They are just completely different stores with different merchandise. If you go to the regular coach site, what you see there is what you would see in retail stores in malls, etc. The outlet merchandise is made specifically for outlet at a lower price point. They have more canvas and lower priced leathers, etc. But sometimes you can't tell much of a difference at all except with the small details.I didn’t know their outlet items were made differently! I’ve been looking on their website and there are some steals on there! Great for gifts. Thanks again for the info!