Woodbury Common Outlet
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I work in Woodbury Commons as the General Manager for a luxury goods store. (Uh-oh, am I opening myself up?) 
I can tell you that there are some great deals and some not so great deals. I have worked in several stores there since 1996 and a lot has changed. You really need to be an educated consumer to know if you're getting a bargain or not. Know what retail is before you buy. Just because it's discounted doesn't always mean it's worth it. I shop at DVF since I wear a dress everyday to work. I normally pay 30-75% off of retail for almost current merchandise - about one collection behind the department stores. Just the other day Neiman Marcus was selling last year's dresses at the same price or more that I had purchased for far less at the DVF outlet. One thing to keep in mind if you regularly shop at Woodbury, when a new store opens there always check NM and Off 5th as they bring out the same merchandise at deep discounts just to keep shoppers at their stores. Once the novelty wears off then their prices go up and their selection goes down.
Because I'm a shopper and a manager there, I know alot of the other managers and the happenings at many stores. At one point in time, all of the stores carried regular merchandise such as last seasons, return to vendors, etc. and discounted this. This was what the outlet stores were known for and you often got great deals. Now, about 75% or so of the stores offer "production" merchandise. That means they produce goods just for the outlets. It may look the same as the department stores, but most of it is of lesser quality meaning the fabrics might be cheaper, the leather not top quality, the details not to notch.
I hope this helps my fellow shoppers! If I can be of help to anyone, please let me know.
I can tell you that there are some great deals and some not so great deals. I have worked in several stores there since 1996 and a lot has changed. You really need to be an educated consumer to know if you're getting a bargain or not. Know what retail is before you buy. Just because it's discounted doesn't always mean it's worth it. I shop at DVF since I wear a dress everyday to work. I normally pay 30-75% off of retail for almost current merchandise - about one collection behind the department stores. Just the other day Neiman Marcus was selling last year's dresses at the same price or more that I had purchased for far less at the DVF outlet. One thing to keep in mind if you regularly shop at Woodbury, when a new store opens there always check NM and Off 5th as they bring out the same merchandise at deep discounts just to keep shoppers at their stores. Once the novelty wears off then their prices go up and their selection goes down. Because I'm a shopper and a manager there, I know alot of the other managers and the happenings at many stores. At one point in time, all of the stores carried regular merchandise such as last seasons, return to vendors, etc. and discounted this. This was what the outlet stores were known for and you often got great deals. Now, about 75% or so of the stores offer "production" merchandise. That means they produce goods just for the outlets. It may look the same as the department stores, but most of it is of lesser quality meaning the fabrics might be cheaper, the leather not top quality, the details not to notch.
I hope this helps my fellow shoppers! If I can be of help to anyone, please let me know.
I should clarify that when I say stores offer production merchandise, this is usually in addition to the regular merchandise that they carry. Again, be a savvy shopper and you'll be able to save money.
Some of the best deals I have gotten have been Gucci handbags for $150. This was before handbags went haywire with prices! Prada also had a warehouse sale several years ago and I scored 5 bags for $250!!! I sold one on ebay and got all of my money back. Yay me!! I got married in October and my wedding shoes were Jimmy Choo bridal satin slingbacks for $250, originally $475. My pearl and diamond white gold earrings were from Saks Off 5th, originally $1500 and I paid just $350!
Some of the best deals I have gotten have been Gucci handbags for $150. This was before handbags went haywire with prices! Prada also had a warehouse sale several years ago and I scored 5 bags for $250!!! I sold one on ebay and got all of my money back. Yay me!! I got married in October and my wedding shoes were Jimmy Choo bridal satin slingbacks for $250, originally $475. My pearl and diamond white gold earrings were from Saks Off 5th, originally $1500 and I paid just $350!
I love love love Woodbury!
It's one of the very few places that has high-end outlet stores like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Judith Leiber, Chloe coming June 2008...
As other members noticed some stores don't offer such great deals if any (e.g. Juicy Couture, Theory) but many do.
