Outlet shopping in dc

[Ambulance Chaser]

I went to the Potomac Mills Mall this past weekend and was roundly disappointed.  It definitely does not live up to its hype.  The selection at Off 5th and Nordstrom Rack was not that great.  I was thinking of going to the Leesburg Premium Outlet (which is owned by Chelsea Premium Outlets, owner of Woodbury Common, among other outlets).  The Leesburg outlet has a Barney's outlet, which Potomac Mills does not.  Before making the trek to this outlet (which is considerably farther away from me than Potomac Mills), I wanted to know if anyone had any opinion on Barney's outlets (versus Off Fifth or the Rack) or on the Leesburg outlet as a whole.

Steve B. probably can answer these questions, but any input is appreciated.

 

[LA Guy]

I don't know the specific outlet you are referring to, but my general impression of Barney's outlets is much better than that of either the Sak's Off 5ths, which have a warehouse like atmosphere and carry mainly second rates lines - plus the suits are more expensive for the same or comparable suits at Barney's Outlet, or Racks (even worse than the Off 5th's).

The Barney's outlets are well stocked with their terrific housebrands, including the underrated Co-op brand, as well as things by brands like Hugo Boss and Vestimenta. I think that only the Woodbury outlets and the Cabazon outlets carry the advanced designers (Prada, Gucci, Jil Sander, etc...)
All in all, I think that the Barney's outlets are a great place primarily for suits, shirts, and suiting accessories (belts and
ties.)

 

[Steve B.]

C: utlet shopping in DC wasn't very good when I was there, either. The thing to remember with outlets is in theory they're supposed to turn their inventory over every 3 weeks, so coming back often is a good idea.

And, as usual, LA Guy and I disagree on Barney's vs. Sak's outlets. He's fortunate enough to live close to one of only 3 Barney's outlets in the whole country that carry other people's brands. And just as unfortunate to live close to 2 or 3 OFAs that have less desirable selections when I've visited than any others in the U.S. Even the store in Orange was pretty tapped out when I visited a week or so ago.

But I do concur about the quality of Barney's house brand. It is indeed indisputable.