Kate Spade is one of the most recognizable and beloved fashion brands, known for its fun, playful designs that add a pop of color and whimsy to any outfit. Also, Kate Spade operates two distinct store formats – regular retail stores and factory outlet stores. While both offer the brand’s signature aesthetic, customers should understand some critical differences between the Kate Spade Retail Vs Outlet shopping experiences.
Overview of Kate Spade Retail Stores
Kate Spade’s retail stores are in upscale shopping areas like metropolitan downtowns, high-end malls, and lifestyle centers. They have an elegant interior design featuring Kate Spade’s black-and-white signature motif, with polished metal, sleek wood, marble finishes, and splashes of color. The stores showcase the breadth of that season’s Kate Spade New York collection. This includes:
- Full-price handbags like the classic nylon totes, novel shapes and silhouettes, and leather styles
- Ready-to-wear including dresses, blouses, pants, skirts, jackets, and sweaters
- Fashion jewelry and watches
- Shoes like flats, heels, sandals, and boots
- Small accessories like wallets, tech cases, scarves, and sunglasses
- Home decor featuring kitchenware, desktop accessories, frames, vases, and more
The assortment focuses on the core Kate Spade New York line. Styles tend to have more embellishments, current trend details, and fashion-forward silhouettes. Retail stores also carry special collections like designer collaborations and limited editions.
The shopping experience at Kate Spade retail boutiques feels more exclusive. Sales associates provide personalized service to help you find pieces that express your unique style. You’ll find small, thoughtful touches like fresh flowers and gift wrapping. Everything is elegantly presented.
Prices at retail stores are MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price), which tends to be on the higher end. Handbags range from $100 to over $400. Apparel pieces average $100 to $300, shoes are $100 to $250, and jewelry and accessories are $50 to $150. You’ll pay the total price for the Kate Spade name and shopping experience.
Overview of Kate Spade Outlet Stores
Kate Spade outlet locations are in outlet malls on the outskirts of major metropolitan areas. They have a similar aesthetic to the retail stores, with black-and-white stripes and Kate Spade branding throughout. However, outlet stores have a more casual warehouse vibe with open ceilings, metal racks, no music, and minimal staff.
The product assortment includes items from past seasons, discontinued styles, and pieces made specifically for the outlet channel. You’ll find:
- Handbags like classic nylon totes, older leather styles, and shapes not sold at retail stores
- Clothing like blouses, skirts, pants, dresses, and sweaters produced in outlet-exclusive prints and colors
- Fashion jewelry and watches, often with more subtle detailing than retail stores
- Shoes like ballet flats, heeled sandals, boots, and sneakers made for outlet
- Small accessories like wallets, tech cases, sunglasses, scarves, hair accessories, and more
- Home items like mugs, frames, desktop accessories, poufs, and decor produced for outlets
There is a broader range of products than in retail stores, including more classic, understated styles perfect for everyday at lower prices. While styles aren’t as fashion-forward, many pieces still have fun with Kate Spade’s New York details.
The shopping experience is more informal – you won’t find gift wrapping, flower arrangements, or hands-on service. Outlet locations frequently offer additional discounts through promotions like “Buy three items, get 10% off” to encourage bulk purchasing.
Pricing is significantly lower than full retail. Handbags range from $50 to $200, with most around $100 – $150. Apparel is $50 – $150, shoes $50 – $100, jewelry $20 – $60, and small leather goods $20 – $100. Discounts are usually 40 – 70% off the original retail prices.
Outlets provide affordable options for an essential Kate Spade look and quality at substantial savings.
5 Key Differences Between Retail and Outlet
While Kate Spade retail stores and outlets both offer the Kate Spade style, there are some important distinctions:
1. Location
- Kate Spade retail stores are located in upscale shopping districts and high-end malls.
- Outlet locations are in outlet malls and outlet centers outside major metropolitan areas.
2. Store Design
- Retail stores have an elegant interior with sleek finishes, floral arrangements, and inviting displays.
- Outlets have a more bare-bones warehouse aesthetic with metal racks, open ceilings, and minimal decor.
3. Product Selection
- Retail offers the full breadth of the latest collection and unique collaborations.
- Outlet merchandise is past seasons, made for an outlet, and doesn’t include unique collaborations.
4. Shopping Experience
- Retail has personalized service, gift wrapping, and exclusivity.
- The outlet has minimal staff, no frills, and encourages bulk purchasing.
5. Pricing
- Retail is MSRP, generally $100 – $400 for handbags.