Inventory is limited and changes fast. Chanel has a big store but very few items and even fewer bags (03/26/08 I saw Chanel Diaper Bag for $1,100, quite a bargain considering...) Fendi has a nice bag selection and prices are great, Dior has few bags but at even 60% off
Roberto Cavalli is a must to check out (got couple of gorgeous silk blouses for ca. $120 vs. $1,000 retail)! Versace last year had a nice men's suit collection (my husband bought three suits at about half the price, and he looks amazing in them last week they had none... I also like BCBG (beautiful dresses, often great deals), Elie Tahari (good deals but on sale items), MaxMara (so so deals), Bebe (quite ok).
Neiman Marcus Last Call is the most difficult to shop, you really have to be patient... But last year they had quite a few of Marc Jacobs bags for ca. 50% off. Also since few months they are getting inventory from Bergdorf Goodman (great finds! e.g. got Prada Python shoes for $220 / $700 retail, Moncler long down coat for $250 / retail $1,000 and sooo much more!). Though it's difficult to shop there it's my favorite place with the best bargains! Saks Off 5th is better organized but their merchandise is not as good as NM (though it's getting better, and if you're looking for jeans that's the place to start, and then hit newly opened True Religion store).
Advice:
OK, enough for tonight
Good luck at Woodbury everyone!
J.
Ps. If you live in NJ check out Loehmann's in Paramus - great finds from time to time! Again, be prepared that deals come and go but for example couple of months ago I bought True Religion kids jeans for $25 (retail $106)!
It's one of the very few places that has high-end outlet stores like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Judith Leiber, Chloe coming June 2008...
As other members noticed some stores don't offer such great deals if any (e.g. Juicy Couture, Theory) but many do.
Inventory is limited and changes fast. Chanel has a big store but very few items and even fewer bags (03/26/08 I saw Chanel Diaper Bag for $1,100, quite a bargain considering...) Fendi has a nice bag selection and prices are great, Dior has few bags but at even 60% off
Roberto Cavalli is a must to check out (got couple of gorgeous silk blouses for ca. $120 vs. $1,000 retail)! Versace last year had a nice men's suit collection (my husband bought three suits at about half the price, and he looks amazing in them last week they had none... I also like BCBG (beautiful dresses, often great deals), Elie Tahari (good deals but on sale items), MaxMara (so so deals), Bebe (quite ok). Neiman Marcus Last Call is the most difficult to shop, you really have to be patient... But last year they had quite a few of Marc Jacobs bags for ca. 50% off. Also since few months they are getting inventory from Bergdorf Goodman (great finds! e.g. got Prada Python shoes for $220 / $700 retail, Moncler long down coat for $250 / retail $1,000 and sooo much more!). Though it's difficult to shop there it's my favorite place with the best bargains! Saks Off 5th is better organized but their merchandise is not as good as NM (though it's getting better, and if you're looking for jeans that's the place to start, and then hit newly opened True Religion store).
Advice:
- Don't go looking for something specific b/c you'll be disappointed. You need 'let's see what they have this week' attitude.
- If you see sth you like and the price is right, buy it; it won't be there the next time you go.
- If possible go on a weekday, it's a zoo during weekends!
- Sign up for email's updates at their website (so you know ahead of special promotions especially at NM and Off 5th).
- Before you go, check their website for newest coupons (available online only, you must register and then visit VIP section).
- Always print out the special coupon for their Free VIP Coupon Book (you can get it at the Outlet without the coupon but then it costs $10).
OK, enough for tonight
Good luck at Woodbury everyone!
J.
Ps. If you live in NJ check out Loehmann's in Paramus - great finds from time to time! Again, be prepared that deals come and go but for example couple of months ago I bought True Religion kids jeans for $25 (retail $106)!
I am going to Woodbury end of the month. What is the cheapest public transport to get there? I wanted to catch the train, I went to their website and found out that the latest train to leave Woodbury on a weekday is at 4pm. I want to shop there a bit longer. The short line bus seems to have a more flexible schedule, but it costs $39!!! Are there any discount coupons for the short line bus? Or are there any cheaper travel options? TIA!
