Thank you for all your answers, I will know what to look for/do now. I also have the same question as slowbutspeeding-are outlets irregular or seconds, or are they generally the same quality?
From what I've seen, the outlet clothing is specifically manufactured to sell at the outlets. It is not seconds or shelf pulls from the regular stores. The lines that they have at the outlets are the same lines that the regular stores had one year ago. The difference that I have noticed is that the pieces are not quite so "cute". For example, you may find a shirt that was carried in the regular stores, but it doesn't have any embellishment (sequins, rhinestones etc, etc) or the sleeves may not have little ruffles etc etc. For myself, the only reason that I would go to an outlet would be to buy a matching hair accessory or hat. The prices are cheaper though. I guess it just depends what you want.
The clothing is indeed manufactured just for the outlets. The great thing is that if you buy a season ahead for your child when items are on clearance at the regualr stores and missed out on a few pieces, you can visit the outlet the following year to complete your collection. It is fair to say that some of the items do not have as many embellishments, but a lot of the pieces are exact replicas and the outlets also have some pieces that are made exclusively for them that were not originally available in the regular stores. The clothing starts out cheaper, and runs through a series of markdowns pretty regularly so you can catch some great sales :o)
I had some issues with sizing at the outlets. I bought some of last year's Garden party, and found that the madras plaid one peice was too small in a size 12 18 months. I also bought some of the Bug Detective and found these to be HUGE on my son. My son is still wearing the regular stores 6-12. Crazy! I was told that these clothes are specifically manufatured for the outlet and are reuns from last years line at the main stores. The saleslady told me they are "recut" for the outlet. I am not sure what that means, but I have a feeling it means, "lower quality control".
I just bought a pair of Gymboree outlet pants. I've been searching high and low for a pair of pants from the Petite Fleur line, and finally found a pair. The auction did not say they were outlet, but I noticed that they were when I got them. But I think they look great. Just like the ones from the regular store! So some items may have less sequins and other things, but I think some are pretty darn close to the other items. Hope this helps!
Hello there! I am an avid Gymboree buyer! I love all of their clothes and have bought a few items from the outlet as they ave one at my local mall. The only thing that I will say about the outlet clothing is that the sizes run a tad bigger. Other than that, I would say the clothes are equally cute!
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