Markets Wired

For many consumers in search of a bargain, outlet malls are the place to go. But did you know that merchandise sold at outlet stores can be manufactured exclusively for them, and may differ in quality from merchandise sold at non-outlet stores?

You might get a good deal from an outlet store, but if you want to know if you’re buying “made-for-outlet” merchandise or how to recognize it, ask the staff.

To learn more about how to shop wisely at outlet malls, read the FTC’s consumer blog post, Outlet shopping: Getting your money’s worth.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.