Senator Warns of Quality Concerns at Outlet Malls

Shoppers across Connecticut roamed the paved walkways of outlet malls on Black Friday, looking for bargains and deals, but U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal warned that some of those deals aren't what they seem.

"The whole industry of outlet stores has changed," Blumenthal told reporters during a news conference in Hartford. "Merchandise is now made solely or exclusively for the outlet malls at lesser quality: different types of stitching, fabric, all kinds of different manufacturing differences that make them cheaper.”

Blumenthal called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate outlet mall pricing, arguing that the goods sold aren't what the retailers claim them to be.

Shoppers at the Tanger Outlets in Westbrook weren't fazed one bit by the notion of lesser quality goods for outlets.

Michelle Yohanna, who traveled from New York State to shop at the Tanger Outlets, said she has no doubt her shopping cart filled with handbags only contained the highest quality goods for discount prices.

"These are the real thing," Yohanna said. "I know because of the quality, the way it's stitched."

Blumenthal, on the other hand, argues that consumers may not always know what to look for.

“This practice is still largely concealed and hidden by the retailers," Blumenthal said. "They don’t broadcast it and that’s why this kind of warning is important.”

But it may be a warning that fell on deaf ears on the busiest shopping day of the year.

"I am very confident in, you know, the quality and everything," said shopper Marcus Franklin. "It was just a wonderful experience and we’re happy with our purchases.”

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