Read back thorugh this thread from the beginning for some transportation alternatives. That $39 fare on the ShortLine/Coach bus is only $32 if you tell the clerk you don't want the coupon book option and go to the Woodbury Common website to join the VIP club for free and print out a flier to get the same coupon book for free when you get there.
Oh boy, this is a place I frequent way too often...straight scoop:
Chanel: go inside, don't expect to find anything. They put all the weird stuff in there, like silver jumpsuits and bizarre bags. But, once in a while you find a gem. Last month I got a black tweed boucle skirt for $300. The SA had no idea why it was there. Did not belong on any rack or group, she just said buy it and run! You might find a pair of shoes...
Saks: I don't like this store, too much crap. period. Not much high end and the stuff they do have is right in the middle. When I go in, I make a beeline there and then leave.
NM: Some good stuff, but be warned, well picked over so look closely before you buy. Half the time the stuff is ripped or stained if it is a really great deal. Can always return it, but if you don't live nearby, that can be impossible. Some shoes and some handbags, but depends on when you go. Very limited Chanel, and they keep it in the dressing room, so go there and ask.
Fendi...if you like this sort of thing, they have a big selection.
Valentino: Lots to choose from.
Prada: some good bargains on clothes and shoes, not so much on bags
YSL: Great buys on current styles of bags/shoes, maybe last season's color.
Bottega: Limited and pricey
Jimmy Choo: Depends on when you go. I just got plum colored croc pumps for $500, so was happy
Burberry: Used to be better, now very generic. I think they make stuff just for this store.
Coach: See burberry.
Barney's: I wouldn't bother
Ralph Lauren: Most made just for the outlet, but some purple label and wms collection pieces. I got a $4k cashmere collection suit for 800 last winter.
Gap/Banana: Go in at your own risk. Most made for the outlets, hoards of people. I can't be bothered.
Escada: if you like escada, great prices, lots of merch.
Ferragamo: See escada
Gucci: Not great prices or selection. Same for Tods
Kate spade: Haven't been for a while, last time, many shoes, less bags.
There are lots of other stores there, but I don't bother with them. Here is my itinerary when I go. I go early on a sunday, park behind NM. I hit NM, Valentino, down to Chanel, into Prada, on to Jimmy Choo, over to YSL and then to Thyme to Eat for an iced tea and then on home. I don't bother with the rest anymore!
Chanel: go inside, don't expect to find anything. They put all the weird stuff in there, like silver jumpsuits and bizarre bags. But, once in a while you find a gem. Last month I got a black tweed boucle skirt for $300. The SA had no idea why it was there. Did not belong on any rack or group, she just said buy it and run! You might find a pair of shoes...
Saks: I don't like this store, too much crap. period. Not much high end and the stuff they do have is right in the middle. When I go in, I make a beeline there and then leave.
NM: Some good stuff, but be warned, well picked over so look closely before you buy. Half the time the stuff is ripped or stained if it is a really great deal. Can always return it, but if you don't live nearby, that can be impossible. Some shoes and some handbags, but depends on when you go. Very limited Chanel, and they keep it in the dressing room, so go there and ask.
Fendi...if you like this sort of thing, they have a big selection.
Valentino: Lots to choose from.
Prada: some good bargains on clothes and shoes, not so much on bags
YSL: Great buys on current styles of bags/shoes, maybe last season's color.
Bottega: Limited and pricey
Jimmy Choo: Depends on when you go. I just got plum colored croc pumps for $500, so was happy
Burberry: Used to be better, now very generic. I think they make stuff just for this store.
Coach: See burberry.
Barney's: I wouldn't bother
Ralph Lauren: Most made just for the outlet, but some purple label and wms collection pieces. I got a $4k cashmere collection suit for 800 last winter.
Gap/Banana: Go in at your own risk. Most made for the outlets, hoards of people. I can't be bothered.