- Outlet discounts 40 – 70% off retail prices, with most handbags $50 – $200.
While retail stores focus on the latest fashions and full-price merchandise, outlets offer savings on Kate Spade classics and everyday staples. The affordable prices make outlet locations ideal for stocking up on crucial Kate Spade pieces.
Quality Comparison: Kate Spade Retail Vs Outlet
One key consideration is product quality when choosing between retail and outlet stores. Here’s an overview of how they compare:
Retail Store Quality
Kate Spade retail stores carry current season, full-price merchandise. Quality is excellent:
- Handbags use premium leather-like saddle leather with saffiano trim. Straps and handles are usually leather.
- Ready-to-wear uses high-end fabrics like silk, cotton poplin, chambray, and crisp shirting. Construction and tailoring are superb.
- Shoes have leather or suede uppers with sturdy soles. Craftsmanship is impeccable.
- Jewelry features 14k gold plating, pearl accents, quality glass stones, and enamel. Pieces have weight and luxurious finishes.
- Accessories use genuine leather, polished hardware like signature spade studs, and canvas-lined interiors.
Every item meets Kate Spade’s exacting standards. Pieces feel luxe and built to last season after season.
Outlet Store Quality
Kate Spade outlets carry a mix of made-for-outlet products alongside past-season retail items. Overall quality is good but not at the same level as retail:
- Handbags use vinyl, lighter-weight leather, and fabric panels. Handles may be non-leather materials.
- Apparel uses more synthetic blends versus high-end fabrics. Construction is still solid.
- Shoes often substitute artificial materials on uppers and soles. Some comfort features may be missing.
- Jewelry features gold flashing instead of gold plating. Stones are lower grade, like acrylic, instead of genuine gemstones.
- Accessories utilize more coated canvas, polyurethane, and lower-grade leather. Hardware can be lighter weight.
While outlet merchandise isn’t identical in materials and construction to retail, Kate Spade’s brand standards of “crisp, polished, and effortlessly feminine” style remain. The lower prices offset the quality differences.
When shopping at Kate Spade outlets, check pieces carefully for defects or irregularities that don’t meet your standards – outlets have more relaxed return policies. Avoid any poor-quality items. Focus on classics and everyday styles where quality is less critical.
Kate Spade Outlet Deals: Are They A Bargain?
Kate Spade outlets offer substantial discounts off full retail pricing. But are the lower prices a good deal when factoring in product differences?
Here’s an assessment of outlet value:
Worth the Savings
Outlet deals make sense for:
- Classic silhouettes like nylon totes, dome satchels, and simple crossbodies. Style and functionality matter more than premium details.
- Small leather goods like essential wallets, card holders, pouches, and key fobs. Discount materials are not as noticeable.
- Seasonless apparel like sweaters, tees, and jeans in primary colors. Fabric quality is less critical.
- Scarves, hats, gloves, hair accessories, and tech accessories. Lower-cost materials don’t impact wearability.
- Casual jewelry like simple pendant necklaces and enameled stud earrings. Daily wear means value outweighs stone/metal grade.
Not Worth Savings
Higher prices are better values at retail stores for:
- Trendy and limited edition handbag shapes. Part of the value is exclusivity.
- Luxe leather handbags. Discounted leather doesn’t age as nicely over time.
- Statement jewelry pieces. Gemstone quality and precious metals matter most.
- Fine knits and silks. Lower-cost fabrics lose shape and sheen faster.
- High-end shoes. Cheaper materials compromise long-term comfort and structure.
- Novelty accessories like charms, bag straps, and silk scarves. Details count most.
For actual fashion investment pieces, pay retail prices for exceptional materials, construction, and exclusivity.
Spotting Real vs Fake Kate Spade Outlet Bags
While most merchandise at Kate Spade outlets is authentic, shoppers do need to watch for super fakes – counterfeit bags that closely imitate the actual designs. Some tips for spotting fake Kate Spade outlet handbags:
Examine Overall Build
- Stitching should be straight, tight, and consistent without loose threads. Sloppy stitching is a red flag.
- Glue residue or uneven seam allowance indicates a cheap replica. Real Kate Spade bags have meticulous craftsmanship.
- Leather and fabrics look and feel high quality. Fakes often use cheap pleather and rough fabrics.
Inspect Hardware
- Logo imprints on zips, buckles, and buttons should be clean without blurring or fading.
- Hardware like zipper pulls and feet have precise engraving and specialized shapes unique to Kate Spade.
- The metal hardware has heft and shine versus feeling lightweight and dull on knockoffs.
