and small cities, the Americans came up with the concept of "outlet". What is it and what is it for? A small historical background will help to sort out these issues.

The history of the appearance of outlet stores

The first outlet stores appeared in the US several decades ago. The idea of creating such establishments is dictated by the need to sell clothes that remain on the shelves of boutiques or warehouses of garment factories. The concept of "stocks (or balances)" is denoted in English by the term "stock", therefore, in fact, an outlet is a stock. These two definitions are unambiguous and are synonymous.

The availability of seasonal sales significantly helps to free warehouses in stores, but not completely. Then arose a brilliant idea about the opening of such centers, where the clothes of past collections of famous brands will be sold at a quite democratic price. Although the first outlet stores appeared in the USA, they were most widely distributed in Europe. In Russia, such a movement is still in its infancy. Most Russians do not suspect the existence of the concept of "outlet". What is it, they represent with difficulty.

What is an outlet?

While the Russians are just getting acquainted with the runoff, Europeans have been enjoying an outlet for two decades already. This, as they say, quality at a reasonable price. Now Europeans consider visiting such establishments even fashionable, and the inhabitants of other states specially arrive here for the realization of grandiose shopping. The very idea of buying a thing of a famous manufacturer at a ridiculous price is very attractive to the person following the fashion trends. And if you think globally, then in the era of the global crisis, the outlet is a good way to save the family budget.

Some people who do not have the right information, try to bypass such shops side. They believe that the outlet is second-hand. Do not confuse these two concepts, which are radically different from each other. Second hand is a term for referring to things that have already been in circulation, that is, they were worn by their previous owner for a certain period of time. The degree of deterioration of things is the criterion for evaluating the class of this kind of clothing. Second-hand is also divided into categories, the highest of which is "luxury". Yes, along with the flow of such clothing, some of the runoff, which can be identified by the presence of labels and price tags, also falls. But their share is very small. If you really want to purchase stock items, then you should visit outlet stores. Although adherents second-hand too many, and this is understandable because there you can buy clothes of excellent European quality in good condition for a penny price.

As it was said before, in Europe outlet stores are represented most widely. The desire of a lot of people to buy luxury goods at a reduced price caused huge demand and led to the creation of entire complexes that provide such an opportunity. A modern outlet is a shopping center, which is a large building, divided into segments. The content of such stores is inexpensive, which allows you to establish a democratic pricing policy. Often under one roof, boutiques of various brands coexist peacefully, united by the outlet theme. In such a shopping center you can spend a whole day, following from one object to another in search of fashionable treasures. Therefore, as a rule, there are cafes and food centers, where consumers can refresh themselves and gain strength for the continuation of shopping.

At the place of organization such establishments are divided into two areas:

• Factory outlet is a sale with a large markdown of unrealized stocks of things that is carried out directly at garment factories and factories.
• Outlet - mall (outlet mall) - sales of deposits of goods, which are arranged in boutiques or brand stores.

Outlet: truth and myths

Very often, such institutions are located outside the city and beckon with grandiose discounts. Is it really?

Indeed, the outlet is a shop located on the outskirts or outside of cities. This is easily explained by the fact that rent in such a locality is minimal and allows you to restrain the price at a low level. Psychologists also tend to believe that there is another intent in such an organization. Having spent a lot of time on the road, it will be difficult for a person to restrain himself from buying. For example, a thing that you would not pay any attention to in the boutique near the house, in this place acquires a different status. Pasted with a sticker at a big discount, it will certainly attract a lot of interest.

As for discounts, this is the main weapon of outlet shops. Actually, this is the main idea of the organization of such stores, and it is for them to go buyers. Tempting offers - from 30% to an incredible 80% - are able to turn a head to the most persistent and sober-minded people. British psychologists, relying on the relevant studies, argue: the consumer interest is primarily the size of the discount, and then the price. Having bought an expensive thing, we consoled ourselves that the markdown on it was huge. In this case, an important moment for the human mind is the fact of a great economy, although with it considerable expenditures have been made. Therefore, psychologists have their own answer to the question: "Outlet - what is it?" They say that this is a clever invention of marketing, which acts on an important human need: buy a lot and pay a little.

Another point that worries a lot of citizens. Are the discounts real or are they made from a deliberately inflated original price? As a rule, everything is fair in European drains. Yes, and this can be checked. Many people who follow fashion, are well aware of the original cost of things from glossy magazines and online stores. Therefore, it is not so easy to deceive well-informed mods. In addition, outlets value their honest name. Legislation strictly regulates the activities of such a trading enterprise as an outlet. What this means for the population, it is not difficult to guess. In the European Union, certain regulations have been approved, which states: a discount in such a store should be between 30-35%, so prices are regulated at the state level.