Escada: if you like escada, great prices, lots of merch.
Ferragamo: See escada
Gucci: Not great prices or selection. Same for Tods
Kate spade: Haven't been for a while, last time, many shoes, less bags.
There are lots of other stores there, but I don't bother with them. Here is my itinerary when I go. I go early on a sunday, park behind NM. I hit NM, Valentino, down to Chanel, into Prada, on to Jimmy Choo, over to YSL and then to Thyme to Eat for an iced tea and then on home. I don't bother with the rest anymore!
Thanks for the rundown, Melissa Ann! Very helpful! I've only been twice - so I got a hit and a miss. I'll have a better strategy next time to hit only the stores I want to hit and skip the rest!
Thanks fierce! I was hoping to find something under $30, if the cheapest deal is $32, I guess I just have to shop more over there to make the $32 trip worth it.
Am a 20-sth physician from SG visiting NY for 1 week in the last week of May from Singapore. When I was last here some 5 yrs ago, the place was a riot - it seemed the great mass of Asia had been ported here.
Then, picked up a good quality pair of khaki suit pants from BR and shoes from Timberland.
Can anybody provide a list of must-sees and must-avoids for a male shopper?
Regards.
Then, picked up a good quality pair of khaki suit pants from BR and shoes from Timberland.
Can anybody provide a list of must-sees and must-avoids for a male shopper?
Regards.
I was there Columbus Day, so there were sales that were exclusive to that weekend. I didn't go into many stores, but of the ones i went to:
barneys co-op: extra 25% off clearance (they had a ysl skirt, peter som dress, philip lim dresses, burberry dress -- gorgeous!! for $800ish w/o discount, prada dress, etc.) the high-end stuff was mostly size 38 or 40.
longchamp: there was a sign saying that there will be no addt discounts on the pliage bags
space nk: extra 50% off samples! they were all spread out through the store and you had to look at the tags to see if they were samples, but they had at least 4 racks of spring 08 prada and miumiu samples. very few good bags, mostly really garishly bright ones left.
lesportsac: they were doing a good-sized clearance sale, with stuff from $19 to $40 for various styles. not a whole lot of good patterns though.
barneys co-op: extra 25% off clearance (they had a ysl skirt, peter som dress, philip lim dresses, burberry dress -- gorgeous!! for $800ish w/o discount, prada dress, etc.) the high-end stuff was mostly size 38 or 40.
longchamp: there was a sign saying that there will be no addt discounts on the pliage bags
space nk: extra 50% off samples! they were all spread out through the store and you had to look at the tags to see if they were samples, but they had at least 4 racks of spring 08 prada and miumiu samples. very few good bags, mostly really garishly bright ones left.
lesportsac: they were doing a good-sized clearance sale, with stuff from $19 to $40 for various styles. not a whole lot of good patterns though.
I shop there frequently, I like... Dooney and Bourke, Furla, Swarovski, Judith Lieber, Godiva, Wm Sanoma first. Then I eat in the food court either at the mexian place or pizza. If you want a really good sit-down meal go in the Pizza place's restaurant. The I go to Geoffery Beene, Ralph Lauren, Movado, Brooks Bros, Harry and David, Cole Haan. Jones is there and there's a nice upscale jewelry store (can't think of the name). Down the other way I like Nautica, Brighton, Longchamp, and Ferregamo. Around the corner is Michael Kohr's and Jimmy Choo. Accross the was (almost a seperate shopping area) is Waterford, Lenox and Tommy Bahamma. Of course there are so many more stores than that, but I only go to those when I am looking for something special. The cooking store in the food court has some good stuff and The Company Store has some good deals on Estee Lauder cosmetic companies. Chanel rarely has anything worthwhile and I hate Off Fifth. Occasionally NM has a good buy. The best situation is when you can go freqently as many deals are hit and miss. You can get free coupon books at customer service if you are a teacher. I think they give to other things too, like AAA, etc. Always ask first, and if you join on line you can print out many coupons for other stores.