Check Interior Details
- The lining fabric looks nicely finished and durable vs. cheap and shiny.
- Interior Kate Spade logo, model number, and “made in” country of origin tag all match authentic bags.
- The zipper should run smoothly. Interior pockets lie flat, not puckered.
Trust your instinct – genuine Kate Spade bags feel luxe. If something seems poorly made or just “off,” it’s likely a counterfeit. Always check carefully when shopping at outlets.
5 Tips for Shopping Kate Spade Outlets
Kate Spade outlets offer significant savings on fun, playful products. Here are five tips to shop them smartly:
- Check the sales calendar – Outlets schedule monthly promotions so you can plan trips around best deals like “Extra 40% off entire purchase”.
- Sign up for emails – You’ll get insider info on extra discounts, free item coupons, and flash sales for online ordering.
- Know the best days – Weekdays right when new shipments arrive (often Monday/Tuesday) have the most comprehensive selection. Prices get lower closer to closing time.
- Don’t assume it’s a bargain – Compare outlet prices against retail to calculate the discount. Make sure lower quality offsets the savings.
- Focus on classics – Stick to simple, everyday styles where the lower-grade materials matter less. Avoid trendy bags that will look dated quickly.
The discounts at Kate Spade outlets make them an ideal place to score classics like nylon totes and leather crossbodies that will serve you for years. Just shop smartly to make sure you’re getting actual value.
Kate Spade Retail Vs Outlet: Which Should You Choose?
When deciding where to shop this brand, consider your priorities:
Kate Spade Retail Stores Are Best For:
- Tracking the latest runway trends each season
- Investing in luxe, high-quality handbags and accessories
- Experiencing personalized, high-end customer service
- Buying special collections and limited edition pieces
The Kate Spade Outlets Are Best For:
- Stretching your dollar with discounted prices
- Scoring classic silhouettes and everyday basics
- Building an entire Kate Spade wardrobe and accessories suite affordably
- Finding hidden gems from past seasons
Kate Spade retail stores generally allow you to invest in beautiful luxury pieces and enjoy exclusive shopping experiences. The outlet channel provides accessibility to the brand at lower price points. Combining visits to both creates the ultimate Kate Spade wardrobe of stylish finds.
FAQs
Q: Are the bags at Kate Spade outlets real or fake?
The majority of merchandise at Kate Spade outlets is authentic. However, shoppers need to observe for super fakes – counterfeit bags designed to look natural. Always thoroughly inspect hardware, materials, stitching, and interior details to authenticate items, especially when buying handbags.
Q: How much are Kate Spade bags at the outlet?
Outlet bag prices typically range from $50 – $200, representing 40% – 70% off retail prices. Simple nylon totes run $75 – $100, while bare leather cross bodies and satchels are $100 – $150. More structured leather bags are $150 – $200. Retail prices for similar bags are $200 – $400+.
Q: Is Kate Spade outlet leather authentic?
Some leather bags at Kate Spade outlets are made with genuine leather, but the grade is lower quality than full-price retail merchandise. Other bags incorporate faux leather or have fabric panels instead of all-leather exteriors. Check bag materials closely, especially when feeling texture and softness. Avoid bags that seem cheap or synthetic.
Q: Is the Kate Spade outlet worth it?
Kate Spade outlet bargains are worth it for classic, everyday styles. Simple totes, crossbody bags, small leather goods like wallets, and apparel basics can be great deals at 40 – 60% off retail prices. But for trendy silhouettes and luxe materials, retail stores may be the better value based on exclusivity, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Q: Do Kate Spade outlet prices go lower?
Yes, prices at Kate Spade outlets will progressively drop each week depending on how long merchandise sits on shelves. Older stock gets an additional 10 – 20% taken off when new shipments arrive. Visit outlets mid-week or on weekends to find the best deals on items marked down 50 – 70% from original prices. Sign up for emails and check for monthly promotions that take extra discounts.
Conclusion
Kate Spade retail boutiques and outlet shops provide fabulous options for finding chic handbags, apparel, accessories, and gifts. Retail locations showcase the newest designs and elevated materials to invest in luxury pieces with exclusive details. Outlets offer bulk buying opportunities for of-the-moment styles at discounted prices.
When How Do I Dress More Glam? at Kate Spade, consider your budget, timelessness versus trends, and product quality based on materials. Combine savvy retail purchases with smart outlet finds to create a fun, playful wardrobe that spans all occasions. With some strategy, you can build an entire Kate Spade ensemble you love at prices that suit your budget.