What is sold in outlet stores?

What things are sold in outlets? Is it possible to buy here a treasure of high fashion at a bargain price? Specialists in the analysis of the market argue that the vast majority of things, namely 80%, sold in outlets, are sewn specially for these stores. What are they? Often these are the same models of eminent designers, but more simple execution. They have some savings: on the quality of the material, on the finish, on the decorative details. Production of such versions costs the manufacturer cheaper by 20-40%, and they, without going through branded and traditional retail boutiques, go straight to the outlet. What does this give? This significantly lowers their cost and makes production cost-effective. And only 20% of the stock of stock shops are design items of past and before last collections, which did not wait for their customers at the former place of sale.

But do not lose sight of the brand seen on the label and mindlessly buy the first thing that has happened. It is worth paying close attention to the details. An expensive and qualitatively sewn thing speaks the language of small things and nuances. The number of stitches on the buttons, the quality of the processing of seams, the level of finishing elements and accessories, the accuracy of trimming the fabric - all this can distinguish a good thing from substandard. The main material from which the thing is made will also tell a lot about it. Agree, Prada shoes, sewn from an inexpensive leatherette, can cause a lot of doubt in their authenticity and quality.

There are certain recommendations from those people who know firsthand all about the notion of "outlet": what it is, how to make purchases, which you should not forget. These tips will save you time, money and not be disappointed in your purchases on your arrival home.

Days of receipt in sewage

Usually a large supply of goods to the outlet is made weekly on Fridays. Knowledgeable people tend to get into the sewers at the end of the workweek or on Saturday morning. Thus the chances of finding a worthwhile thing are increasing. Once in the outlet on Thursday, you are likely to run into a scant choice.

Shopping time

People who know what an outlet store is advised to allocate for shopping all day, if possible, of course. A lot of time is spent on getting acquainted with the assortment of stores, the number of which under one roof can reach twenty. Take into account also time for fitting, idle in queues, checkout of tax-free checks and many other unforeseen circumstances. Careful selection of things will save you from the fact that purchases will simply hang in the wardrobe or will inevitably become a gift to someone from relatives or acquaintances.

Time to think

If you really liked any thing, then buy it better right now. Keep in mind that the high attendance level of outlets and the limited size can leave you without time for a long time thinking about the purchase. Returning even after an hour, you may find that the favors are no longer on the shelf. In addition, sellers in stores like to update the assortment often on showcases.

Therefore experts of sewage are expressed as follows: outlet - this is called a store for purchase on the principle of "here and now", so as not to regret later about the missed opportunity.

Why do we need tax-free?

Tax-free is a well-established system of returning a part of the VAT tax to the buyer, which operates on the territory of Europe. The indicator of this value can be from 7% to 20% of the resulting purchase amount. This criterion also depends on the value of VAT adopted in a particular European country. Tax-free begins to accrue when you buy more than a certain amount. This threshold is also different depending on the region. For example, in Germany, the threshold is 50 euros, but in Italy the same criterion is equal to 155 euros. Very often at the checkout of the store, the fact that up to the required amount is missing is literally 10 euros. Then the buyer headlong back to the store to take a thing and get the right price. Most often this manipulation proves to be economically justified.

Weight matters

When shopping in this paradise for shopaholic people, do not forget that air carriers limit the weight of hand luggage. As a rule, the critical weight for luggage is 20 kg. For excess, you will have to pay the amount regulated by the charter of the company. Therefore, when buying the thirtieth blouse, remember that it can not fly with you to your homeland. Every thing has its own weight, and you should buy only what you really need.

In which period do the maximum discounts apply?

Professional buyers of outletlets claim that there are two main periods in the year when discounts reach their upper limit. The first season comes in late June, when the price, known to be halved, drops by another 30%. After New Year's holidays, in the beginning of January, there comes the second stage of grandiose discounts. Those who know about these nuances, plan a large shopping for these periods. Do not forget about the shopping hysteria that accompanies many in these moments. There is a risk, succumbing to the general mood of mass buying, to spend money on unnecessary things in principle. Keep a sober mind.

How to find outlet centers?

In every major European city there is at least one large stock-center. Therefore, any European will easily answer the question of how to get to the stores. Addresses of their location and even the time of operation can be easily found in any search engine.

In Russia, the outlet is only gaining momentum. Large stock-centers can be found in Moscow and the Moscow region, in St. Petersburg and in Yekaterinburg.