Loro Piana Outlets versus Boutiques

[HEARTLESS-531]

Shipmates and loved ones,
Do you know of any difference(s) between LP boutiques and outlets? Quality wise, I mean? The reason I'm asking is because I live in Italy and stopped off at an LP 'outlet'. I saw some pretty good deals - jackets, half-zip sweaters, etc. Hopefully, this stuff isn't made in Bulgaria. (Isn't Brooks Brothers outlet stuff made in Israel? - hey, just sayin'). Anyone have experience with LP outlet merchandise? Grazie, y'all.

 

[HRoi]

I only have experience with the outlets in the US.

Bottom line, lower prices (but not B&S level), less selection. They are not "lower lines", they have the exact same models as the boutiques, except the more popular styles never make it there

 

[coolpapa]

I've been to the LP outlet outside Florence several times and I've always found the selection there to be great, especially for an outlet. I've picked up a lot of basics there at discounts greater than sales at the LP boutiques. Best you'll get at a boutique is 33% off, the outlets are at least that and usually closer to 50%. It's not cheap, but it's better than retail. I've never noticed any quality difference, and I've had several pieces for 5+ years.

 

[Holdfast]

The LP outlet in Bicester is generally very good too. Lots of basics, esp. shirts, polos, chinos, etc, all at somewhere around 50% off, give or take, with occasional better deals at times. Quality is the same as in the boutiques as far as I can tell. No suits, mind, and only a pretty limited range of jackets and outerwear (esp. in the smaller sizes). Definitely a favourite of mine for stocking up on spring/summer staples especially.

 

[Superfluous]

most of the prices are still ridiculous at the outlets... been to both retail and outlet.

 

[SpooPoker]

Originally Posted by Tony Romo

most of the prices are still ridiculous at the outlets... been to both retail and outlet.

And at sample sales.

 

[skywalker]

Actually outlets here in the US that I know are 40% off original retail. The pieces they have are the same as the normal botique except it's from a year or two ago.

I noticed NM and the actual LP botiques have seasonal sales for newer pieces at 50%, however this means you're buying a winter jacket when the season has past. I don't know if you can do better than 50% off, but I've seen people sell new stuff that suggests otherwise.

 

[Holdfast]

Originally Posted by skywalker

Actually outlets here in the US that I know are 40% off original retail. The pieces they have are the same as the normal botique except it's from a year or two ago.

I noticed NM and the actual LP botiques have seasonal sales for newer pieces at 50%, however this means you're buying a winter jacket when the season has past. I don't know if you can do better than 50% off, but I've seen people sell new stuff that suggests otherwise.

Outlets (well, at least, my local outlet) can go cheaper at certain times of year, and for specific items/lines. It varies.

Originally Posted by Tony Romo

most of the prices are still ridiculous at the outlets... been to both retail and outlet.

Well, ultimately you have to decide if you want the item or not, and that means being selective. In my opinion Loro Piana consistently has some very fresh-looking stylish pieces that are very well-made/durable and still manage to retain a generally classic look. Especially for spring/summer items (and some of their iconic coats), I don't think there's a better RTW provider. So in my book, that often makes them worth the money esp. for simple stuff like summer trousers and polos. For instance, I picked up a couple of pairs of trousers recently. At outlet prices, this worked out to being a little cheaper than MTM, and I think they fit more or less the same, with a lot less effort in terms of having to choose a fabric and then wait weeks for delivery that MTM would have required. Bespoke would have obviously been significantly more expensive. So value isn't that bad, really.

 

[HEARTLESS-531]

Originally Posted by Holdfast

Outlets (well, at least, my local outlet) can go cheaper at certain times of year, and for specific items/lines. It varies. Well, ultimately you have to decide if you want the item or not, and that means being selective. In my opinion Loro Piana consistently has some very fresh-looking stylish pieces that are very well-made/durable and still manage to retain a generally classic look. Especially for spring/summer items (and some of their iconic coats), I don't think there's a better RTW provider. So in my book, that often makes them worth the money esp. for simple stuff like summer trousers and polos. For instance, I picked up a couple of pairs of trousers recently. At outlet prices, this worked out to being a little cheaper than MTM, and I think they fit more or less the same, with a lot less effort in terms of having to choose a fabric and then wait weeks for delivery that MTM would have required. Bespoke would have obviously been significantly more expensive. So value isn't that bad, really.
Holdfast -thanks for your insight and comments. Curious - what LP outlet/boutique do you frequent.? Thank you. Sorry - saw it - Bicester. Will take the train from London I reckon. Any guidance, highly appreciated.